I recently had a conversion that caused me to reflect on some simple statements that reflect a biblical worldview of wisely using money especially as it relates to obtaining and maintaining financial stability. These 6 statements aren’t all that could be said about money and certainly don’t address a variety of issues that are often part of our financial picture. However, they get at the core elements of wisdom in finances and give folks a starting point towards stewarding what God has given in a faithful way. I'm certainly not saying anything here that hasn’t been said before, but I hope that you find it faithful to the Scripture and helpful to your soul.
#1: Get a job.
Show up on time. Work hard. God provides for all of our needs, but He most often does this through the means of hard, consistent work. Resist “get rich quick” schemes. Don’t play the lottery. Remember that God desires for us to obtain and use wealth with justice, integrity, and honesty.
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. —2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NASB 95)
The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death. —Proverbs 21:6 (NASB 95)
A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished. —Proverbs 28:20 (NASB 95)
#2: Prioritize needs over wants.
Choose to pay for things like utilities, groceries, and housing before things like entertainment, eating out, and vacation. This isn’t fun, but it is necessary. Essentially, you must implement a basic spending plan so that you can have consistency and sustainability in your finances from week to week, month to month, and year to year.
He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich. —Proverbs 21:17 (NASB 95)
#3: Don’t spend money you don’t have.
While financing a home or a car can be a legitimate way to pay for a product over time (but there is always a cost!), credit card debt, payday loans, and buying beyond your means is a surefire way to create financial difficulty. The rule of thumb should be, “If I don’t have the money for it, I shouldn’t buy it.” See also #5.
Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant Than he who honors himself and lacks bread. —Proverbs 12:9 (NASB 95)
There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. —Proverbs 13:7 (NASB 95)
#4: Return a portion to the Lord.
Giving some back to God is not a magic formula to get more from Him. Contrary to what you’ve probably heard, you don’t put in a $100 seed so that you can reap a $1000 harvest. Instead, giving to your local church tangibly demonstrates that you recognize that God is the ultimate source of everything that you have and showcases a desire to be invested in His mission of making and maturing disciples around the globe. Start small if necessary but aim for your giving to grow into a sacrificial, systematic, and sustained discipline.
Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. —Proverbs 3:9–10 (NASB 95)
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (NASB 95)
#5: Save something for a rainy day.
The unexpected is guaranteed to happen. Start with saving towards an emergency fund so that you can cover unforeseen expenses. Expand your savings to prepare for future purchases, put away money for retirement, and invest for additional income.
Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”— Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man. —Proverbs 6:6–11 (NASB 95)
Proverbs 21:20 (NASB 95) — 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up.
#6: Don’t trust in your money. Trust in your God.
Having money feels like security, and not having money feels like desperation. While having money is the typical means whereby we obtain the things that we need and want in this life, it itself is transient and insecure. Money isn’t everything. Be careful to not let money rule your heart and become your idol. Trust God who owns all things and can give whatever you need to do His will.
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure and turmoil with it. —Proverbs 15:16 (NASB 95)
Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. —Proverbs 23:4–5 (NASB 95)
Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me,Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. —Proverbs 30:7–9 (NASB 95)
For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. —1 Timothy 6:7–10 (NASB 95)
