Hi, wondering if underpaying someone, and trying to

[Steven Bobb]

Hi, wondering if underpaying someone, and trying to bargain them down when it's a set price, is a sin?Because I know 1 or 2 people who have done this to me, and I've heard others say they 've experienced it.{and it's not because they can't afford it, I happen to know they spend a lot of money on things THEY want.}I would think this would fall under the category of,"The worker is due his wages."It also seems like selfishness is involved, because they're only thinking of themselves, and being unfair to the other person.So I would say it's a sin .Is it?

 

[Articles]

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[Newbie]

Hi, wondering if underpaying someone, and trying to bargain them down when it's a set price, is a sin?Because I know 1 or 2 people who have done this to me, and I've heard others say they 've experienced it.{and it's not because they can't afford it, I happen to know they spend a lot of money on things THEY want.}I would think this would fall under the category of,"The worker is due his wages."It also seems like selfishness is involved, because they're only thinking of themselves, and being unfair to the other person.So I would say it's a sin .Is it?

I suppose it depends on various factors.

If, for example, two people agree on the price for a job, but then he phones later and asks if the other guy is willing to do it for a lower price, than no, that is not a sin.

If however two people agree to a price that is lower then its value, and the guy doing the hiring knows it, that is a sin. Because he is knowingly cheating his worker of his wages. As you pointed out, the Bible does say The labourer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5:18) 

I also think that whether or not the person can afford it has little to do with the question. Even if he cannot afford to pay more, it is still cheating the worker.

Now, if the worker knows he is being underpaid, and he knows that his employer cannot afford to pay more, and he agrees to work regardless, then that is a different story.

In summation, yes, it is wrong and a sin to underpay people. If someone does a job, he deserves to be paid the right price.

 

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