What does God want us to do with our money?
According to God's Word, there are four fundamental purposes for money: to provide for basic needs, to confirm direction, to give to those in need, and to illustrate God's power and care in provision. Understanding these purposes allows you to see how money relates to God's work in your life and community.
According to God's Word, there are four fundamental purposes for money: to provide for basic needs, to confirm direction, to give to those in need, and to illustrate God's power and care in provision. Understanding these purposes allows you to see how money relates to God's work in your life and community.
Spend less than you earn.
We're taught that we can and should buy what we want, when we want, regardless of consequences. Proverbs 13:11 states, “Wealth quickly gotten dwindles away, but amassed little by little, it grows.”
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
The Bottom Line
The 50-30-20 rule provides individuals with a plan for how to manage their after-tax income. If they find that their expenditures on wants are more than 30%, for example, they can find ways to reduce those expenses and direct funds to more important areas, such as emergency money and retirement.
So, what does biblical generosity look like? First, we're called to give some of our money for kingdom purposes. This is something you can do whether you're a millionaire or still working to get out of debt. Proverbs 3:9 (NKJV) says, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.”
Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 2 Corinthians 9:8: And God will generously provide all you need.
Proverbs 21:20 says, “A wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.” Saving is making provision for tomorrow. The most effective way to save is to do it every time you receive income.
Proverbs 21:20: "A wise man saves for the future, but a fool spends whatever he gets."
Manage wisely the finances God entrusts to our care, with an eye on the future. Jesus commands, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20), giving our uppermost attention and ambitions to what lasts for eternity. Jesus commands us to become “faithful and wise manager[s]” (Luke 12:42, 16:10–12).
What does God say about struggling with money?
In Hebrews 13, Paul reminds us to “keep our lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.” No matter how big your dreams are, remember to be content now. The God of the universe is for you, and that is more than enough.
While God does not expect us to live on nothing, he does require us to maximise our resources for the building of God's kingdom. Those fortunate enough to be born into affluence have a responsibility to use their wealth to provide for those who don't have enough.
The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals. Let's take a closer look at each category.
- Build up an emergency fund. ...
- Invest the money in a low-cost index fund. ...
- Use the money to further education or skills. ...
- Save for emergencies. ...
- Invest in long-term growth. ...
- Start a business. ...
- Spend on experiences. ...
- Donate to charity.
There's an old saying: Money is meant to be spent. After all, why else are you working if not to enjoy your money and make life better for the people you love? However, it's important to know how and why you spend money. Healthy spending habits should reflect what truly matters to you, now and in the future.
Biblical financial stewardship requires prioritizing God in our finances. This includes giving to God first through tithes and offerings. The principle of tithing involves giving a tenth of our income back to God as an act of worship and trust in His provision (Malachi 3:10). By prioritizing God's kingdom first (Matt.
Saving Honors God and Serves Others
Yet the Bible actually encourages us to set aside for expected, future needs. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (ESV). Saving honors God because it values money as a gift that He has given to us.
What the Bible says about borrowing: Exodus 22:14 - If anything is borrowed, it should be paid back. If what is borrowed is lost or injured, full restitution must be made. Ps 37:21 - The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.
- We tithe. “'Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ...
- We provide for specific needs. ...
- We get out of debt and stay out of debt. ...
- We live contently. ...
- We don't fret about finances.
You are the God who provides all my needs according to your riches in Glory. I come to You as I am struggling financially, asking for your provision. Remove my fear, doubt, and unbelief. Fill me with Your peace and confidence in the promise of your care for me in time of need.
How do I surrender my finances to God?
Tithing—giving the first 10% of your income to your local church—is like the training wheels for living generously. It's a practical way to demonstrate you put God first in your life. Once you get in the habit of living with an open hand, generosity becomes not just something you do—it becomes who you are.
“Don't keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value.
Here are a few verses that you may find helpful: Proverbs 13:11: "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 21:20: "A wise man saves for the future, but a fool spends whatever he gets."
- 1 Timothy 6:6–10. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. ...
- Hebrews 13:5. ...
- Luke 12:13–21. ...
- Proverbs 11:24. ...
- Ecclesiastes 5:10–13. ...
- James 5:1–3. ...
- 1 Corinthians 5:11. ...
- 1 Timothy 6:17–19.
The Bible clearly says, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction” [1 Tim 6:9]. The temptation to gain more money leads people to work long hours, neglect God, family, and even gain money through sinful means.