Tipping

Dear Victorious,

I don't like the fact that we are expected to tip the server at the restaurant, the cab driver, the dry cleaner, the barista at the coffee shop, etc. It just seems to be a never-ending siege of people who have their hand out. I think there's somewhere in the Bible where it says employees should be paid a fare wage. I don't think I should have to make up the difference when they're not. Is there some Biblical position I could take on this?

Vernon T. - Taos, NM

Dear Vernon,

Yes, there is a position on tipping that's Biblical --- but you're probably not going to like it. There are several places in Scripture that talk about the fact that people should be paid a living wage for the work that they perform. There is a plentiful supply of general Scripture references, such as those verses dealing with treating people fairly, doing the right thing and so forth.

But several verses specifically speak to employers about paying their workers a living wage ... the true value of their work in the present economy. Luke 10:7 says that "... a worker deserves his wages ..." and Romans 13:7 says, "... give everyone what you owe him." Then 1 Timothy 5:18 tells us that, "... a worker deserves his wages ..." Finally, James 5:4 says, "The wages that you failed to pay the workmen ... are crying out against you."

That all being said, the reality is that many employers don't do this. Some assume that with tips the salary that they pay will add up to a living wage for their workers. They're shifting the burden of proper payment to their customers. In other cases, the employers just don't care and don't make any assumptions about what their people will earn.

I would say that it is sinful for employers not to pay their workers a living wage (as defined by the market value of the work they perform). So what are good Christians to do for those who are being sinned against? Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31 tell us to treat others as we would like to be treated.

So, putting all this together, what's the best Biblical position for a Christ-follower to take? I'd say acknowledge that their employers are sinning against them and commit yourself to being the most generous tipper that you can afford to be.