Background Information
The Bible is an ancient collection of writings that have influenced the lives and cultures of many people across the globe. It provides spiritual guidance for everyday life, especially in difficult times. One of the topics addressed in the Bible is how to approach finances. It contains numerous verses that extol the virtues of generosity and admonish against greed. It also includes practical advice on how to manage money, save, invest, and give.
What Does the Bible Say About Finances?
In the Bible, money is depicted both positively and negatively. Money is a blessing from God, capable of doing much good. However, money can also be used for evil and is a source of temptation. It is important to remember that money is a tool, not a goal in itself.
The Bible encourages people to save for the future. Proverbs 21:20 states: “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” This verse urges us to be wise with our resources. It also implies that we should have an outlook that extends beyond the present.
The Bible also contains advice on how to spend money. It warns against recklessness and asks for compassion for those less fortunate. Proverbs 21:13 says: “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” This verse emphasizes the importance of being generous towards those in need, even with our money.
The Bible also talks about tithing, which is the practice of giving 10% of one’s income to God. This can be seen in Malachi 3:10: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” This is an indication that money should be seen as a blessing from God, not an end in itself.
Investing and Giving
The Bible also has advice on how to invest money. Proverbs 22:7 states: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” This verse speaks to the importance of avoiding debt and investing wisely.
The Bible also advocates for charitable giving. Matthew 6:2 says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Here, Jesus is referring to the importance of giving to charity and focusing on God, not worldly wealth.
God is Sovereign
The Bible reminds us that no matter how much money we acquire, God is ultimately in control. James 4:13-15 says: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make aprofit’ – yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'” This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting God with our finances.
Seeking Wisdom
The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom when it comes to our finances. Proverbs 2:6-7 states: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright.” Notice here that God wants to provide wisdom to those who ask for it.
Wisdom From Jesus
The Bible also offers wisdom about managing finances from Jesus himself. In the parable of the unjust steward, Jesus speaks to the importance of being wise with our resources. He says, “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). Here, Jesus is emphasizing that even with our money, we should strive to be generous and make wise investments.
Avoiding Greed and Anxiety
In the Bible, greed and anxiety are linked. Proverbs 15:27 says: “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” This verse highlights the perils of greed and warns us to reject the temptation of unjust gain.
The Bible also speaks to how to combat worry over finances. It advises us in Philippians 4:6-7 to not be anxious but to “make your requests known to God.” This encourages us to trust in God, as he is fully aware of our needs and is capable of providing for us.
The Power of Generosity
The Bible also contains many stories that demonstrate the power of generosity. In the story of the widow’s offering, Jesus highlights the importance of giving sacrificially. He says in Mark 12:41-44: “She out of her poverty put in all the living she had… and out of her poverty she put in all she had to live on.” This is a reminder of how giving, even when resources are limited, can bring great rewards.
Building Faith
Finally, the Bible encourages us to build faith in our finances. It advises us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse speaks of the importance of developing a strong faith in God and trusting that he will take care of us.
Living Within Our Means
The Bible advises us to live within our means and not live beyond our means. Proverbs 22:16 states: “He who keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises the will of the Lord will die.” This verse emphasizes the importance of spending responsibly, and reminds us that our choices have consequences.
Avoiding Debt
The Bible also warns us against falling into debt. Proverbs 22:7 says: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” This verse speaks to the importance of avoiding debts, as they can easily take control over our finances and trap us in a cycle of poverty.
Building Generosity
The Bible also encourages us to practice generosity. It states in Acts 20:35 that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” This passage highlights the blessings that come from being generous and compassionate with our money, and reminds us that we are stewards of God’s resources.
Establishing Priorities
The Bible also instructs us to establish our priorities. In Matthew 6:21 it says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This verse speaks to the importance of having our priorities in order and staying focused on what matters most.
Knowing When to Stop
Finally, the Bible urges us to know when to stop spending and saving. Ecclesiastes 11:2 states: “Give a portion to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” This verse speaks to the importance of having an outlook that extends beyond the present, and to be prepared for any eventuality.
