What Does The Bible Say About Money?

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By Miranda Marquit

The Bible has quite a bit to say about money.
The Bible has quite a bit to say about money.

A look at what the Bible says about money

"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom" (Proverbs 23:4, King James Version).

When it comes to Christian financial planning, many people want to know the Biblical basis for earning and spending money. And, like many things in life, the Bible has provided some insight into how to use money. Prayerfully consider the following passages, and how they might affect you in terms of creating your finances in accordance with Christian principles. The idea is to think about how the Bible directs you in life, and for this, you need to read what the Bible says about money, and then pray for guidance in how to implement its teachings into your life.

A look at the Bible and what it says about money

"The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up" (1 Samuel 2:7). Remember that the Lord can help you. Even if you are poor to the things of the world, you may still be rich in spirit. After all, it is important to remember that ultimately the Lord will provide you with what you need, even if it a lesson in how to be content with poverty (see Phil. 4:11-13, King James Version).

But many of us are blessed with prosperity. No matter how much or how little, it is important to use our money wisely, and keep Christian principles in mind. This is especially important when we have more than others. The Bible points out that part of the blessing of having money is to use it to help others and further the Kingdom of God: "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother" (Deut 15:7, King James Version).

"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away" (Matthew 5:42). Just remember not to take advantage by charging outrageous interest (see Ezekiel 22:12 for condemnation of usury).

The idea, of course, is not that money itself is evil. Money is inanimate and it is a means to an end. And having money doesn't make you evil, either. The problem is when we live for money, and strive to have more for the sake of vanity, social status or to accumulate material things. I leave you with this parting observation from Job 31: 24-25, 28 regarding how if we are not careful, love of money can replace our love of God: "If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high" (King James Version).

mike how 4 years ago

to christians money is evil, decadent & dirty. yet the same christians who say that money is wrong, they are not poor. there are plenty of pastors / tele evangelist who are rich. they question is where did they get the money. and if money will not bring you happines or peace, then why does the bible say that

the rich brings many friends, the friends of the poor deserts him.

the rich rule over the poor, the borrower is the servant of the lender

so when you are poor, do you have peace, joy when the rich abuse you, do you have peace when there is financial stress.

THAT IS WHY TELE EVANGELIST ARE RICH & HYPOCRITES!!! when they are rich, nobody tells them what to do. yet they tell other christians to OBEY!

Visit this site 3 years ago

this is awesome!

Dani 3 years ago

Nothing wrong in having money but our trust should be in GOD only, because HE alone provides to the poor or to the rich.

vokovickej 3 years ago

He alone is you and me in Him. Its up to us to help the pure. Ther eis no more mana coming from the sky (so far i know)

Jay Ferris 3 years ago

By way of introduction, I thought you might appreciate, "Are You Worried Yet? Where Is Money Taking Us?" Chapter 17, "The Ultimate Money Changer."The Book website is: areyouworriedyet.com

kelly 3 years ago

Mike I don't think you should go accusing christians of being hypocrites. GOD has provided them with money because they put their trust in GOD. And where in the bible did you find that it says "the rich brings many friends, the friends of the poor deserts him" ? You can have peace and joy if you believe in GOD no matter what your situation.

-Kelly

Smireles profile image

Smireles Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

Christians do not hate money. The Bible teaches believers not to LOVE money. There is a difference.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. (NIV)

Matthew 6:24

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

This is a great hub presenting the issue of money in the life of a Christian very fair. Good hub.

varghese 2 years ago

As far as I am concerned, nobody is there in Christian community to help poor bretheren in their society/church.

Lot of poor families are suffering for want of financial help

Literally they are not getting anything from anybody except their toil and soil.

"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother" (Deut 15:7, King James Version).

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away" (Matthew 5:42). Just remember not to take advantage by charging outrageous interest (see Ezekiel 22:12 for condemnation of usury).

Are we keeping the above?, if not stop the preaching

Jewlz 2 years ago

Christians do not see money as evil. The "love" of money is where the evil lies. It can cause dissension, dishinesty, stealing and greed. But The Almighty Father says to us through his word that he desires that we PROSPER and be in good health. He wants us to be rich but not if it means that we miss out on good things because of it.

Hannah Ministries profile image

Hannah Ministries 2 years ago

Thank you so much about such a clear Hub on money matters. I have learned the HARD way to be a good steward and I believe we need more teachings on this. Thanks so much.

Lindazbiz 2 years ago

Lets talk about how are the Churches handling the money they receive, are they really helping the families in the church or just paying the mortgages and huge electric bills for the buildings they thought they needed to build. Take two recent TV announcements that two huge mega churches needed millions of dollars to meet their budgets(Probably mortgages). Why are they spending money on buildings before they have it. Are there any scriptures regarding this?

Sparks 2 years ago

by no means is money wrong. the Bible has many examples and teachings on how to use your money wisely. by the sweat of your brow you will earn a living. God intended us to work and live. we must enjoy the work we do and the food we eat. when you sow hard work, you reap the benefits. we as Christians must read the Bible in context before we make the conclusion that a certain verse applies to a certain context. God blessed Job and Solomon with much wealth. the problem comes in when you do not honour God with your hard works by giving your tythings (tenth) of your money to Him. the love of money comes in when you ar greedy. God says live a life that is fair. the love of money comes in when it is difficult to even buy a little bread for the poor. the love of money comes in when you start doing illegal things to earn money, and when its at the cost of others lives. the love of money comes in when you do not pay your workers (employees), get involved with drug deals, fraud, crime etc. if God gave you the brains tand talents to earn a top salary, then why not? you would be benefiting the poor as your tythings (tenths) would be so much greater. come on people. look at how you were designed, and honour God for the wonderful opportunities etc that you have. most importantly be thankful for what you have. being a Christian doesnt mean that you have to box yourself down for the rest of your life. go role on the grass, eat an ice cream, go watch a movie. Christianity is FREEDOM and JOY.

Car Donations 2 years ago

The idea of money should be the eleventh commandant.

"Thy shall not betray others for financial gain"

What do you think? Money has turned into the major motivational factor in society today. It has killed so many people. Money, disagreements and power struggles have been the root of evil from the first days of life on earth. With all the innovations of today, we still have not found a way to communicate effectively.

just me 21 months ago

The closer you get to your father in heaven the closer the devil will want to pull you away from God, the temptor wants to tempt you in doing things to accuse you to the father in heaven. Whether it be money,lust,greed etc. The devil will give you lots of money,you need the ability of knowing who to give,trust and how to spend or save. God is good so shall we spend our money or save on/for good. BY knowing this the devil will get really irritated and give you more to see if you can be tempted.I could give you a million but it would not save a soul. what in the world would you gain, if in heaven you could walk on gold. revelations

just me 21 months ago

Hypocrites can be either or one that says and one that does not do. And there will be one day and that day is near that the true worshipers will worship in spirit and in truth let your hearts not be disturbed we should all repent for the kingdoms at hand.Some will come and say but did not do and whos greedier the rich or the poor wanting to be rich yet both are lost without the sheperd.

chocoxero 20 months ago

In This World there are only two money problems lack of money and too much money what will choose?Is Our responsibility how we hold power Great power comes Great responsibility ^^ lols

Vonasmodeus 11 months ago

Deuteronomy 23:19

Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest.

Only Israelites are not to be charged interest everyone else must pay . . .

Jokes aside - The bible completely guides us to the evil of money in this world

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Greedy 4 months ago

I love money. Children are said to be innocent and pure so why when objects such as video games, toys, possessions they could do without bring them happiness. My wife is able to stay home and give the children love and care because I make enough money to support the whole family, more money=easier living your damm well right I love money and a promotion any who tells you other wise has not spent a day in there life homeless.

3 months ago

nmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

GrewUpRich 2 weeks ago

I grew up rich and want to be poor. People who grow up poor want money. I went to Africa and saw the value of spiritual hunger the poor possess = priceless. That's why I'm starting the current ministry i am now.

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