It is enjoined on every one of you to engage in some occupation - some art, trade or the like. We have made this - your occupation - identical with the worship of God, the True One. Reflect, O people, upon the Mercy of God and upon His Favors, then thank Him in the mornings and evenings (93:3)

Waste not your time in idleness and indolence, and occupy yourselves with that which will profit yourselves and others beside yourselves, Thus hath the matter been decreed in this Tablet, from the Horizon of which the Sun of Wisdom and Divine Utterance is gleaming! The most despised of men before is he who sits and begs. Cling unto the rope of means, relying upon God, the Causer of Causes. - Glad Tidings. (93:4)

How much of the energy employed in the business world of today is expended simply in canceling and neutralizing the efforts of other people - in useless strife and competition! And how much in ways that are still more injurious! Were all to work, and were all work, whether of brain or hand, of a nature profitable to mankind, as Baha'u'llah commands, then the supplies of everything necessary for a healthy, comfortable and noble life would amply suffice for all. There need be no slums, no starvation, no destitution, no industrial slavery, no health-destroying drudgery. (93:5)

The Ethics of Wealth
According to the Baha'i teachings, riches rightly acquired and rightly used are honorable and praiseworthy. Services rendered should be adequately rewarded. Baha'u'llah says in the Tablet of Tarazat: "The people of Baha must not refuse to discharge the due reward of anyone, and must respect possessors of talent, .. One must speak with justice and recognize the worth of benefits." (93:6)

With regard to interest on money, Baha'u'llah writes in the Tablet of Ishraqat as follows:
Most of the people are found to be in need of this matter; for if no interest be allowed, affairs (business) will be trammeled and obstructed.. A person is rarely found who would lend money to anyone upon the principle of "Qar-i-hasan" (literally "good loan," i.e. money advanced without interest and repaid at the pleasure of the borrower). Consequently, out of favor to the servants, We have appointed "profit on money" to be current, among other business transactions which are in force among people. That is .. it is allowable, lawful and pure to charge interest on money .. but this matter must be conducted with moderation and justice. The Pen of Glory has withheld itself from laying down its limits, as a Wisdom from His Presence and as a convenience for His servants. We exhort the friends of God to act with fairness and justice, and in such a way that the mercy of His beloved ones, and their compassion, may be manifested toward each other.. (93:7)

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