What Does the Bible Say About Finances?

In this world there are certain regulators that govern how we live our lives. Those regulators include things like sleep, food, the speed of travel, and access to various kinds of resources. One of the most significant regulators in life is money. How much money we have and the way we use it can significantly shape our earthly existence. That may be why God has so much to say about money in the Bible.

Money and material possessions are the second most referenced topic in Scripture. In fact, Howard Dayton, co-founder of Crown Financial Ministries, compiled a topical overview of 2,350 verses from the Bible that comment on money and possessions. Since it has such a profound impact on our lives, let’s focus on some key principles from God’s Word regarding money.

Principle #1 – God created everything and He ultimately owns it all. Our role is to be good stewards of the things that God provides.

Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.

1 Peter 4:10: As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Principle #2 – God loves us and so He will supply the money and things we need in life.

Philippians 4:19: My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Principle #3 – God has delegated authority to mankind on the earth. He expects us to use our resources wisely to benefit not only ourselves and our families, but others as well.

Genesis 1:26. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion…”

Mark 12:30-31:  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Principle #4 – God expects His people to be givers.

Malachi 3:10: Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house.

Proverbs 19:17: He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.

Principle #5 – If we plant a seed through our giving, that seed will be multiplied back to us in the time of harvest.

Malachi 3:10: “Try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Principle # 6 – We are to be thankful for what we have. We are not to be greedy for more or envious of other’s material things.

1 Timothy 6:6: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Hebrews 13:5: Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Principle #7 – God wants us to be free from burdensome debt.

Proverbs 22:7: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Romans 13:8: Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Principle #8 – God wants us to work to provide for our families.

1 Timothy 5:8: But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

2 Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Principle #9 – A godly person leaves a legacy.

Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”

Psalm 37:25: I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.

Principle #10 – The final Biblical principle we will examine regarding money is that it is a resource to be used and not an idol to be worshiped.

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven….For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:33: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

If our heart is for God, then He will be our treasure. When we put the Lord first, our money will be used to honor Him, to provide for our family, and then to care for those in need as we are directed by the Holy Spirit. As we do these things, God will provide for our needs and will bless us with good things that will bring peace and joy to our lives.