The Bible addresses a large number of topics and gives us precise instructions that cover virtually everything related to our daily lives. In his Word, God shows us His will and explains how to live a full life.
Money is one of the most mentioned topics in the Bible. In fact, a good part of Jesus’ parables touches the area of finances. Why? One of the reasons could be the fact that the way we handle finances is a good indicator of our true character and how much we have allowed God to transform us into the depths of our being.
Let’s look at some of the things the Bible says about money and learn to put these principles into practice. You will see that not only will they be a blessing to your economy but they will also strengthen your relationship with God and with others.
What the Bible says about money
1. It comes from God
We should not boast of what we have as if it were a prize handed out for our own strength or intelligence. Rather, we must humbly acknowledge that it is by the grace of God that we have everything we have, be it much or little. We don’t deserve it, but God in His infinite goodness, kindness, and love, gives us what we need to live. Everything comes from God, He created it and is its owner. He gives and He removes according to His will and to Him we must give the glory (Romans 11:36).
From You comes wealth and honor; You rule everything. In your hands are strength and power, and it is You who magnifies and strengthens everyone.
- 1 Chronicles 29:12
2. We must not love wealth but the Lord who provides it
If in our day to day what we most want is to live better, get more and better things, we are going astray. What motivates us to get up and go to work? Is it the desire to hoard wealth and obtain more luxuries? No matter what we do seems valid when that is our motivation because once we enter that game, we are never satisfied. There will always be something else that can be bought or we will be missing “just a little more.”
Let’s be attentive! The throne of our heart must be occupied only and exclusively by God . If we allow something else, such as money, to occupy it, we are sinning by choosing to serve an idol. The Bible says it clearly:
No one can serve two masters, for he will despise one and love the other, or he will love one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and wealth.
- Matthew 6:24
3. It must be administered well
Nothing we have really belongs to us. God allows us to have material things for us to use wisely according to His purposes. The way we administer what God gives us reveals our spiritual sensitivity and our maturity. A good administrator recognizes who is the true owner of everything: God! Use the resources He has entrusted us with to glorify His name and to extend His kingdom in this world.
If we are faithful, honest, and whole in small or earthly things we will be able to receive larger and deeper orders in the spiritual realm. Being faithful physically and materially enables us to be faithful in the spiritual area.
4. Reject greed
Sometimes it seems that we value physical appearance and possessions more than honesty or devotion to God. We get carried away by forgetting that what will remain for eternity is the spiritual side of life. Worse, we often think that we would be happier or more valuable if we had more things or luxuries. We strive to get more instead of seeking to strengthen our relationship with God.
God sees us in a very different way. For Him the wealth that really counts and that which benefits us is the spiritual. One of the things He values most is the humble heart that seeks Him and wants to live according to His commandments. Our desire must be to have more and more of God, of His presence and direction in our lives. Like the Psalmist, our greatest delight must be to do the will of our Lord (Psalm 40: 8).
5. Avoid debts
The Bible is clear about debts and borrowing. Although He does not forbid it, He does say that we should avoid it for our own good. Why? Because debt enslaves us. A part of us is a slave of the one who lent us the money until we manage to settle the debt.
The rich are the masters of the poor; Debtors are slaves of their creditors.
- Proverbs 22: 7
In many cases the debt is a consequence of mismanaging what we have or is caused by greed. On the one hand there is spending more than we earn instead of living within our means using wisely the resources that God has provided us with. On the other hand is the excessive desire to have more and immediately. For example, many ask for one loan after another to get the latest model of a car or their favorite technological device. This is not okay.
The main thing when assuming a debt is to have a detailed plan to pay it back as soon as possible. It is always better to avoid acquiring another debt until the present one has been paid off. Better yet, let’s strengthen our finances and economy in such a way that we can pay our daily necessities in cash without having to resort to loans and debts.
6. It is wise to save
In the Bible we see the importance of earning our livelihood in an honest way and using it wisely, saving a part for the future. It is not a sin to save; But it is sin a sin to put our faith in money instead of trusting God to provide for all our needs. God encourages us in His Word to use all our resources according to His will and to live a life that glorifies Him in everything do.
As for saving, it is interesting to see in Proverbs the example of ants:
Go lazy, look at the ant! Look at what it does, and be wise! It has no one to send it, nor who watches over it or rules it; with everything, in the summer it stores provisions and during the harvest it collects food.
- Proverbs 6: 6-8
Let’s be diligent in both work and savings. Let us manage our finances wisely and steadfastly, saving a part for the future. Like the ants that store in the summer to have enough food in the winter, we must also save in anticipation of future needs. We can save, for example, for the studies of the children, the retirement, or to be able to face unforeseen events that sooner or later will arrive.
7. Generosity is important
God is so generous to us! We enjoy your provision and your care on a day to day basis. How can we not share with others the blessings He gives us? That is one of the ways in which we can express our love, our gratitude, and praise to God.
God is pleased that we are generous with others by allocating part of our resources to meet their basic needs. There are so many people in need in this world! We must be attentive to the voice of God. Many times your provision for other people is in our hands. We need to listen to our Father and allow the Holy Spirit to tell us how to share what we have with those around us.
If someone who possesses material goods sees that his brother is in need, and has no compassion for him, how can one say that God’s love dwells in him?
- 1 John 3:17
8. Be happy with what we have
One of the best qualities we can have in life is that of contentment. It consists in having a heart full of peace because one knows that what God does and allows is always the best. We live with the certainty that whatever our circumstance, He is by our side and will never leave us.
The presence of God brings peace and rest to our souls. It enables us to stop focusing on what we have or don’t have and set our eyes on Jesus, on his will, and his plan for us. We know that your purpose is one of good and we live filled with that trust.
Because we brought nothing to this world, and we can’t take anything when we depart. So, if we have clothes and food, let’s be content with that.
- 1 Timothy 6: 7-8
9. Wealth is not always synonymous with blessing
The way we get the money is also important. Better to have little with a clear conscience, knowing that it was acquired through our work, which glorifies God, than having much through traps, tricks, bets or other questionable actions. There is great peace in knowing that one lives in obedience to God’s precepts.
God blesses us in so many different ways! Let’s not insist on thinking that the only way He does it is through finances and economics. Let us value more living within His will than obtaining material wealth. Riches do not always mean that someone enjoys the blessing of God. Yes they can be, but God also blesses us, among other things, with health, with friends, with the sense of purpose or with His peace in the midst of any kind of circumstance.
Let us trust in the wisdom and provision of God. He is always faithful and will never let us down. Let us always honor God by managing our finances well.
