Have you ever wondered, “What does the bible say about money management?” Well, God’s word has much to say about money and how we are expected to manage it.
It’s been awhile ago now, but it was either author Howard Dayton or Larry Burkett who searched the bible cover-to-cover and made note of every scripture that addressed money and wealth. The result was astonishing: 2350 verses are written about this topic!
Perhaps the most important theme of money management in the bible is that God owns everything, even the money currently in our possession. We are simply to manage it wisely for Him, for His glory. We are “stewards” of His money. Can He trust you to manage it well?
Many families today struggle with money management. The term “budget” is a bad word. They’ve been taught to follow their heart and do whatever makes them happy, but that thinking is contrary to the word of God. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us “the heart is deceitful above all things” and Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “keep your heart with all vigilance.”
A biblical approach to money management can bring peace, joy, and prosperity to your life and home. Below is a list of verses you can use to get started as you study what the bible has to say.
What does the bible say about money management?
Getting out of debt
- We are encouraged not to be in debt, Romans 13:8
- Debt compared to slavery, Proverbs 22:7
- Commanded not to be slaves of others, 1 Corinthians 7:23
- Examples of hardship of debt, 1 Samuel 22:1-2 2 / Kings 4:1 / Nehemiah 5:1-5 / Psalm 109:11 / Isaiah 50:1
- Being debt-free was to be desired, Jeremiah 15:10
- Debt was considered a curse, Deuteronomy 28:15, 43-45
- Being debt-free was considered a blessing, Deuteronomy 15:4-6 / Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 12
Investing and saving
- Providing for your family, 1 Timothy 5:8
- Leaving an inheritance, Proverbs 13:22 / Proverbs 19:14 / Isaiah 38:1 2 / Corinthians 12:14
- Examples of leaving an inheritance, Genesis 15:2-4 / Genesis 24:35-36 / Genesis 25:5 / Genesis 31:14-16 / Genesis 48:21-22 / Joshua 24:32 / Ruth 4:5-10 / 2 Chronicles 21:3 / Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 / Ecclesiastes 7:11
- A blessing of godly obedience was the ability to leave and receive an inheritance, 1 Chronicles 28:8 / Ezra 9:12 / Psalm 25:12-13 / Proverbs 17:2
- Do not be hasty, Proverbs 21:5 / Proverbs 28:20 / Proverbs 28:22
- Planning and order encouraged, Proverbs 20:18 / Proverbs 21:5 / Proverbs 24:3-4 / 1 Corinthians 14:40 / 1 Corinthians 14:33
Wealth and possessions
- We take nothing with us when we die, Psalm 49:16-20 / Ecclesiastes 5:13-15 / 1 Timothy 6:7 / Psalm 39:6
- All possessions are nothing compared to knowing Jesus, Philippians 3:7-8
- Much required from those who have been given much, Luke 12:48
- Righteous will be rewarded with prosperity, Proverbs 13:21 / Proverbs 15:6
- Things that keep people from wealth, Proverbs 21:17 / Proverbs 22:16
This is just a short compilation of verses… there are many more found throughout scripture!
If you would like to follow a systematic approach to managing your money for the glory of God, I highly recommend either Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover or Howard Dayton’s Your Money Map. Both provide a realistic plan for changing your perspective about money and learning the “how-to” part of getting your finances in order.
Also, here’s a list of finance books that may inspire you, and here are budget forms that are life-saver when you’re really struggling to stay afloat.
You might even want to use these printable bible verse cards about money and contentment.
Go in grace today,
This is great information. However, I have never seen a book or any financial assistance for seniors, widows, and widowers that are on social security and now that they are alone without their spouse’s contribution on finances. How do the work out go from double income to single income. I’m not talking about investing. But when the spouse dies, and the one left does not make enough funds to pay for their monthly expenses alone. How do they handle this. When my husband died. Even my accountant could not direct me on how to do this. Should I take out so much each month to pay expenses? At the time my expenses were $2,200. a month. However, I only earned and brought home $1,340.00 a month. I could make the house payment, pay the utilities. Then what do I do. I have since met many widows that have no idea where the money goes after their spouses dies. Yet there is no direction offered to them. What do you suggest?
I’m so sorry no one has responded to your question, however, I will try.
#1: The only way to increase your income is to earn more income.
#2: In your questions, you don’t specify whether you are of retirement age or not, but I’m going to assume you are. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
#3: Okay, this is where you can change your finances for the rest of your life.
a. ALWAYS TITHE
b. Consider helping (coaching) other people in your situation for a fee.
c. Write a book/blog detailing your experiences.
Jamie, thank you for addressing this issue. I’m in the same boat as Ms Donna Powers and sure there are many others. I was doing alright, just surviving. Until I broke my hip 2 years ago. I work, but can’t pull the hours I did before. (50-60 hours a week now 30-35 seem like 80. And assistance and SS is none to minimum and then it restricts you on how much income per year you can make . Yes God always provides our needs and by his Grace I continue. Thank you for this post and all the information, I pray for all who need. I declare the blood over this for all to fine his wisdom and prosperity in their finances and his peace to live well for him, In the name of Jesus , Amen.
hi, Jamie,am happy I bump into your content about money management when am so much depressed ??,am in to debts and I have seen how it as reuen my life,but God as a way of helping his people, you are a God sent to me,to in part me with information that can help me come out of the situation,may God bless you so much…