What does God's word say about investing?
Matthew [25:14]-10
What does the Bible say about investing? To invest is not about accumulating wealth for the sake of financial gain alone. We are called to be good stewards of the resources we gather, and to invest our money for our present and future needs is one part of being a good steward.
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.
Ecclesiastes 5:14 In-Context
Hoarding riches harms the saver. 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one's children. 15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born.
Proverbs 16:8 makes it clear that God cares more about how we make money rather than how much money we make. Indeed, God proclaims it is better to produce a lower return on investment in a righteous manner than high-flying profits unjustly.
The Bible doesn't specifically state that we should invest, but also does not forbid it.
God is not against the proper use of money, material riches, or physical wealth. A number of God's true servants were very wealthy, like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, King David, King Solomon, Joseph of Arimathea, and some others. Physical abundance and material wealth is one of God's blessings.
God blesses those who make money through honest work rather than sinful practices. God calls us to pay back what we owe and help those who have helped us. It's wise for us to plan, think through how we'll make money, and spend money. Saving money can help set us up for future financial success.
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.
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.
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.
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 more than enough.
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.
When it comes to investment accounts, one should return a tithe when gains are realized. In other words, they should be returned when funds are withdrawn or paid out from the account.
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.
The Bible recognizes the element of risk inherent in responsible long-term savings and investment, and does not forbid it. Jesus uses standard financial investments as a key illustration of spiritual truth (Luke 19:11-26). He does this effectively, because the example of financial investment is a good example.
For value investing, we recommend Benjamin Graham's The Intelligent Investor, a favorite of many of the world's most successful investors.
One can indeed be rich and be a Christian, but one cannot worship God and Mammon (money). Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and do not worry what else gets added to you in this life, whether much or little.
God's blessing of wealth is usually obtained by great wisdom and responsibility and through discipline, hard work, saving, investing, and seeking God's will. Occasional, Biblical wealth is obtained suddenly by a great blessing such as an inheritance, oil and gas discovery or great invention.
Kahan cites Jesus' injunction against amassing material wealth as an example that the "good [Christian] life was one of poverty and charity, storing up treasures in heaven instead of earth." Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
What Bible verse will make you rich?
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. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
The Bible also offers some pretty amazingly specific guidance on diversifying our income streams. 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." In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” – Proverbs 10:22 (NIV)
Proverbs 21:5 advises, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Planning for the future involves setting financial goals, creating a budget, and saving for emergencies and long-term expenses. By planning ahead, we can confidently avoid financial stress and prepare for the future.
Money is wasted on fools. They cannot buy wisdom when they have no sense. A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble.
