What does the Bible say about money?

God’s message about money in the Bible is ultimately that we are not to love money but instead to be generous with it and to be content with what we do have. Being free from the unhealthy love of money means we don’t have to be controlled by it. We can love money whether we have it or not, therefore the difference may lie in whether money is a tool that we use, or a master we serve.

God recognises that most will be able to make money through work but God is equally aware that some will fall on hard times and will require a helping hand due to personal circumstances. The Bible from the Old Testament through to the New Testament highlights how God is always asking his people to care for the less fortunate and to extend kindness using our money, time and resources.

There are two major misconceptions about money and the Bible that is important to highlight here:

• Having plenty of money or being rich is not inherently evil; and

• Not being rich doesn’t automatically mean a person is perfect, or righteous or more loved by God.

God wants you to trust that he knows what you need to live on earth and that he will meet those needs. Along the journey there may be disappointment and a struggle to keep the faith in the midst of trying times, but I encourage you to take it day by day knowing that God is compassionate and sees your needs.

In some seasons you will have less than enough, just enough or more than enough. By trusting in God we keep fear and anxiety low and faith in him high.

Here are some scriptures taken from the Bible that can give you an understanding of what God says about different aspects of having money and handling money in the Bible: 

God does not want us to love money or material things. God knows these things come and go in different seasons in life so we can’t be controlled by it. God wants us to be free in him. (‘So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’ John 8:36)

‘For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.’ 1 Timothy 6:10

‘Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.’ Ecclesiastes 5:10

‘“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.’ Matthew 6:24

‘Then he said to them, ​“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’ Luke 12:15

God loves it when we give to others as it serves as a way we imitate him as the ultimate giver. Compassion is often demonstrated in a form of giving:

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ​“Then the righteous will answer him, ​‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ​“The King will reply, ​‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 35–40

‘In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ​‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

‘And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.’ Hebrews 13:16

The Bible mentions contentment quite often. God wants us to be grateful for what we do have at the very least. Anything extra is a bonus and a reason to appreciate him even more.

‘But godliness with contentment is great gain.’ 1 Timothy 6:6

‘I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.’ Philippians 4:11–12

​‘But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.’ 1 Timothy 6:8

God is so kind and caring. He truly knows each of us by name. God calls us to share all he has given us with one another in our neighbourhood and community. Through generosity we serve and help each other.

‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ 2 Corinthians 9:7

‘A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.’ Proverbs 11:25

‘Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.’ Deuteronomy 15:10

‘Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.’ Psalm 112:5

‘The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.’ Proverbs 22:9

‘…if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.’ Romans 12:8

‘Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.’ 2 Corinthians 9:6

God ultimately wants us to steward the money he gives us in a responsible way, there are many scriptures about the power of planning in regards to money that link to the idea of being responsible and to not waste the resources graciously given to us by God.

‘Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?’ Luke 14:28

‘Jesus told his disciples: ​“There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ​‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ Luke 16:1,2

Here at CAP we recognise that there are many reasons why you may need a helping hand. Things can be tight, despite budgets and being careful due to the increase of costs of essentials nationwide. For free, non-judgmental support with your money and debt help click here to start your journey with CAP.