Does the Bible encourage investing?
The Bible doesn't specifically state that we should invest, but also does not forbid it. Investing is mentioned in Proverbs 31:16 and used in Jesus's parables (ex. Parable of the Ten Minas found in Luke 19:11-27), implying that it is expected and normal.
Matthew [25:14]-10
Those who invested wisely and grew their talents were praised, while the one who buried his out of fear was reprimanded. This lesson highlights the importance of responsible financial management and the concept of biblical financial guidance.
Verse Summary: What Ecclesiastes 11:2 Has to Say About Money
“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” In other words: Avoid risk, avoid disaster, by diversifying your income!
At the heart of biblical investment principles lies the concept of stewardship. It reminds us that we are mere caretakers of God's resources, entrusted with the responsibility of managing them wisely. In the context of investments, this means acknowledging that the wealth we possess is not truly ours but a divine gift.
As the clock ticks each second, your life on earth is reducing. Therefore, you must invest your time wisely. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom” (New Living Translation).
Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), or Faith-Driven Investing, is a biblical approach to investing where Christians align their investment decisions with their Christian values. BRI considers the investor's financial return while seeking to glorify God through the investment process.
Wealth sharing is encouraged and is often facilitated through NGOs and churches, but there is no wealth to be shared unless it has been created. Wealth creation is a godly gift; and God says that he is the one who gives the ability to create wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).
The Bible doesn't specifically state that we should invest, but also does not forbid it. Investing is mentioned in Proverbs 31:16 and used in Jesus's parables (ex. Parable of the Ten Minas found in Luke 19:11-27), implying that it is expected and normal.
If we place our values in anything other than Christ, then it's only a matter of time before we fall. Taken altogether, Proverbs paints a clear picture ofhow God wants Christians to view investing. God wants us to grow our wealth slowly and wisely without compromising our morals or capturing our affections.
Our faith calls us to be responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us by God. The stock market presents a unique opportunity for faithful stewardship. Consider Matthew 25:14-30. Here, Jesus teaches us about the importance of investing our resources wisely and multiplying them for the glory of God.
Is saving money biblical?
You may be surprised to learn that saving is actually encouraged in the Bible. The Bible teaches that it's possible to wisely save and invest for the future while also being “rich toward God” by “storing up treasures in heaven” (Luke 12:21; Matt. 6:19–21).
Christian SRI is called Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) or Faith-Based Investing. Faith-Based Investing considers the investor's financial return and aligns their investment decisions with their Christian values. Faith-based investing also involves faith-based funds and faith-based advisors.
- Spend less than you earn. ...
- Be wise with debt. ...
- Plan for financial margin, because the unexpected will occur. ...
- Set long-term goals, because there's always a trade-off between the short-term and the long-term. ...
- Give generously, because giving breaks the power of money.
Spend less than you earn – Proverbs 13:11 “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” Establish an emergency fund – Proverbs 21:20 “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it”
Fools spend all that they have now, with no regard for the future (Prov. 20:21). Those who patiently invest and spend less than they earn build lasting wealth that can help others for a long time to come.
Finally, 1 Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy among us. The passage reads: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Proverbs 13:11: "Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”‍ Proverbs 17:16: "Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?”‍ Proverbs 22:1: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”‍
Keep Out of Debt
Psalm 37:21 says "the wicked borroweth, and payeth not again." The minute a person goes into debt, he loses a portion of his freedom. As Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
According to God's Word, there are four fundamental purposes for money: to provide for basic needs, to confirm direction, to give to those in need, and to illustrate God's power and care in provision.
We are encouraged to save, but we must do it for the right reason and in the right proportion. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 - As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
What is God's view on wealth?
Contrary to popular belief, God does not condemn wealth and prosperity. In fact, throughout the Bible, we see instances where God blesses His people with abundance and prosperity. However, it is essential to recognize that God's intentions for wealth go beyond mere accumulation and personal gain.
Jesus recognizes the symptoms and says, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:24-25). By contrast, the poor often show amazing generosity.
However, we must also be cautious not to idolize wealth or become complacent in our pursuit of passive income. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns us that "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," and Proverbs 23:4-5 cautions against wearing ourselves out to get rich.
Romans 13:8 (AMPC) tells us to Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another...
If we take God's Word seriously, we should avoid debt when we can, since “the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, NLT). And since Jesus tells us we cannot serve both God and money, we should ask ourselves, before undertaking any debt, How will this affect my capacity to give generously?
