What Does the Bible Say About Money?

Introduction

Money is a topic that affects everyone. Whether we have a lot of it or a little, we all have to manage our finances in some way. But what does the Bible say about money? As Christians, it’s important for us to understand what the Bible says about this topic and how we can apply these principles in our lives. By doing so, we can use our financial resources in a way that honors God and further His kingdom.

In this post, we will explore what the Bible says about money and how we can apply these principles in modern times. We will look at examples from the Old and New Testaments and examine the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. We will also discuss how money is not just a financial issue but also a spiritual issue and how the way we handle our money can reveal our hearts and our priorities.

By understanding what the Bible says about money, we can avoid financial pitfalls and use our resources to serve God. We will discuss principles such as giving generously, being content with what we have, avoiding debt, saving for the future, and seeking wise counsel. We will also explore how we can apply these principles in our lives, such as giving to charitable causes, creating a budget and financial plan, seeking financial counseling, and praying for guidance. Let us dive in and learn what the Bible says about money and how we can use our financial resources to further God’s kingdom.

Money in the Old Testament

The use of currency and wealth is not a new phenomenon. In the Old Testament, there were many examples of people who were wealthy and who used their resources to serve God. Here are a few examples:

• Abraham was a wealthy man who had many possessions (Genesis 13:2).
• Job was one of the wealthiest men of his time, with vast herds of livestock and great wealth (Job 1:3).
• King David and King Solomon were both very wealthy and had many possessions.

Despite the examples of wealthy individuals in the Bible, the Old Testament also contains several principles related to money and wealth:

Love of Money is the Root of All Evil

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). This is a principle that we can see throughout the Bible. When we love money more than God, it can lead us down a path of destruction.

God is the Source of All Wealth and Prosperity

God is the source of all wealth and prosperity (Deuteronomy 8:18). This means that we should recognize that all of our resources come from God, and we should use them in a way that honors Him.

Use Our Resources to Help Those in Need

We are to use our resources to help those in need (Proverbs 22:9). This is a principle that is emphasized throughout the Old Testament. God calls us to be generous and to use our resources to help those who are less fortunate.

Money in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles frequently taught about money and possessions. Here are a few examples:

• Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).
• Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
• Jesus taught that we should not worry about our material needs, but instead, seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:25-33).

Paul also taught about money and possessions:

• Paul taught that we should be content with what we have (Philippians 4:11-13).
• Paul taught that we should be generous with our resources and give to those in need (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
• Paul warned against the love of money and the dangers of pursuing wealth (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Money as a Spiritual Issue

Money is not just a financial issue but also a spiritual issue. The way we handle our money can reveal our hearts and our priorities. Here are a few biblical principles related to money as a spiritual issue:

Love of Money is Idolatry

We should not love money or make it our idol (Colossians 3:5). This means that we should not put our trust in money but instead put our trust in God.

Be Good Stewards of Resources

We should be good stewards of the resources God has given us (Matthew 25:14-30). This means that we should manage our resources well and use them in a way that honors God.

Give Generously to Those in Need

We should give generously to those in need (Proverbs 11:25). This means that we should be willing to give sacrificially, even when it may be difficult for us.

Biblical Principles for Handling Money

Based on what the Bible says about money, here are some principles for handling our finances in a way that honors God:

Give Generously

We should give generously to those in need (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Giving is an important principle in the Bible, and God calls us to be generous with our resources.

Be Content

We should be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5). This means that we should not be envious of what others have but instead be thankful for what we have been given.

Avoid Debt

We should avoid debt and live within our means (Proverbs 22:7). Debt can be a trap that leads us down a path of financial destruction. Instead, we should live within our means and avoid unnecessary debt.

Save for the Future

We should save for the future (Proverbs 21:20). This means that we should plan ahead and be prepared for unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Seek Wise Counsel

We should seek wise counsel and accountability in our financial decisions (Proverbs 15:22). This means that we should seek advice from those who are wise and experienced in handling money, and we should be accountable to others in our financial decisions.

Applying Biblical Principles in Modern Times

The principles for handling money outlined in the Bible are still relevant and applicable in modern times. Here are a few ways we can apply these principles in our lives:

Give to Charitable Causes

We can give to charitable causes and support our local church (Malachi 3:10). Giving is an important way that we can use our resources to further God’s kingdom.

Create a Budget and Financial Plan

We can create a budget and a financial plan that is in line with biblical principles (Proverbs 21:5). Planning ahead and being intentional with our finances can help us avoid financial traps and use our resources more wisely.

Seek Financial Counseling

We can seek out financial counseling or attend a financial management course to gain more knowledge and skills related to handling money. Learning more about financial management can help us be better stewards of the resources God has given us.

Pray for Guidance

We can pray for guidance and discernment in our financial decisions (James 1:5). Seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in our financial decisions can help us make wise choices that honor Him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible has a lot to say about money and how we should handle our finances. By following these principles, we can avoid financial pitfalls, live within our means, and use our resources to further God’s kingdom. We should give generously, be content with what we have, avoid debt, save for the future, and seek wise counsel. It’s also important to remember that money is not just a financial issue but also a spiritual issue, and the way we handle our money can reveal our hearts and our priorities.

Let us remember that God is the source of all our blessings and that our ultimate goal should be to use our resources to bring glory to Him. As Christians, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the resources God has given us and use our finances in a way that honors Him. By giving generously, being content with what we have, and seeking wise counsel, we can be good stewards of our resources and use them to further God’s kingdom.

In conclusion, let us be faithful in our handling of finances and seek to honor God in every aspect of our lives, including our money. We can trust that as we seek to follow God’s principles for handling money, we will be blessed and used by Him to make a difference in the world. Let us strive to be good stewards of the resources God has given us and use our finances to bring glory to Him.