ON THE MONEY: DOLLARS, SENSE AND LASTING CHANGE
Our attitude about money is established in our heart. How we handle our money is a heart issue. The challenge for most people is the heart is attached to the head, and the head is not thinking the way the Bible teaches about money. So what does the Bible have to say about money?
It may surprise you to learn just how much the Bible has to say about finances. There are more than 2,350 verses on how to handle money and possessions.Jesus spoke more about money than any other subject. Wow!
Several years ago I starting asking: What is my financial plan? Do I know where every dollar is spent? Do I want finances to continue to be a source of conflict in my marriage? Do I have a plan to get out of debt? What are my financial goals? So, I created five categories and started living by a simple plan. So here are my top five:
1) Earn Diligently
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23-24). In Scripture, hard work and diligence is encouraged. The most important question you can ask yourself everyday as you begin your work is: “For whom do I work?”
2) Give Generously
The basic level of giving is the tithe. Tithing lets us know how we are doing with our attitude about money. If you don’t trust Godwithyour money, then you will trustinyour money. I like what Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
3) Save Appropriately
Proverbs 21:20 says, “A wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.” Saving is making provision for tomorrow. The most effective way to save is to do it every time you receive income. Save for both long-term and short-term. Long-term savings are intended to fund long-term needs such as retirement. Short-term savings should be in an account that is easily accessible for planned future spending like replacing appliances, making major home repairs and other emergencies.
4) Spend Moderately
Spend less than you make. You will never be free from the money trap if you don’t spend less than you make. Dave Ramsey says, “90 percent of people in our culture buy things they can’t afford.” The most helpful tool to keep you from spending more than you make is called a budget (or spending plan.) John Maxwell has the best quote on budgeting: “A budget is people telling their money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”
5) Invest Wisely
The best advice I have received when it comes to investing is to diversify. Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.” Never risk money you can’t afford to lose. It is probably not a good idea to make uninformed or hasty investment decisions.
FAQs
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. 20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. 20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
What is the summary of your money counts? ›
This book will transform your life and your finances. Whether you are trying to make ends meet or determine what to do with excess, this book gives a clear understanding of what God wants you to know about handling money. And as you apply these principles you'll enjoy more financial health, freedom and contentment.
What does the Bible say about how you spend your money? ›
Proverbs 21:20 says, “A wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.” Saving is making provision for tomorrow. The most effective way to save is to do it every time you receive income. Save for both long-term and short-term.
What does the Bible say about saving money? ›
Matthew 6:19-20: “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.”
What is Proverbs 13:12? ›
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. 12 Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.
What is Proverbs 14:23? ›
Proverbs 14:23 In-Context
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly. 25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
What is the 10 rule of money? ›
Save for periodic expenses, such as car and home maintenance. Save 5%-10% of your net income. Accumulate at least 3 to 6 months' salary in an emergency fund. Make saving a habit, and never break it; always have a planned, written goal that you're saving toward.
How many times does Scripture talk about money? ›
Did you know that there are roughly 2,350 verses concerning money in the Bible? That's almost twice as many as verses about faith and prayer combined. Jesus had a lot to say about money: Nearly 15% of everything Jesus spoke about related to money and possessions.
What are the core values of money? ›
Some examples of money values include freedom, security, legacy, genericity, or experiences, just to name a few. For example, if your goal is to build a large savings and investment portfolio to live a worry-free retired life, you may value freedom and security.
What is God's view on money? ›
The biblical teaching on money is thus two-fold: money is a gift from God, a sign of his blessing. But it is not to be a god in itself. The Bible is not ascetic; poverty is not inherently virtuous, nor is wealth sinful. But true wealth, the Bible teaches us, is spiritual, not material.
Proverbs 3:9 (NKJV) says, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.” Notice how this verse tells us to honor God with our firstfruits, which is Bible talk for giving off the top of what we make rather than simply whatever is left over.
What does God say about financial struggles? ›
In Hebrews 13, Paul reminds us to “keep our lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.” No matter how big your dreams are, remember to be content now. The God of the universe is for you, and that is bigger than any financial struggles you may be dealing with.
What does God say about debt? ›
What the Bible says about borrowing: Exodus 22:14 - If anything is borrowed, it should be paid back. If what is borrowed is lost or injured, full restitution must be made. Ps 37:21 - The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.
Do you tithe every paycheck? ›
You don't have to make a contribution for each paycheck, though. If you have a thorough, well organized monthly budget, you probably have a good idea of how much money you'll have coming in every month, and when it will be coming. A good budget should have a tithe built into it.
What is the powerful Bible verse for wealth? ›
Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 2 Corinthians 9:8: And God will generously provide all you need.
How can you apply Proverbs 21:20 in your daily life? ›
Spend less than you take in, and the difference will pile up in your home or bank as treasure. Put yourself in the first half of this proverb. If you keep spending like most do, you will end up without treasure – you will end up a poor fool.
What does Proverbs 21 teach us? ›
21One who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22A wise person scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. 23One who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.
What does the verse be sober minded mean? ›
Sober-mindedness, according to Peter, means living with a single-minded focus. What is that focus? “Being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” It means this; sober-mindedness is living with eternity in view.
What does it mean to be poor in spirit and pure in heart? ›
To be poor in spirit is to be emptied in the depth of our being, so that the Lord may fill us with Himself. To be pure in heart means to be single in purpose, having a single goal in accomplishing God's will for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31).
