What the Bible Says About Money: 4 Lifelong Best Practices

Understanding what the Bible says about money is not just a good idea for devout followers. The Bible offers profound insights on money management that, over time, have come to be regarded as conventional “secular” financial wisdom that can benefit anyone, regardless of faith.

By understanding these principles, you can develop a personal financial plan that brings you more joy, fulfillment, and peace of mind every day. Here are four of the most essential concepts the Bible teaches us, and how you can apply them to your own financial journey.

1. Stewardship Over Ownership

One of the fundamental teachings of the Bible is the concept of stewardship. The Bible emphasizes that everything we have is entrusted to us by God. We are merely stewards of His resources: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

1 Timothy 6:17-19 elaborates on this concept: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

How Can I Apply This?

Understanding stewardship can change your perspective on wealth. In fact, it can, in many ways, be the key to your financial peace of mind.

When you view money as yours and yours alone, then you are also left to bear the weight of all the what ifs that come with those “uncertain riches.” This can lead to a fear-based, defensive approach to financial management where money becomes the end itself. Constantly trying to protect what’s yours means failing to see the bigger picture and all the “good works” you could do with your time—and your wealth—on earth.

Even if you are not a faith-based person, you can still reframe your role with money from “owner” to “steward.” Consider how many people have invested in you to get you where you are today: parents, teachers, friends, mentors, colleagues. What should be the return on their investment? More money piling up in your bank account? Or are there more meaningful dividends you could be creating? Letting go of your “me” focus can actually lead to a much richer life.

2. Avoiding Debt

The Bible also provides cautionary advice about debt. Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Debt can be a significant burden, leading to financial stress and limiting one’s ability to achieve long-term financial goals.

How Can I Apply This?

For strict followers of this biblical teaching, avoiding debt is a pillar of their financial strategy. But for others, debt is a necessary—and sometimes strategically advantageous—part of their financial plan.

For those borrowers, the key takeaway is knowing how to protect your financial independence. Educate yourself on how and when to use debt. Don’t borrow without a clear plan for repayment. And be sure to fully understand the terms of any loan you take to ensure you’re able to manage them and meet them.

3. Generosity and Giving

Generosity is a recurring theme in the Bible. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Bible encourages us to help those in need and to give cheerfully.

More specifically, Luke 12:33 advises that it’s wise to “sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”

How Can I Apply This?

This goes back to our first concept of stewardship. When we invest all our energy into earthly treasures, we’re investing in things that will only fade away or put us in constant fear of loss. New cars instantly lose value. Jewelry can be stolen. Houses and buildings require constant upkeep.

Factoring generosity into your financial plan can bring lasting fulfillment in a way that material goods cannot. It’s not just about donating money; it’s about cultivating a generous spirit. Whether it’s tithing, supporting your favorite nonprofits, or even setting up a college fund for your grandchild, giving to the people and causes you care about can enrich your life and your world.

4. Planning and Saving

Proverbs 21:20 states, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” This verse highlights the importance of planning and saving for the future.

How Can I Apply This?

Creating a budget, setting aside savings, and planning for future expenses are practical ways to apply this wisdom. Emergency funds, retirement accounts, and investments are modern tools that align with the biblical principle of wise preparation. Learn more about creating a faith-based investing plan.

If you’re a business owner, making sure you have documented plans in place, like a business continuation plan and a buy-sell agreement, is a “wise” way to ensure you’re protecting your business’s future, and not just letting this week’s fire-drills “gulp” all your attention.

Creating a Faith-Based Financial Plan

Step 1: Define your non-negotiable values

It can feel all but impossible to create a financial plan that perfectly aligns with the Bible’s teachings. There are a lot of variables—such as tax laws and market dynamics—that are out of your control.

Instead, focus on what you can control. Start by making a list of your values or faith-based financial priorities. Decide which ones are your non-negotiables. This will be your roadmap as you move on to step 2.

Step 2: Get a clear picture of your financial options

While there are many resources you can find online to take a DIY approach to biblically-aligned financial planning, finding a financial advisor who has experience in faith-based financial planning can be a huge time-saver and open your eyes to many opportunities that you may not realize are available to you.

For added peace of mind, look for a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA). Certified Kingdom Advisors are Christian financial advisors who are specially trained and certified to provide financial advice that’s rooted in biblical values and truths.

Step 3: Make a plan for charitable giving

The Bible teaches us that making regular giving part of our financial plan is the path to greater fulfillment. But that doesn’t mean you should give carelessly. There are many strategic tools, such as donor-advised funds, that can make your charitable contributions go further without sacrificing your financial wellness. Learn more about donor-advised funds.

Step 4: Review and adjust regularly

Life changes, and so will your financial needs. Companies that you’ve invested in may alter their business practices in ways that differ from what you value. As such, it’s important to regularly review your financial plan—once a year, at minimum—so that you can adjust as needed to ensure it’s always aligned with your goals and principles.

Talk to a Certified Kingdom Advisor now

Ready to take the next step in your financial journey? Sign up for a get-to-know-us meeting with our Certified Kingdom Advisors and start building a faith-based financial plan today. Together, we can help you maintain the financial power you need to do more good in your world.

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