Money management is an important aspect of life and should be taken seriously. As Christians, we must practice good stewardship with the resources we have been given, including our finances. So, what does the Bible say about managing money? With all the conflicting advice on how to handle finances, it can be confusing to know where to turn for reliable guidance.
The Bible is full of important guidance on how to manage money. It encourages us to be financially responsible, generous with our wealth and trusting in God’s provision. Money is an essential part of life, and it is important to understand what the Bible says about managing finances. This article will explore key verses from the Bible that talk about money management, from saving and budgeting to giving and debt.
What Does The Bible Say About Managing Money?
The Bible doesn’t hesitate to talk about money. Scripture contains 2,500 verses on handling money and possessions. Woah.
Those 2,500 verses provide a guideline and show us God’s methods of managing money. The best thing about God’s methods of handling money is that they work. Each time.
You’ll never again have to worry about money if you follow the Bible’s money management guidelines. Seriously. You’ll also build wealth to live your dreams and be generous.
What does the Bible say about money management?
Here’s how to get rid of TikTok’s money advice and listen to the Bible about managing your money.
Set a budget and stick to it
Ever feel like you don’t have enough money for the next paycheck when you get close to the end of a month? Many people find themselves in this position every day. It feels like you have more money than money.
Fortunately, there is a solution: budgeting. Seriously. Jesus spoke out about the importance of budgeting while teaching his disciples in Luke.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?
Luke 14:28-30
It’s like someone who sets out to build a tower and then runs out of money at the end of the month. However, if you take the time to calculate the cost and make a budget before each month starts, this won’t be an issue.
Budgeting can be tedious, and we understand that (except for super geeks). We likes to say that adults should have a plan and stick with it, while children should do what makes them happy. If you want to manage your money effectively and follow God’s rules, you must put in the effort and time to create a plan.
Save Money and Live on Less than You Make
You need to look beyond the current month when you create your budget. It’s important to consider the future when planning your budget. This means you will live on less than what you earn so that you can save.
Proverbs speaks about saving and says
There is desirable treasure,
Proverbs 21:20
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
We all know saving money can be difficult. If you don’t manage your spending well enough to have money at the end of the month, you will be like the 59% who live paycheck to paycheck.
It is crucial that you stick to your budget and practice discipline so as not to be like the fool who eats everything. Even though it may seem difficult at first, the Bible is very clear about how this kind of discipline is worth it. Hebrews says…
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
Do not be foolish like Proverbs 21.20 and eat all that you can. Save for the future and live on less than what you make.
What should we be saving money for? There are many things you can save money for. You can save to purchase a car, pay your children to go to college and even take a vacation. You should ensure that you have enough money saved for emergencies before starting any of this. We recommend saving 3 to 6 months of your expenses in an Emergency Fund.
Invest and Build Wealth
Saving money is also important because it allows you to invest and grow wealth over time. Here’s the truth: God wants you wealthy. Really.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that being a Christian or attending church will make you wealthy. Here, we don’t believe that the prosperity gospel is true.
If you follow God’s methods of managing money, you will grow wealth. God is okay with this. This is what God wants you to do.
Proverbs says that…
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
Proverbs 13:22
But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
How do you leave an inheritance to your children’s children? By building wealth.
This doesn’t permit you to engage in get-rich-quick schemes. This is stupid, and the Bible warns against it. Proverbs says…
A faithful man will abound with blessings,
Proverbs 28:20
But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
Instead, you should follow the biblical plan to build wealth. Stick to your budget. You can live on less than what you earn. Save. Save and Save more. These behaviors can be repeated repeatedly, and you will build wealth. This is not a theory we invented; it’s a biblical principle. It also involves math.
What does the Bible say about debt?
The Bible speaks a lot about debt, and–spoiler alert!–none is good.
Although Scripture doesn’t say that getting into debt is a sin, it is clear that borrowing money is bad. Always.
Proverbs 22.7 is probably the most famous scripture on money management and debt. It states that…
The rich rules over the poor,
Proverbs 22:7
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
In Romans 13:8, the Apostle Paul teaches that love is all we owe to others. He said…
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8
The Bible warns you not to go into debt. It warns that cosigning for a relative or friend who is in debt is a terrible idea.
A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
Proverbs 17:18
And becomes surety for his friend.
The Contemporary English Version’s translation explains it well: “It’s stupid to guarantee someone else’s loan.”
It couldn’t have been simpler: Debt is stupid!
What if I am smarter than the majority and want to make more money by using other people’s money?
If you are truly committed to God’s way of managing money, you will throw that idea out the window. There is no exception in the Bible that says that debt is acceptable if you are “smarter” than most people. This attitude can quickly turn dangerous if it isn’t.
How to manage your money well?
Our money is not ours.
The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
Psalm 24:1
The world and those who dwell therein.
This “fulness” also includes money.
What does the Bible say about Stewardship?
Our money, in wallets, purses, and bank accounts, is not ours. It’s God’s. He is letting us be good stewards. This is God’s way of saying that God allows us to manage His money (not own it). We must follow God’s money management rules. His money and His rules.
We are good stewards when we follow God’s money management guidelines by saving, building wealth, and avoiding debt.
What does the Bible say about Generosity?
We don’t save, invest, and build wealth to hoard or enjoy all of it. We build wealth so that we can be extravagantly generous.
It’s not something God expects us to be generous about. It is part of the way He made us. Giving is part of our DNA. 2 Corinthians says that…
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of [a]necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
We are confident that giving is one of the most enjoyable things you can do with your money.
What does biblical charity look like? First, we are called to donate some of our money to the kingdom. You can do this regardless of whether you are a millionaire or still trying to get rid of debt. Proverbs says…
Honor the Lord with your possessions,
Proverbs 3:9
And with the firstfruits of all your increase
This verse instructs us to honor God with our first fruits. This is Bible talk about giving off the top of what we have made, not just what is left. Giving 10% of your income to your church (aka Tithing) is a good idea. This should be the first item on your budget.
You should use the rest of your income to help you reach those goals if you are still trying to pay off debts or create an emergency account. 1 Timothy 5:8…
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.1 Timothy 5:8
Proverbs 11:25
Once your house is in order, you should seriously consider giving more than 10% of your income to charity or any other cause close to you.
You can get wild with your giving as you build wealth and hopefully pay your mortgage off. It’s possible to do crazy things like buy a car and pay for the utilities of an entire year for a single mother.
Proverbs tells us that…
The generous soul will be made rich,
Proverbs 11:25
And he who waters will also be watered himself.
This is why we should follow God’s money management methods.
Although it may seem straightforward, the financial plan of The Bible works every time. We need to take the initiative and follow it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible is clear in its instruction that we should be wise stewards of our resources and use them following God’s will. We should be mindful of how our money is being spent and avoid relying on it to bring us happiness and security. Instead, our security lies with Jesus Christ alone, who has promised to provide for all our needs according to his riches in glory. We can draw strength from these truths and be encouraged to practice good financial stewardship.