What Does the Bible Say about Money?

What does the Bible have to do with money? Everything. The Bible is the foundation for all of life. It shouldn't be surprising that the Bible talks a LOT about money. Here are a few of the things that are clear:

God's usual means of provision is work:

"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." 1 Thessalonians 3:10

God commands fathers to provide for their households:

"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." 1 Timothy 5:8

Coveting (greed) is bad:

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

Money should be be real (silver, gold, copper, etc):

When Jesus sent out the twelve, He told them to “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts," (Matthew 10:9)

"Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water." Isaiah 1:22

God has control over all money:

"For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills." Psalm 50:10

Financial planning is good:

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’" Luke 14:28-30

Investing is good:

See Matthew 25:14-30.

Worrying about money is not good:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" Matthew 6:25 (see also the rest of the chapter)

We are to tithe:

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

God calls for us to be generous:

"The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself." Proverbs 11:25

“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.” Luke 6:38

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Money will not last forever, but we can store up eternal treasures in heaven:

“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, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

God has established some taxes:

"Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." Romans 13:7

God has given the civil government limited authority and shown how it may tax; it may not simply follow the whims of the leaders. This will be covered in a future post on civil government and authority. Another thing relating to civil government and money is restitution; this will also be discussed.

We are not to steal:

“You shall not steal." Exodus 20:15

God has given us clear economic instructions:

Just read the scriptures above. Communism has the government stealing from the people and is thus prohibited. Capitalism seems to fit well with the Bible. The Bible makes it clear that people are to work and trade freely with each other.

God can show His blessing through money:

"The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22

When we're faithful in little things, God gives us bigger things:

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10

See also Matthew 25:14-30. It's when we've shown faithfulness in little things that God will reward us with more.

Using some money for our pleasure is not bad.

"I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

In conclusion, let's be productive with everything we have, whether it be a smart mind, a strong body, or material possessions. Let's give generously, enjoying God's creation but not squandering what He's given to us. Trust Him.

"Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 34:7

To learn more, read the Bible. I also recommend Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. Although I disagree with Mr. Alcorn's ideas that tithing is no longer required and having money is no longer a sign of God's blessing, this book is an excellent reminder to keep our priorities straight. It's a great book on money.