Jewish tradition views ethical business conduct as fundamental to spiritual life and community welfare. The Torah and rabbinic sources establish clear principles for honest trade and fair dealings that balance profit with moral responsibility.

1. The Foundation of Honest Weights and Measures

Leviticus 19:35-36: "You shall not falsify measures of length, weight, or capacity. You shall have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin."

This foundational verse establishes the principle of absolute honesty in all measurements and standards used in commerce. The repetition of "honest" emphasizes that integrity in business is not merely a practical concern but a divine commandment that reflects our relationship with God.

2. Prohibition Against Deceptive Practices

Leviticus 25:14: "When you sell property to your neighbor or buy any from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another."

The Torah explicitly forbids taking advantage of others in business transactions. This verse, known as the prohibition of ona'ah (wronging), extends beyond mere fraud to include any form of exploitation or unfair advantage-taking in commercial dealings.