Should I Pay Tithes from My Business Profits?

 

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “I tithe from my salary… but what about my business profits?” If that question has crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Many Christian entrepreneurs genuinely want to do what’s right but aren’t sure how tithing fits into business finances.

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What Is Tithing?

Tithing simply means giving 10% of your increase back to God. It’s not about giving God a tip but recognizing that He’s your Source. Is that simple? Yes, it's that simple.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” - Proverbs 3:9 (NIV)

An increase is an increase, whether it's a salary or profit from sales. Tithing is a heart decision to honour God with it.

Is Business Profit Considered "Increase"?

Yes, absolutely. Just like your personal income, profit from your business is part of your increase. However, you must first cover all expenses before you tithe. Think of it like this: if God has given you the wisdom, health, and ability to run a business, isn’t it fitting to acknowledge Him when the business thrives?

It's not about obligation; it’s about partnership.

Here is a Simple Guide on how to Tithe from Your Business

Don’t tithe from your total sales. Deduct business expenses first, which include transportation, rent, light, tax, etc.

Tithe from your net profit. This is the actual gain from your operations.

If you also pay yourself a salary, you can tithe from that personally and then from the business profits separately.

Keep it intentional. Set aside a tithe portion weekly, monthly or quarterly.

But What If It’s Not a Lot?

Another question is, what if my tithe is not enough? Should I accumulate it and pay when it's huge? 

Tithing isn’t about the amount, it’s about faith. Jesus honoured the widow who gave them just two small coins (Mark 12:41–44). When you give from a heart that trusts God, you invite Him into your business decisions, growth, and challenges.

The Blessing of Putting God First in Business

Tithing is more than a practice. It’s a principle that releases peace, provision, and divine favour.

In Malachi 3:10, God boldly invites us:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing…”

And Paul reminds us:

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (NIV)

Biblical example

The Bible has not left us in the dark. It is flooded with stories ranging from faith, disobedience, and service to the very subject of the tithe. Isaac sowed in a time of famine and reaped a hundredfold because the Lord blessed him (Genesis 26:12). Though not labelled as a tithe, it shows the power of honouring God even when it doesn’t make sense.

Final Thoughts

Paying tithes from your business is more than a religious act. It’s a declaration that God owns your business; you’re simply stewarding it, and you are honouring God with your business.

So, should you tithe from your business profits? Yes! Tithe, not out of pressure, but out of love and surrender.

Your obedience may be the key that unlocks greater favour, wisdom, and breakthrough.