What does the Bible say about money?
Introduction
What does the Bible say about money? Reading the teachings regarding money can often lead to confusion, as the messages appear to take almost conflicting paths at times. On one hand, there are passages in scripture advocating for humility, charity, and detachment from worldly possessions. Yet, on the other hand, there are instances where wealth is shown as a blessing from God, and financial prosperity is seen as a sign of divine favor.
This apparent contradiction prompts a deeper exploration into the interpretations and contexts of these teachings. Money is a topic addressed throughout the Bible, offering guidance, principles, and wisdom for individuals seeking to handle their finances responsibly.
Here are some key insights into what the Bible says about money and of managing money:
Stewardship
The Bible emphasizes that everything belongs to God, and humans are merely stewards or managers of the resources entrusted to them. This perspective encourages individuals to handle finances with integrity, recognizing their responsibility to God for how they manage the money and resources entrusted to them.
Luke 16:10-12 says 10 “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?”
This passage reminds us that if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
Diligence and Hard Work
The Bible promotes the value of hard work and diligence in acquiring wealth. Proverbs, in particular, is rich with verses extolling the virtues of industriousness and perseverance in one’s work.
Proverbs 10:4 says “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Avoiding Debt
The Bible warns against the dangers of debt and advises individuals to live within their means. By avoiding excessive debt, individuals can experience greater financial freedom and stability.
Proverbs 22:7 cautions, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
Planning and Budgeting
The Bible encourages planning and wise stewardship of resources. This highlights the importance of setting financial goals, creating budgets, and exercising prudence in financial decision-making. There are also warnings about the dangers of “get rich quick” thinking.
Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Generosity and Giving:
The Bible teaches the value of generosity and giving to those in need. Generosity is portrayed as a reflection of God’s character and a means of blessing others.
2 Corinthians 9:7 exhorts, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Contentment:
The Bible emphasizes the importance of contentment and warns against the pursuit of wealth for its own sake.
Philippians 4:11-13 says: 11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [a]be abased, and I know how to [b]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Footnote a: live humbly. Footnote b: live in prosperity.
Here the writer is teaching us to be content whether our situation is humble or it is prosperous.
Eternal Perspective:
The Bible encourages individuals to prioritize spiritual riches over material wealth. This eternal perspective reminds believers to seek fulfillment and security in God rather than in worldly possessions. And at the same time, we must be sure of the stewardship of the resources that have been entrusted to us by God.
Matthew 6:19-21 advises, 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If we read this advice in the context of Stewardship and Eternal Riches we are reminded that by faithfully managing the Masters treasure we are achieving both of these … our challenge is not to fall for laying up earthy treasures for ourselves.
Summary
So let me summarize: What does the Bible say about money. The Bible offers a comprehensive framework for managing money wisely, emphasizing principles such as stewardship, diligence, avoiding debt, planning, generosity, contentment, and maintaining an eternal perspective. By aligning our financial practices with biblical wisdom, we can experience greater financial health, peace of mind, and spiritual fulfillment.
Where to from here?
What does the Bible say about money … it is my starting point in exploring Budgeting grounded in Biblical principles. This is a journey for me and I will be sharing it with you so that those that choose can fulfil their calling as stewards (spoiler: we are all stewards). I will be covering budgeting, planning, saving, living with a humble heart, giving and much more as we walk this path. I am Pastor William and I would be excited to hear from any of you with your own stories, experiences and perspectives. Just Contact me.
Note: Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
