Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Several months ago someone suggested that it would be helpful to learn more about what the Bible has to say about finances.
There is far more in Scripture about money and wealth than I can address in one short letter. However, I decided to summarize some of the main principles God has given us in His word. My prayer is that this may be of use as a starting point for you as you study the Scripture’s teachings on money and possessions.
Biblical Principles of Finance
It is wise & blessed to work, in order to:
1) Provide (for oneself & one’s family) – 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12.
2) Save – Genesis 41:34-36, Proverbs 6:6-8, Proverbs 13:11, Proverbs 21:15, 1 Corinthians 16:2.
3) Invest – Luke 16:1-13, Matthew 25:14-30, Proverbs 28:8
4) Give to those in need (in the church & among our neighbors) – Galatians 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, 2 Corinithians 8-9. Note: Giving as Christians is not the same as the tithe (tenth) which was required under the law.
More on giving: Tithes were required under the law for the support of the Levitical priesthood, which was fulfilled in Christ through whom all believers are made priests of God. Under the New Covenant the expectation is that the changed heart will overflow with an abundance of sacrificial giving, not of obligation or a certain percentage, but from a cheerful heart (see 2 Corinthians 8-9). If anything, the percentage Christians give (in proportion to their wealth) should be more than that of those under the law. Think of the widow’s mite versus the riches of the Pharisees. There are situations where giving 10% might be unwise/impoverishing one’s own family, and other situations where giving 10% is far less than what many could reasonably afford. Whatever your financial situation, the believer in Christ ought to seriously consider and plan how they will prioritize giving to the needs of the fellowship of the saints. On a practical note, if you don’t budget to give and you don’t make a habit of giving from the first of your paycheck, you’ll often find that you spend that money you intended to give. A good example of purposeful planned out giving is found in 1 Corinthians 16:2, where Paul urges the church to set aside their intended offering to help the impoverished believers in Jerusalem.
5) Advance God’s Kingdom – Matt. 6:33, Luke 16:1-13.
On the other hand, the Bible teaches,
It is foolish & destructive to:
1) Refuse to work / put in our full effort – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, and all the Proverbs about the Sluggard.
2) Enter into Debt (including co-signing a loan), debt is a form of slavery, you need to know the risks. Proverbs 22:7, Proverbs 22:16-17 Proverbs 6:1-5, Proverbs 17:18, Romans 13:8, etc.
3) Refuse to plan ahead – Proverbs 21:5, Proverbs 13:11, Luke 16:1-13, Proverbs 6:6-8, 1 Corinthians 16:2.
4) Refuse to help a brother in need – 1 John 3:16-18, Prov. 11:24.
5) Worship Money (and all it can buy) – Proverbs 21:17, Proverbs 27:20, Matthew 6:20-24, James 5:1-6, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19, Philippians 3:10-14. A helpful question to ask yourself is “What is my aim or goal in buying/selling/saving _______?” Another good question to ask is “Do I need ________?” This will help you discern what you actually need.
This short list will not answer all your questions, but I pray it helps you seek God’s will by going to His Word, which is the standard for how we are called to steward our finances. These Scriptures say some hard things, but they are true & good for us.
Recommended Resources
MONEY Seeking God’s Wisdom by Jim Newheiser is an excellent 31 day devotional that is designed to get people thinking about a biblical perspective on a variety of topics related to finances.
Money, Possessions, & Eternity by Randy Alcorn takes a more in depth look at the spiritual and practical aspects of finances from a biblical point of view.
A Final Word
Proverbs 30:7-9 says, two things I have asked from you; do not refuse me before I die: Remove falsehood and lies far from me; do not give me poverty or riches, feed me with my allotted portion of bread, lest I become satisfied and act deceptively and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I become poor and steal and demean the name of my God.
Jesus himself taught us to pray in this way “Give us this day our daily bread”. Poverty is hard, wealth can be a snare, but in all circumstances, whether in poverty or in riches, God is enough and we can learn, by His Spirit through His Word, to work hard, trust God to provide, and be content and grateful for all we have been given.
Grace & Peace,
Matt
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