What does the Bible teach about money?

Definition and Basic Principles

Throughout Scripture, money is portrayed as a resource that can be used for good or ill. It reflects one’s priorities, reveals the state of one’s heart, and can either serve to glorify God or become an idol. The Bible addresses not only practical matters related to money (work, saving, giving) but also the underlying spiritual attitude it fosters. As it is written, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). This reminder underscores that it is the heart’s disposition toward wealth—not the mere possession of money—that matters.

God as the Ultimate Owner

Scripture consistently teaches that everything in creation belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.” Because He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, all forms of wealth, from livestock in the ancient world to modern currency, ultimately belong to Him. Acknowledging God’s ownership can foster humility and a sense of stewardship in believers.

One archaeological note from ancient Israel—clay bullae (tiny clay seals) used to validate ownership—highlights the sense of authority and right over property. Just as rulers and officials put their seal on goods, so God’s authority over all creation is stamped upon every resource we have.

Stewardship and Human Responsibility

Human beings are called to be stewards, or managers, of what ultimately belongs to God. This principle is seen early in Genesis when Adam is placed in the garden “to cultivate and maintain it” (Genesis 2:15). This stewardship extends beyond agriculture to all forms of wealth. Jesus emphasized this in parables such as the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), which underscores accountability for how one handles resources.

Another example comes from 1 Chronicles 29:14 where King David exclaims, “Everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.” Such verses affirm that believers do not truly possess; they oversee. The focus is on responsible and faithful management.

Wealth Can Be a Blessing

There are instances in Scripture where wealth is regarded as a gift from God. Abraham was described as “very wealthy in livestock, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). Likewise, Job initially possessed enormous riches (Job 1:3) and later, after his trials, was blessed with even greater wealth (Job 42:12). Deuteronomy 8:18 teaches, “Remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth.”

In these narratives, financial blessing is often connected to faithfulness and God’s purpose. Such blessings are not an absolute guarantee for every believer; rather, they show that wealth itself is not vilified. When given, it should inspire gratitude toward God and generosity toward others.

Warnings Regarding Greed and Idolatry

Although the Bible acknowledges that wealth can be a blessing, it also repeatedly warns of the danger of greed. Jesus taught, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Here “money” represents worldly gain that can become a rival master, competing with God for one’s devotion.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah condemned those who extorted the poor to increase their wealth (Micah 2:2). Similarly, the New Testament warns that some, “by longing for it [money], have wandered away from the faith” (1 Timothy 6:10). The idolatrous pursuit of riches can seduce individuals into neglecting God’s commands and harboring selfishness in their hearts.

Giving and Generosity

Believers are continually exhorted to be generous. Proverbs 11:25 teaches, “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Generosity extends to acts of charity toward the poor, hospitality for the stranger, and supporting the community of faith.

In the New Testament, we read: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). This willingness to give cheerfully sets a pattern of sincere benevolence, grounded in thankfulness for God’s grace. Such was vividly illustrated by the widow who dropped her two small coins into the temple treasury—praised by Jesus as an example of trust in God’s provision (Mark 12:41–44).

Tithing and Offerings

The Old Testament practice of tithing involved giving a tenth of one’s produce or income to support the Levites, the priests, and the poor (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:21; Deuteronomy 14:28–29). Malachi 3:10 adds God’s encouragement: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this, says the LORD of Hosts. See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.”

While the New Testament does not establish a rigid tithing percentage, it retains the spirit of generous giving. Early followers of Christ often gave sacrificially to support fellow believers’ needs (Acts 2:44–45; 4:34–35). The principle of supporting ministry and caring for those in need remains central to Christian life.

Work and Diligence

Scripture teaches that honest work is honorable. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 states, “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” This instruction underscores not a harsh punishment, but rather the significance of diligence in sustaining both oneself and contributing to the community.

Proverbs 6:6–8 highlights the industrious ant as an example worth imitating—storing up during the harvest. Believers are encouraged to labor wholeheartedly, “as working for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23). Such diligence pleases God and provides the means to share with others.

Contentment and Trust in God

A repeated theme is contentment in all circumstances. Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). Contentment allows one to avoid the pitfalls of envy and incessant financial striving. By trusting God’s provision, believers can focus on eternal priorities rather than material accumulation.

Jesus’ teaching on prayer includes the petition, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), expressing a humble reliance on God rather than a presumptive claim on tomorrow’s wealth. This mindset fosters dependence on His faithfulness and sovereignty.

Eternal Perspective on Earthly Wealth

The consistent biblical message is that earthly riches are temporary, but spiritual treasure endures. Jesus admonished His followers: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). Focusing on eternal riches helps quiet the anxieties about temporal needs (Matthew 6:25–34).

External evidences from Judean archaeology (for instance, first-century coin hoards discovered in excavations near Qumran) remind us that worldly wealth, however prized, is ultimately subject to decay, theft, and loss. By contrast, eternal riches remain secure in God’s kingdom.

Practical Guidance for Managing Money

• Saving Wisely: Joseph’s early planning helped Egypt prepare for years of famine (Genesis 41). Saving is a prudent measure to handle future uncertainties.

• Avoiding Excess Debt: Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” Stewardship involves mindful borrowing and living within one’s means.

• Honesty and Fairness: Believers are called to just dealings. Proverbs 11:1 states, “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.”

Care for the Poor and Vulnerable

Scripture consistently highlights the moral imperative to care for the disadvantaged. Deuteronomy 15:7–8 instructs believers to open their hands to the poor. Jesus underscored this obligation by modeling compassion: He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and identified with the marginalized. James 2:15–16 challenges believers not just to talk about faith but to express it by meeting tangible needs.

By placing love of neighbor at the heart of financial conduct, charitable giving emerges as a central biblical priority (Galatians 2:10). Early Christian writings—from the Didache to the letters of church fathers—further emphasize benevolence as a witness to the watching world.

Conclusion

Money, in Scripture, is never neutral: it is a barometer that reveals spiritual priorities. Used wisely, it blesses others, furthers God’s purposes, and fosters dependence on Him. Handled poorly, it becomes an idol that usurps devotion to God and harms relationships.

The biblical approach is to realize that all we have is God’s, to manage it conscientiously, and to give generously. Ultimately, earthly wealth is fleeting, but those who place their trust in God and manage resources for His glory will find the greater treasure that never fades. As Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).