Should Christians purchase insurance policies?

Definition and Scope

Insurance policies are agreements intended to protect individuals, families, or organizations from potential financial loss. Common examples include health, life, property, and liability insurance. Engaging in such policies often raises questions on how to balance wisdom, foresight, and faith. Scripture does not use the modern term “insurance,” yet its teachings on planning, stewardship, and trusting God provide guiding principles that many find applicable when determining whether to hold insurance policies.

Biblical Perspective on Provision and Stewardship

Scripture encourages believers to be good stewards of their resources and to plan wisely. Proverbs 21:5 declares, “The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.” This principle suggests that careful preparation is pleasing to God and reflects a heart that responsibly cares for what has been entrusted to it.

Another example appears in Genesis 41:34–36, where Joseph advised Pharaoh to store grain during years of abundance to prepare for famine. While not specifically about insurance, this account shows that prudent planning and provision for future uncertainties can be God-honoring. In the same way, an insurance policy may be considered one form of wise preparation.

Additionally, 1 Timothy 5:8 states, “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Caring responsibly for family and household can include measures like saving, planning for emergencies, and in some cases, securing insurance for various contingencies.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

Believers are called to trust in God above all else. Scripture assures that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17) and repeatedly calls on Christians to seek the Lord’s provision. For instance, Matthew 6:31–33 says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

Trust in God’s sovereignty does not negate the need for responsible choices. Instead, Christians guard against the pitfall of making insurance (or any measure) their ultimate security. The aim is to remember that only God provides true and lasting rescue. Insurance is secondary and practical, not the object of faith.

Practical Wisdom and Forethought

Proper foresight may involve taking steps to mitigate foreseeable losses. Proverbs 22:3 teaches, “The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.” This verse underscores that foreknowledge and action can guard one’s household from undue hardship.

Similarly, Luke 14:28 reads, “Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?” Counting the cost involves appropriate planning for future scenarios. In modern times, this could include obtaining insurance to ensure one’s finances and family are guarded against potential disasters.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

In ancient times, large households and extended families often banded together to care for members facing sudden calamities. Over time, societal structures shifted, and modern insurance systems arose to serve as a collective safety net. While these systems are distinct from biblical-era norms, the principle of mutual aid and preparedness persists.

In many societies, believers also observe legal requirements to purchase certain types of insurance (e.g., auto liability). Honoring the law, when not in conflict with God’s commands, aligns with Romans 13:1: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God.”

Balancing Faith and Responsibility

The central issue for those deciding on insurance is the motivation behind it. Purchasing insurance need not reflect a wavering of faith; it can demonstrate loving responsibility. Yet if the heart’s trust shifts to human provisions instead of the Lord’s faithfulness, it can become an idol. Matthew 6:19–21 cautions, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Real faith includes wise planning without allowing such measures to supplant ultimate reliance on the Lord. While Scripture does not command believers to have or forgo insurance, general principles of stewardship and trust offer guidance. Each believer, prayerfully and in counsel with trusted advisors, can discern how to honor God with financial planning.

Scriptural Encouragement and Caution

• Encouragement to Plan: “The plans of the diligent bring plenty…” (Proverbs 21:5).

• Call to Provide for Family: “If anyone does not provide for his own…he has denied the faith…” (1 Timothy 5:8).

• Assurance of God’s Care: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

• Warning Against Idolatry: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24).

Conclusion

Believers evaluating whether to purchase insurance can consider the biblical themes of wise stewardship, trust in God’s sovereignty, and responsibility for one’s household. Scripture supports prudent planning as an expression of faithful stewardship, provided that it does not become a substitute for reliance upon the Lord. With hearts fixed on eternal priorities, Christians may find that insurance, in many circumstances, aligns with godly wisdom and obedient service to God.