What does the Bible say about money?

Principle 01

It all belongs to God

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 (KJV)

Everything else the Bible says about money starts here. If it all belongs to God, then what is in my account is not really mine. I am looking after it for Him. That is what a steward is: someone trusted with what belongs to another.

This changes the question we ask. Not “What do I want to do with my money?” but “What does He want me to do with what He has put in my hands?”

Principle 02

He asks for faithfulness, not perfection

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)

Notice what is not required: being rich, being clever with money, or never having made a mistake. The requirement is faithfulness. That is good news for anyone who feels behind, because faithfulness can start today, with whatever you have.

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10 (KJV)

Faithfulness grows from small things done consistently: the bill paid on time, the pound saved, the gift given when it is not convenient.

Principle 03

Know where you stand

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Proverbs 27:23 (KJV)

A shepherd’s wealth was his flock, and he was told to know its condition. Ours is our income, our spending, our savings and our debts. Many of us avoid looking because we are afraid of what we will find, but you cannot steward what you will not look at.

That is why I created the two-minute stewardship check. It is not a test you can fail. It shows you where you are being asked to be faithful right now, so you know where to start.

Principle 04

Count the cost before you build

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Luke 14:28 (KJV)

Jesus used planning as an everyday example everyone would understand. A budget is simply counting the cost before you spend, so the month does not run out before the money does. If you have never written one, my post on Christian budgeting in five steps walks you through it.

Principle 05

Keep something back

“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20 (KJV)

The wise person in this proverb does not spend everything that comes in. Saving is not a lack of faith. It is preparation, and it means the next unexpected bill does not have to become the next debt.

Principle 06

Treat debt with care

“The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 (KJV)

The Bible is honest about what debt does: it gives someone else a claim on your future. Not every debt is a sin, but every debt is a weight. Where you can, pay it down, and think hard before adding to it. If debt is already overwhelming you, free and confidential help is available from UK debt charities, and there is no shame in asking.

Principle 07

Give first, and grow steadily

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” Proverbs 3:9 (KJV)

Firstfruits means God comes first, not with whatever is left over. Giving first is an act of trust, and it keeps money in its proper place.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Proverbs 13:11 (KJV)

And when it comes to building wealth, the Bible favours the steady over the quick. Little by little, faithfully, is how lasting increase is built.

In short

Seven principles to take with you

• It all belongs to God; we are stewards.
• He asks for faithfulness, not perfection.
• Know where you stand.
• Count the cost before you spend.
• Keep something back.
• Treat debt with care.
• Give first, and grow steadily.

These are the threads that run through my 30-day workbook, A Study in Personal Finance: Building Lives on God’s Word Through Faithful Stewardship, where each day takes one step further, with scripture, a reflection question and an action to take.