Quick Answer
The Bible teaches that money itself is morally neutral, but how we acquire, regard, and use it reveals our hearts. Scripture encourages wise stewardship, generous giving, and trusting God’s provision while warning against the love of money and materialism. Christians are called to use financial resources responsibly to honor God, provide for needs, and bless others.
Money is a pervasive force in our lives, and the Bible has much to say about its proper role and use for God’s people. From the Old Testament to the New, Scripture provides guidance on earning, saving, spending, and giving. This article will examine the biblical perspective on wealth, stewardship, generosity, and the spiritual dangers associated with money.
The Nature of Money in Scripture
Morally Neutral, Spiritually Revealing
The Bible portrays money as inherently neutral – neither good nor evil in itself. However, our attitudes and actions concerning wealth serve as a barometer of our spiritual condition. Jesus taught, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Our use of money reveals our priorities, values, and ultimately, our relationship with God.
God’s Ownership, Our Stewardship
A foundational biblical principle is that all wealth ultimately belongs to God. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). We are merely stewards entrusted with resources to manage wisely for His purposes. This perspective should shape how we view and handle money.
See also: Bible Verses about Money »
Biblical Principles for Earning and Acquiring Wealth
The Value of Work
Scripture affirms the dignity of work and encourages diligence in our labors. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Honest work is a means by which God provides for our needs and allows us to bless others.
Avoiding Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
The Bible warns against the desire for quick and easy wealth. “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (Proverbs 13:11). Patience, persistence, and integrity should characterize our approach to earning.
God’s Role in Provision
While we are called to work, Scripture reminds us that God is ultimately the source of our ability to produce wealth. “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
See also: Bible Verses about Wealth »
Biblical Guidance on Saving and Planning
The Wisdom of Saving
Prudent saving is encouraged in Scripture. “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it” (Proverbs 21:20). Saving provides security and allows us to be prepared for future needs and opportunities to give.
Planning for the Future
While trusting God’s provision, the Bible endorses wise financial planning. “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8).
Balancing Saving and Trusting
However, we must guard against placing our security in savings rather than God. “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Biblical Principles for Spending and Lifestyle
Contentment and Simplicity
The Bible encourages contentment with what we have rather than constantly seeking more. “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5). This contentment allows for a simpler lifestyle focused on eternal values.
Avoiding Materialism
Jesus warned against the accumulation of earthly treasures at the expense of heavenly ones. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
Responsible Stewardship
We are called to be faithful managers of what God entrusts to us. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
The Biblical Mandate for Giving
Generosity as Worship
Giving is a central theme in Scripture, seen as an act of worship and gratitude to God. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Tithing and Beyond
While the New Testament doesn’t mandate tithing, it encourages generous, sacrificial giving. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Caring for the Poor
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes our responsibility to care for those in need. “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed” (Proverbs 19:17).
See also: Bible Verses about Giving »
Warnings and Cautions about Money
The Danger of Loving Money
The Bible strongly warns against making money an idol. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:10).
The Deceitfulness of Wealth
Jesus taught that the pursuit of riches can choke out spiritual growth. “but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Mark 4:19).
The Temptation of Greed
Scripture condemns greed and the relentless pursuit of more. “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
Trusting God’s Provision
Seeking First the Kingdom
Jesus taught that our primary focus should be on God’s kingdom, trusting Him to meet our needs. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
God’s Promise of Provision
Scripture assures us of God’s care for His children. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
The Peace of Trusting God
When we trust in God’s provision, we can experience peace amidst financial uncertainties. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Conclusion
The Bible provides a balanced and comprehensive approach to money, emphasizing wise stewardship, generous giving, and trust in God’s provision. By aligning our financial practices with biblical principles, we can honor God, meet our needs, bless others, and store up treasures in heaven. May we hold our earthly resources with open hands, always remembering that true riches are found in our relationship with Christ.
References
- https://www.ligonier.org/guides/money-and-stewardship
- https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/money-and-satisfaction
- https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/pursuit-riches
- https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-wealth.html
- https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/free-from-money-rich-toward-god
- https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/does-jesus-teach-us-to-sell-all-our-possessions
- https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-it-sinful-to-pray-for-a-larger-income
- https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-money-fears-kill-our-worship
- https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/5-surprising-things-that-the-bible-says-about-money
- https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-things-your-bible-doesnt-say-about-money
- https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/5-lies-christans-tell-money
- https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-60-how-solve-worries-about-money-luke-1222-34
- https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-19-woes-wealth-without-god-james-51-6
- https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-3-financial-faithfulness-can-god-trust-you-selected-scriptures
- https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-2-when-no-one-looking-integrity-money-matters-selected-scriptures
- https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/1223/the-christian-and-his-finances
- https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/47-51/the-biblical-view-of-money-part-1
- https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/root-of-all-evil
- https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/healthy-wealthy-lies
- https://www.compellingtruth.org/Christians-wealth.html
- https://www.compellingtruth.org/give-it-all-away.html
- https://www.compellingtruth.org/sin-to-be-rich.html
- https://www.compellingtruth.org/Bible-managing-finances.html
- https://www.challies.com/christian-living/the-heart-of-frugality
- https://www.challies.com/articles/its-only-money
- https://www.9marks.org/answer/does-god-promise-christians-material-wealth-and-physical-health-life
- https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/is-it-a-sin-to-be-wealthy
- https://blog.truthforlife.org/sermons-about-money
- https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2018/10/planning-future-trusting-godrsquos-provision