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What Does the Bible Say About Money?

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

What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?

Quick Answer

The Bible teaches that tithing was an Old Testament practice where Israelites were commanded to give 10% of their income to support the Levites and the temple. In the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully according to their means but are not under obligation to tithe a set percentage. The principles of regular, proportional, and sacrificial giving still apply for Christians today.

Tithing is a topic that often comes up in churches and Christian circles when discussing financial stewardship and giving. But what exactly does the Bible teach about tithing? Is it still required for Christians today? This article will examine the biblical teachings on tithing in both the Old and New Testaments to help believers understand God’s heart for generous giving.

The Origin and Purpose of Tithing in the Old Testament

The practice of tithing predates the Mosaic Law. We see examples of Abraham and Jacob giving a tenth of their possessions to God (Genesis 14:20, 28:22). However, tithing became codified as a requirement for the Israelites under the Mosaic covenant.

Main Purposes of the Tithe in the Old Testament

To support the Levites and priests who served in the Tabernacle/temple (Numbers 18:21-24)
To provide for religious festivals and celebrations (Deuteronomy 14:22-27)
To care for the poor, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)

The Israelites were commanded to bring a tenth of their crops, herds, and flocks as an offering to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30-32). This tithe was considered holy and belonged to God.

Multiple Tithes in the Old Testament

While many people think of tithing as simply giving 10%, the Old Testament system actually involved multiple tithes that likely amounted to more than 20% of an Israelite’s income:

The Levitical tithe – 10% given to support the Levites (Numbers 18:21-24)
The Festival tithe – Another 10% used to celebrate religious festivals (Deuteronomy 14:22-27)
The Poor tithe – An additional tithe given every third year to care for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)

God’s warning through the prophet Malachi shows how seriously He viewed the practice of tithing:

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Malachi 3:8-10 ESV

Tithing in the New Testament

When we come to the New Testament, we find that Jesus affirmed the practice of tithing for those still under the old covenant:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
Matthew 23:23 ESV

However, after Christ’s death and resurrection established the new covenant, we do not find any explicit commands for Christians to tithe in the New Testament epistles. Instead, we see principles for generous, cheerful giving:

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 ESV

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV

New Testament Principles for Giving

While the New Testament does not mandate tithing, it does provide several important principles to guide Christian giving:

Give regularly and systematically (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Give proportionally to your income (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Give generously and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)
Give cheerfully, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Give to support Christian workers and ministers (1 Corinthians 9:14)
Give to help fellow believers in need (2 Corinthians 8-9)
Give as an act of worship and thanks to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-15)

See also: Bible Verses about Tithing

Should Christians Tithe Today?

Given that tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, should Christians still practice it today? There are differing views among Bible teachers and denominations on this issue. Here are some perspectives to consider:

Arguments for Christian Tithing

Tithing predated the Mosaic Law (Abraham, Jacob) and was affirmed by Jesus, so it remains a valid principle.
10% is a good starting benchmark for generous giving.
Tithing cultivates spiritual discipline and trust in God’s provision.

Arguments against mandated Christian tithing:

The tithe was part of the Old Covenant law that Christians are no longer under.
New Testament giving is based on grace, not law.
Some may not be able to give 10%, while others should give far more.

A balanced approach recognizes that while tithing is not mandated, the underlying principles of regular, proportional, and sacrificial giving still apply. Many view 10% as a helpful guideline, but the exact amount should be prayerfully determined based on one’s income and circumstances.

The key is cultivating a generous heart that desires to honor God and advance His kingdom through financial stewardship. As Randy Alcorn notes, “God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.”

Practical Application for Christians Today

Pray and ask God for wisdom in your giving.
Start with a percentage of your income, even if it’s not 10% yet.
Give regularly to your local church.
Look for opportunities to give to other ministries and needs.
Increase your giving percentage as your income grows.
Give sacrificially in ways that require faith and affect your lifestyle.
Cultivate contentment and resist materialism.
Hold your resources with an open hand, recognizing God’s ownership.
Give joyfully as an act of worship, not duty.
Trust God’s promise to supply your needs as you give (Philippians 4:19).

Conclusion

While Christians are not mandated to tithe in the same way as ancient Israel, the principles of generous, sacrificial giving remain. As we give cheerfully and faithfully from what God has provided, we participate in His work, cultivate faith, and store up eternal treasure. May we be inspired by God’s incredible generosity in Christ to overflow with joyful giving for His glory.