Money is a powerful force in life. It influences our decisions, reflects our priorities, and reveals the condition of our hearts. But what does the Bible say about money? For Christians, understanding God’s view of wealth and possessions is essential.
Scripture teaches that money is a tool, not a master. It warns against greed, encourages wise stewardship, and calls believers to generosity and trust in God’s provision. This study will explore Bible verses about money, the principles of stewardship, and the importance of giving, so we may honor God in how we manage our resources.
What Is the Biblical View of Money?
The Bible teaches that money is a tool to be stewarded wisely, not a source of ultimate security. It warns against greed, encourages generosity, and calls believers to trust in God rather than wealth.
The Bible speaks extensively about money, offering both warnings and wisdom. Money itself is not evil, but how we use it reveals our priorities and affections.
Money in the Bible: A Tool, Not a Master
1. Money Is Not Evil, but the Love of Money Is
Scripture makes an important distinction: money is not inherently sinful, but an unhealthy attachment to it leads to destruction.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
If money controls us, it competes with our devotion to God.
2. Money Reveals Our Priorities
Jesus taught that how we handle money shows what we truly value.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Are we investing in eternal things, or are we clinging to fleeting wealth?
3. Money Must Not Become an Idol
The Bible warns against making money our ultimate pursuit.
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Money is a powerful tool but a terrible master. It must be surrendered to God’s purposes.
Generosity in the Bible
1. God Calls Us to Be Generous
Generosity reflects the heart of God and brings blessings to both the giver and the receiver.
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs 11:25)
2. Jesus’ Teaching on Giving
Jesus emphasized abundant generosity, trusting that God provides for those who give.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” (Luke 6:38)
3. God Loves a Cheerful Giver
Giving should not be done reluctantly but as an act of joy and faith.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Tithing: Honoring God with the Firstfruits
Tithing—the practice of giving 10% of one’s income—is an act of faith and obedience rooted in both the Old and New Testaments.
The Biblical Command to Tithe
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
Tithing acknowledges God’s provision and teaches us to trust Him with our finances.
Tithing Acknowledges God’s Ownership
“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30)
Everything we have belongs to God. Tithing is a way to honor Him with our firstfruits.
Giving to the Poor: A Biblical Mandate
The Bible places great emphasis on caring for the poor and needy.
God’s Heart for the Poor
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”(Proverbs 19:17)
Giving to the poor is not just charity—it is obedience to God.
The Early Church’s Example
The early Christians practiced radical generosity.
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)
Faithful giving demonstrates the Gospel and glorifies Christ.
Stewardship in the Bible: Managing God’s Resources
Stewardship is the biblical principle of managing what God has entrusted to us.
Everything Belongs to God
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)
We are not owners, but stewards, called to use our resources for God’s glory.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Jesus taught the importance of faithful stewardship. Those who wisely used their resources were rewarded, while the one who hid his talent in fear faced judgment.
Stewardship means faithfully using what God has given us to advance His kingdom.
Practical Ways to Honor God with Money
- Create a Budget – Wise stewardship starts with managing finances carefully.
- Prioritize Tithing – Commit to giving the first portion of your income to God.
- Set Aside Money for the Poor – Be intentional about helping those in need.
- Avoid Debt When Possible – “The borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
- Pray Over Your Finances – Seek God’s wisdom in financial decisions.
Conclusion
Money is a powerful tool that can honor God or lead us astray. The Bible teaches that wealth is to be stewarded wisely, given generously, and trusted to God’s care.
Through generosity, tithing, and caring for the poor, we align our financial decisions with God’s will. Money must never replace God as our source of security, but when used biblically, it blesses others and glorifies Him.
As we meditate on Bible verses about money and seek to live out biblical stewardship, let us remember:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”(Matthew 6:33)
By managing money according to Scripture, we find freedom, contentment, and joy in honoring Christ.
