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).
The Bible's View of Saving Money
As negatively as the Bible speaks of debt, it speaks equally positively of saving: “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down” (Proverbs 21:20 NIV). Foolish people spend (gulp down) what they have, but wise people save (store up).
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.
Probably the most well-known scripture about money management that deals with debt is Proverbs 22:7 (NIV), which says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Translation: If you owe someone money, they'll control your life until you pay it back.
Matthew 19:21-26: "Jesus said to him, 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. ' When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
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. Understanding these purposes allows you to see how money relates to God's work in your life and community.
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).
Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 12:27 The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. Proverbs 13:4 A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
He taught about money in 11 of his 39 parables. Finances are Jesus' most talked about topic.” Ever heard something like this before? Did it surprise you?
1 Timothy 6:17 says, “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.” We all must use money. However, having money or spending money cannot be the end goal.
Therefore, the most important thing Jesus saves us from is our sins. God told Joseph concerning Mary: “She shall bear a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus saves us from our sins by his word, through which he calls sinners to repentance.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
According to the Bible, God cares about our money–how we use it, how we think about it, and even how we make it. The Bible has over 2,000 scriptures that regard money, possessions, and tithing.
According to the Gospels, Jesus was well aware of the importance of money. He most likely handled silver, bronze and gold coins, both local and from the neighboring regions – Jewish, Greek, Roman, Syrian, Nabatean, Egyptian, all present in Judea at the time.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both men of stature and wealth, chipped in to help fund Jesus' ministry. “Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me,” Jesus tells the rich man in one of his best-known parables.
The Bible has a realistic perspective about money, Ecclesiastes10:19 says, “Money answers all things”. Of course, money is important. It is our time, our toil, our sweat, our food, our shelter, our clothing, our agent of exchange and bargaining.
The Bible issues several warnings against the love of money and the snare of wealth (1 Timothy 3:3; 6:10), but in Proverbs 30:8–9, Agur, the gather of wise sayings, asks that he would have neither poverty nor wealth.
Avarice is one of the Seven deadly sins in the Christian classifications of vices (sins).
Most importantly, financial freedom is recognizing that true prosperity comes only from God. “It is he [God] that giveth thee power to get wealth … ” (Deuteronomy 8:18). You must choose to serve God rather than money, because you cannot successfully serve two masters. (See Matthew 6:24.)
God is working to display His glory in our financial limitations. This is true not only because it forges our character to become more like Christ, but also because it allows us to be witnesses of Christ to those who do not know Him.
Matthew 6:12 - Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. Luke 7:42-43 - He who is forgiven much (debt) loves much; he who is forgiven little (debt) loves little. Romans 4:4 - Wages, like a debt owed, must be paid.
Proverbs 22:26-27
Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
A: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). Most people take this verse as a promise that God will save everyone in their family.
Ecclesiastes 5:13 tells us wealth hoarded does so to the harm of the owner; Isaiah 23:18 tells us that those who don't hoard their wealth, their profits will go toward abundant food and fine clothes; and James 5:3 tells us if you hoarded wealth in the last days your gold or silver will be corroded and eat your flesh ...
1 Peter 1:5 says, “who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” God's power gives and guards are faith, which will show its fruit in the last time. It is by faith we are saved and it is God's power that provides and that guards that faith.