Does Scripture prohibit the sale of information products?

Comment

Comment by Karen ODonnell on January 17, 2013 at 10:11am

oh my, I am even later to the party, Ryan (Libby).

I am a total amateur on the Bible.  What I see in you, Ryan -- is 'own' the truth, wisdom, instruction,understanding you have had passed on you.....you are not really selling that -- you are serving others to wake up to their truth, wisdom, understanding. Not selling it, but helping them unwrap what they already have within, but may have forgotten!   Go get 'em-- never let up! You are a bright light! Karen

Comment by Libby Conder on January 17, 2013 at 7:02am

Sorry I'm late to the party.  Ryan, great topic!  I often read passages like this one and wonder how it relates to my life/work as well.

Paul - Wow, you did a great job of breaking this passage down.  I loved your comment.

Comment by Ryan Eidson on January 11, 2013 at 11:39am

Thanks Ann, and great insights Paul. I understand what you're saying and my mind was going too concrete with this verse.

I think it's also speaking of the wisdom we can absorb from our parents, and not to reject (sell) the understanding that we've gained from them.

Comment by Paul Couture on January 10, 2013 at 9:15am

Ryan, one of the definitions in Webster's says a proverb as used in the Bible is " A saying in which a profound truth is cloaked." It is important to see the truth that is represented by the saying. Prov 3:3 says "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, and write them on the tablet of your heart." Kindness and truth are not tangible things like a bat or a truck. Therefore it would not be possible to bind them around my neck, and my heart has no tablet to write on. Rather keep them very close [neck] and part of your being [heart] so they affect your actions. Buy =ownership, sell = lack of ownership. This is not physical buying and selling but aquiring, owning or lacking the listed items. Be the possessor of truth,wisdom, instruction and understanding [buy] not one who lacks [sell]. Proverbs is a listing of truth, wisdom, instruction and insight. I had to buy my copy, so some one had to sell it to me. Should we then say no Bibles should be sold? No, that's part of how aquiring things works.

Prov 28:19 says" He who tills his land will have plenty of food,". So is the only way to have plenty to eat is to be a farmer? Let's finish the verse. " But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty." Let's unpack this. He who tills his land [ uses his resources dilligently and wisely] will have plenty of food [ will be well provided for in all areas of life]. " But he who follows empty pursuits [ fails to understand his resources and use them wisely, does not develop resources to support life, or applies his time to unprofitable things] will have poverty in plenty."

Also the Hebrew term for proverb means "a comparison. It is interesting the first way you laid out the verse. "Buy-and do not sell-truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding." Buy and do not sell is the comparison. Buy [own, have, abundance] and do not sell [ lack ownership, not have, poverty]. Then it describes the items to have [buy] which place you in the positive. Lacking the same items [sell] puts you in the negative.

Since having truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding is the place God says is the place to be, then be encouraged that you feel called to lead others to that place. That is an awesome calling. You need to stay fired up in walking out this dream.

So as you till your land, [ using/selling your resources, coaching services, advice, information products, ebooks, membership sites, audio courses, etc ] you will have plenty of food [ be well supplied in all areas of your life.]

You asked, " How does this verse harmonize with the rest of the Bible." Your selling of truth, wisdom,instruction and understanding through your products and services, I trust all you do would fall into one of these categories, helps you walk out 1 Tim 5:8. " But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Selling your products and services provides for your family and equally important creates the opportunity for others to become the "Buyers" of truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding they so desperately need.

Kick it in gear buddy. Walking out your calling will bring awesome blessing to your family, friends, church, community, and the world.         

           

Comment by Ann Musico on January 10, 2013 at 6:24am

Ryan I am no bible scholar but I always took that to mean once you know the trust or have wisdom on some area, don't allow yourself to give it away - to lose it with false information.  Will be interested to hear what people more knowledgeable in this area say about this.  I can't imagine God is saying we should not provide information - teachers teach and are paid to do so.