If you are looking for wisdom on budgeting, stewardship, generosity, ethical money management, and everything in between, the Bible is an unparalleled source of financial advice!
Financial advice isn’t hard to come by in 2024. Whether you're curious about the latest investment strategies or are seeking tips on saving, spending, and paying off debt, all it takes is an easy search on YouTube or a quick scroll through Instagram to see just how many opinions there are out there about wealth management.
It goes without saying, of course, that not all opinions are good opinions. It also goes without saying that not all financial advice is rooted in biblical principles. In a sea of advice and get-rich-quick schemes, it can be difficult to discern the right path forward!
This is where the Bible comes in. The Bible is anything but an outdated, irrelevant book that lacks wisdom for today. On the contrary, scripture is teeming with impressive financial wisdom that is practical, timeless, and available for whoever wants to access it.
Basically, if you are looking for wisdom on budgeting, stewardship, generosity, ethical money management, and everything in between, the Bible is an unparalleled source of financial advice!
So, what does the Bible have to say about this topic? I’ve compiled ten of the best verses about finances so that you can grow in financial management!
If you want to learn to lead and serve others in a way that honors God and reflects His character, these verses are for you!
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."
Between educational expenses, housing costs, and all the other financial burdens that come with contemporary life, it can be difficult to avoid debt altogether. In some cases, taking on small amounts of debt for the sake of future return can be an investment-savvy approach. Even so, Christians should be very debt-aware.
Proverbs 22:7 teaches a prudent lesson about the dangers of debt and advises against excessive debt. The Bible instructs believers to give generously and even sometimes recommends lending to those in need, but it also encourages us to manage our finances wisely and repay our debts to avoid becoming enslaved by our borrowings. This verse promotes stewardship of resources, emphasizing that financial freedom allows for a more generous spirit towards others, including lending to those in need without falling into the trap of financial dependency.
"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
Importantly, this verse doesn’t warn against money in general; it warns against love of money. When we love money and make it a priority in our life – forsaking our dependence on God – it is like our heart is split in two. We start serving two masters.
Matthew 6:24 challenges us to examine our priorities and place our dependence on God rather than the fleeting security that money promises.
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
This passage advocates for helping the poor in more ways than one, emphasizing that support for the needy and the church extends beyond financial assistance. It illustrates the profound impact of spiritual and physical aid, showcasing how empowerment and healing can offer more lasting benefits than monetary gifts alone. Through Peter's example, we are encouraged to look beyond the surface needs and provide support that fosters true healing, autonomy, and growth in the name of Christ. This approach enriches our contributions to the needy and the church, demonstrating that the most valuable gifts often come not from our wallets but from our hearts and actions guided by faith.
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Do you want to learn to prosper in a righteous manner? Luke 14:28 acknowledges the power of planning and budgeting, illustrating the wisdom in estimating the cost before undertaking a venture. This practical advice guides toward wise investments and encourages saving for future needs. It reflects a mindful approach to resources, ensuring that ambitions are matched with the means to achieve them without falling into financial imprudence.
"The lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after."
Here we have another passage about the love of money, describing how it can lead to all kinds of evil and steer believers away from their faith. It condemns dishonest gain and underscores the importance of integrity in financial dealings. This verse encourages believers to find joy not in accumulating wealth but in sharing with others, highlighting the blessings of generosity and the true contentment found in spiritual richness over material gain.
"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it."
The phrase “slow and steady wins the race” may not be in the Bible, but Proverbs 13:11 certainly has something to say about the importance of slow, diligent, and deliberate stewardship.
This verse discourages quick wealth accumulation, instead highlighting the blessings of slowly and honestly building one’s finances. It condemns dishonest gain and promotes the virtue of patience in wealth creation, underscoring the importance of integrity and hard work. This verse serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly wealth and the lasting value of acquiring assets through righteous means.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 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 that there will not be room enough to store it."
One of the most God-honoring and responsible things we can do with our money is tithe. Importantly, tithing isn’t about ticking a religious checkbox. It is about slowly and surely learning to fully trust God with our hearts as we trust him with our possessions, and it is about learning to be generosity-driven rather than scarcity-minded.
Malachi encourages believers to test God’s generosity by giving tithes and offerings, promising that such faithfulness will result in an outpouring of blessings. This verse highlights the blessings of generosity and discourages hoarding wealth. It illustrates how giving generously not only meets the needs of the community but also opens the giver’s life to receive God’s abundant provision.
"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!... Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."
In this passage, Jesus instructs His followers to observe the ravens and the lilies. He emphasizes trusting in God’s provision by demonstrating the way He cares for creatures and plants that do not toil for their sustenance. He points out that if God so carefully attends to the needs of birds and adorns the flowers with beauty surpassing even Solomon’s glory, how much more will He care for His children. This teaching encourages believers to trust in God’s provision and warns against the anxiety that often accompanies the pursuit of material wealth.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
This passage celebrates contentment with what one has, revealing that the ability to remain unfazed – whether in abundance or scarcity – does not stem from one's external conditions but from a deep-seated trust in God's provision and strength. Paul's secret to contentment lies in his faith, allowing him to adapt to any situation with grace and peace. This powerful message encourages believers to find their stability and satisfaction not in the material world but in their relationship with God, who empowers them to live contentedly in all circumstances. It's a call to recognize and embrace the sufficiency of God's grace in our lives, teaching us that our true source of strength and satisfaction lies in Him alone.
"You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning."
This instruction underscores the importance of integrity in our interactions, especially in the realms of employment and business. It commands fair treatment in business dealings by ensuring workers are paid their dues promptly and without delay. This verse not only condemns dishonest gain but also aligns with the broader biblical principles of justice, fairness, and compassion. It serves as a clear directive that in all our financial transactions, we are to prioritize ethical practices, respect for our agreements, and care for those we do business with.
Time and time again, the Bible reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly wealth and describes the joy of sharing with others. These ten verses collectively offer a blueprint for managing finances in a way that honors God, emphasizing generosity, integrity, fairness, and caution against excessive debt. If you want to help your church grow in generosity, teaching on these passages is a great place to start!
Breeze’s easy-to-use ChMS is here to support your church as you grow in generosity and stewardship. From text giving to financial support, Breeze has got you covered!
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