The Bible provides five overarching principles which guide our thinking about finances. First, Scripture teaches that everything we have ultimately comes from God. God both owns everything and provides everything we have (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8; 1 Chronicles 29:12; 1 Samuel 2:7; 1 Corinthians 4:7b). Even the ability to work hard and earn wages from our employers comes from God (Deuteronomy 8:18a). Therefore, when considering our finances, we must remember that we are only caretakers of what rightfully belongs to God.
Second, the Bible teaches us that money is morally neutral. It is not money itself that causes problems in our lives. Rather, it is the love of money which is the root of all sorts of evil (1 Timothy 6:10; cf. Ecclesiastes 5:10). Such love of money can result in devastating consequences. For instance, it may lead to discontentment (Hebrews 13:5), ruin (1 Timothy 6:9–10), spiritual apathy (Matthew 6:24; Proverbs 11:4, 28; 30:8–9), disappointment (Proverbs 23:4–5), pride (Proverbs 28:11a; 1 Timothy 6:17), anxiety (Matthew 6:25–34), and even theft (Malachi 3:8; 1 John 3:17). These tragic consequences can only be avoided if we maintain a proper perspective of finances. We must remember to worship and obey the God who provides our income, not the income itself (Matthew 6:24).
Finances
Third, the Bible instructs us that money is not one’s top priority in life (Luke 12:15). Rather, one’s relationships with God, family, and others must be prioritized above one’s financial well-being (Matthew 16:26; Proverbs 15:16–17; 16:8, 16; Philippians 3:7–9; Proverbs 31:10; Psalm 127:3–5; Proverbs 19:1). Monetary success should never be sought at the expense of God-honoring relationships.
Fourth, Scripture teaches us that money must be earned justly and spent wisely. We are to work hard to earn an income, avoiding laziness, hastiness to get wealth, and corrupt financial practices (2 Thessalonians 3:10–13; Colossians 3; Ephesians 6:5–8; Proverbs 11:1; 13:11; 15:27; 19:15; 20:4, 13, 21; 21:5; 24:30–34; 28:20, 22). Likewise, the money we earn must be spent wisely as we engage in careful planning, avoiding overindulgence and the over-extension of our resources (Proverbs 23:21; 21:5; 6:1–3; 22:7).
Finally, the Bible declares that the income God enables us to earn is not just for ourselves. Rather, we have the privilege of using our income to support God’s purposes in the world, and to help those in need (Proverbs 3:9–10; 2 Corinthians 8:1–14; 9:6–7; 1 Timothy 5:17; Galatians 6:6; Matthew 25:35–40). If you’d like help navigating the biblical principles concerning finances, please contact us today.
For Personal Study:
Money, Debt, and Finances by Jim Newheiser Help! I’m Drowning in Debt by John Temple