Have you ever noticed how much advice the Bible gives for money matters? It doesn’t take much time at all to find scriptures that give insight about how we earn, spend, view, and give money.
Not only can we learn what we should do from these verses, we can find verses that instruct us on what we should not do with money.
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5 Warnings The Bible Gives About Financial Foolishness
Improper Planning Leads to Poverty
Proverbs 21:5 – The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Before you can succeed in other areas of finance, you need to make a plan. This includes everything from making goals to building a budget and having a plan to stay accountable to someone. Diving head first into all areas of personal finance without a plan is like trying to build a house without a blueprint – you’ll more than likely end up with a mess.
Ignoring Instructions Leads to Shame
Proverbs 13:18 – He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
If you’re reading this, you’re one step ahead! Seeking out financial wisdom is the first step in becoming a better manager of your money. The second step is to put the words into practice. Ignoring the advice you hear is a surefire way to repeat financial mistakes of others.
Debt Can Really Weigh You Down
Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender.
We’ve heard this verse over and over, but it still rings true. If you’re getting out of debt, there’s a good chance you probably don’t ever want to get back into debt again! Take the wisdom from this verse and be careful whenever you approach the opportunity to borrow.
Spending Can Lead To Trouble
Proverbs 15:27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.
When we talk about greed, it’s usually referring to excessive desire for wealth or material possessions. How do we get more material possessions….by spending more and more. Obviously, uncontrollable spending can lead to debt and can really impact your family negatively. Don’t worry, this verse isn’t saying that you should stop spending your money altogether. It simply warns against the trouble that greed can bring to your life.
The Wise Will Save – The Fool Spends It All
Proverbs 21:20 – In the House of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.
The simplicity behind the idea to ‘spend less than you earn’ is shared clearly in this verse. You don’t need to make six figures to have a healthy savings account. In fact, I know plenty of people who make close to six figures or more, but don’t have a good financial outlook because they’ve given into a higher lifestyle, spending almost all they make. It’s just foolish not to save – no matter how much you’re making.
What are some ways that you’ve avoided financial foolishness? Can you think of any other warnings the Bible gives about a fool and his money?
I agree with this Proverbs 21:20 – In the House of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. We should save more and avoid unnecessary spending.
I like Proverbs 22:7 about the borrower being servant to the lender. I try to pay cash for whatever I can, and save up for future needs. If you pay cash for your auto, nobody can take it if you lose your job. If I can’t pay cash, I probably don’t need it anyways.
After experiencing and being involved in the 5 warnings, is there a way to redeem yourself?
If you are still here there is always a way to redeem yourself. Look at the thief on the cross. Look at Jesus who commands “him” to sin no more.
Thanks Tim for a wonderful financial wisdom but the greatest of this is find first satisfaction with our relationship with God and everything will work good for those who love God. Thanks and God bless.
Great Biblical Insights…Im in total agreement with you.
what about when someone says I not trying to get rich I am just trying to make ends meet.
what about persons wanting to go into business trying to find ways to produce products has limited cash on hand but wants to go into an agreement to rent a space purchase equipment in hopes that their projected income can pay for the the space rented and the equipment over time. is this a wise thing to do?
what happens when you have lost your source of income, you owe the bank on your home, you have children in college, outstanding loans your savings are dwindling? what does one do?
I don’t know only God knows. What I strive to do in times of financial stress is pray and ask God what to do then act on whatever God tells me to do. I find that Gods answers show up in many ways. I pray for discernment and this helps me recognize when God is connecting with me. I pray that you will find the answers you’re looking for and that God will continue to guide you.
So lovely. I enjoyed every bit of this article
I ENJOYED THESE 5 VERSES ON FINANCE and my husband and I play the sax but he keeps up with it better than me and I love Catan. God really is sending me to find Godly wisdom in your blog too. Best wishes to your family! My family needs to not only receive God’s wisdom but follow it with finances at 63 with debt still holding us back and our savings is slim. FIRST, I need prayer for my husbands recognition on things with finances that are diligent and will keep us blessed! THANK YOU!