In the context of the Bible, the concept of expenses is closely tied to themes of stewardship, provision, and the wise management of resources. The Scriptures provide guidance on how believers are to handle their financial responsibilities, emphasizing principles of diligence, generosity, and trust in God's provision.

Stewardship and Management

The Bible underscores the importance of being good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the expectation that His followers wisely manage and invest what they have been given. The servants who effectively managed their master's money were commended, while the one who did not was rebuked. This parable highlights the responsibility to use resources wisely and to be accountable for how they are spent.

Provision and Trust

Scripture assures believers of God's provision for their needs. In Philippians 4:19, Paul writes, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" . This promise encourages Christians to trust in God's provision rather than being consumed by worry over expenses. Jesus also teaches in Matthew 6:31-33, "Therefore 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" . This passage emphasizes prioritizing spiritual pursuits over material concerns.

Generosity and Giving

The Bible calls believers to be generous with their resources, recognizing that all they have is ultimately from God. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul encourages the Corinthian church, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" . This principle of generosity is a key aspect of managing expenses, as it reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes.

Avoiding Debt and Financial Burdens

The Bible also provides wisdom on avoiding unnecessary debt and financial burdens. Proverbs 22:7 warns, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender" . This verse highlights the potential bondage that debt can create, urging believers to live within their means and avoid financial entanglements that can hinder their ability to serve God freely.

Work and Diligence

The Scriptures advocate for diligent work as a means of providing for one's needs and managing expenses. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul instructs, "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat" . This teaching underscores the value of hard work and personal responsibility in meeting one's financial obligations.

Contentment

Finally, the Bible encourages contentment as a safeguard against the excessive accumulation of expenses. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul writes, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these" . This perspective helps believers focus on what is truly necessary and avoid the pitfalls of materialism.

In summary, the Bible provides comprehensive guidance on managing expenses, emphasizing stewardship, trust in God's provision, generosity, avoidance of debt, diligent work, and contentment. These principles help believers navigate their financial responsibilities in a manner that honors God and aligns with His purposes.1159. dapanao -- to spend, spend freely
... Word Origin from dapane Definition to spend, spend freely NASB Word Usage
pay...expenses (1), spend (2), spent (2). consume, spend. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1159.htm - 7k

3081. lusiteleo -- to be advantageous, profitable
... Word Origin from luo (in the sense of paying expenses, etc.) and telos Definition
to be advantageous, profitable NASB Word Usage better (1). it is better. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3081.htm - 6k

6491a. pequdim -- musterings, expenses
... 6491, 6491a. pequdim. 6491b . musterings, expenses. Transliteration: pequdim
Short Definition: things. Word Origin from paqad Definition ...
/hebrew/6491a.htm - 5k

6491. paqach -- musterings, expenses
... 6490, 6491. paqach. 6491a . musterings, expenses. Transliteration: paqach
Phonetic Spelling: (paw-kakh') Short Definition: open. open ...
/hebrew/6491.htm - 5k

To J. Tarn, Esq. , Under-Treasurer of the British and Foreign ...
... For expenses of conveying myself and baggage to the custom-house wharf, and of getting
on board, 0 pounds, 6s, 0d. ... Expenses on board the packet, viz. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to j tarn esq under-treasurer.htm

Several Laws.
... the land, and he that bought it, meet together, and make an estimate, on one hand,
of the fruits gathered; and, on the other hand, of the expenses laid out ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 several laws.htm

Letter Lvii. St. Ambrose Informs the Emperor Eugenius Why He was ...
... For what he had not himself taken away, he could not, as it were, restore, but
of his own will to grant towards the expenses of superstition. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter lvii st ambrose informs.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... letter but one you stated that our noble President had been kind enough to declare
that I had but to send in an account of any extraordinary expenses which I ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 15.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... And whatever expenses, or risks, or losses have been incurred, either in the general
depository, or by supplying the auxiliary depositories, were so extensive ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

How Alexander [Bala] in his War with Demetrius, Granted Jonathan ...
... I bequeath also, out of my own revenues, yearly, for the expenses about the sacrifices,
one hundred and fifty thousand [drachmae]; and what money is to spare ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how alexander bala.htm

Life in London
... To lessen expenses I shared a room with a cousin, four miles from the hospital,
providing myself with board; and after various experiments I found that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter v life in london.htm

God a Refuge for Us
... the sick in the wards were supplied gratuitously, in addition to the remedial
appliances needed for the out-patient work, the daily expenses were considerable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xvii god a refuge.htm

Antipater is Convicted by Bathyllus; but He Still Returns from ...
... garments, and carpets of various contextures, with silver and gold cups, and a great
many more curious things, that so, among the view great expenses laid out ...
/.../chapter 31 antipater is convicted.htm

To J. Tarn, Esq.
... 31st, 1836. MY DEAR SIR,"I forward the bill of my expenses from the moment
of my quitting London up to the time of my arrival at Madrid. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/to j tarn esq 5.htm

Expenses (4 Occurrences)
...Expenses (4 Occurrences). Acts 21:24 Take them, and purify yourself with them, and
pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. ...
/e/expenses.htm - 7k

Expense (7 Occurrences)
... laid out, or consumed; cost; outlay; charge; -- sometimes with the notion of loss
or damage to those on whom the expense falls; as, the expenses of war; an ...
/e/expense.htm - 8k

Cost (28 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) Loss of any kind; detriment; pain; suffering. 8. (vt) Expenses incurred
in litigation. Multi-Version Concordance Cost (28 Occurrences). ...
/c/cost.htm - 15k

Treasury (25 Occurrences)
... of wealth are deposited; especially, a place where public revenues are deposited
and kept, and where money is disbursed to defray the expenses of government ...
/t/treasury.htm - 27k

Expensive (6 Occurrences)

/e/expensive.htm - 8k

Paid (86 Occurrences)
... Ezra 6:4 with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let
the expenses be given out of the king's house. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/paid.htm - 30k

Tax (43 Occurrences)
... carriages, and the like. 4. (n.) A sum imposed or levied upon the members
of a society to defray its expenses. 5. (n.) A task exacted ...
/t/tax.htm - 47k

Quarrel (22 Occurrences)
... in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl;
an altercation; as, he had a quarrel with his father about expenses. ...
/q/quarrel.htm - 15k

Needless (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Having no need. 2. (a.) Not wanted; unnecessary;
not requiste; as, needless labor; needless expenses. ...
/n/needless.htm - 7k

Nazarite (8 Occurrences)
... others. Four Jewish Christians were performing the vow, and would admit
Paul to their company, provided he paid their expenses. ...
/n/nazarite.htm - 13k

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