Biblical Principles about Money

I’m thankful that when I need guidance I can turn to the Bible and find it!  It’s more than a resource, it’s a lifeline.  It teaches us how to parent, serve others, love our husbands, deal with problems, and even manage money.

I’ve complied a short list of God’s principles for giving, saving, spending, and planning.  As you read through the following list, take note of where your personal financial management is within scriptural guidelines and where you might consider making adjustments.

• Remember that God owns it all. (Ps 24:1)  That makes us the steward, or manager over what He has entrusted to us.  Keep in mind that we will one day give an account of how we handled our finances, as “it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Cor. 4:2)
• Give to God first. Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Prov. 3:9-10).   Click here to see my post on tithe.
• Establish a Budget. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?  For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, “this fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30)
• Avoid the use of debt. “The borrower becomes the lender’s slave” (Prov. 22:7).  If you can become debt-free, seek to do so.  It’s not easy, and often will require a fight, but the freedom that comes with it is so rewarding.  Dave Ramsey‘s Total Money Makeover is a great place to begin!
• Maintain a savings program. “He who gathers money little by little makes it grow”  (Prov. 13:11)  Savings means spending less than you earn.  It requires self control, one of the fruits of the spirit.  “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Prov. 21:5)
• Diversify Investments. “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth” (Eccl 11:2).
• Pray for contentment.  ”I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  (Phil 4:11-13)

I hope you find encouragement and guidance in these verses.  Use them to help you stay on course.  Get creative.  Put them near your check register, on your budget, or in your wallet.