Growing up, many of us were told that money is evil, and we should avoid chasing wealth. I remember feeling conflicted about financial success, fearing it might pull me away from God’s will. However, as I studied Scripture, I realized that while the Bible does warn about the dangers of wealth, it also provides guidance on how to manage it responsibly.
The truth is, God calls us to be good stewards, and part of that responsibility includes learning how to earn, invest, and manage our wealth wisely. The Bible doesn’t tell us to avoid wealth, but to steward it well. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NLT) says, “Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you. But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.”
This passage highlights the importance of both investing and managing resources prudently. Balancing wealth and faith means learning how to grow what God has given us while keeping our trust in Him. But that’s only the beginning. Scripture has much more to say about how we handle money, including investing.
The Dangers of Loving Money
One of the Bible’s clearest warnings about wealth comes from 1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT): “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” It’s crucial to note that this verse does not say that money itself is evil. Rather, it warns about the love of money. When we prioritize wealth over our relationship with God, we open the door to temptation and spiritual downfall.
Proverbs 11:28 (NLT) reinforces this: “Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.” This verse highlights that our trust should not rest in financial security but in God’s provision. Money can be a blessing, but it can also become an idol if we allow it to take the place of God in our hearts.
A practical way to guard against the love of money is by regularly assessing our priorities. Are we pursuing wealth only for personal gain, or are we managing it to honor God and advance His kingdom? By keeping our focus on God’s purposes, we can ensure that wealth doesn’t take control of our lives.
The Call to Stewardship
Scripture consistently emphasizes that we are stewards of everything God has entrusted to us, including our finances. Jesus makes this clear in Luke 16:10-11 (NLT): “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” This passage connects how we handle money with our spiritual maturity.
Good stewardship involves more than just avoiding waste, it includes learning how to manage wealth effectively. This means budgeting, saving, and even investing. Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NLT) encourages us to “divide your investments among many places,” which speaks to the wisdom of diversifying our resources.
Learning financial management isn’t contrary to faith; it’s part of it. We honor God when we handle our money wisely and use it to serve others and further His kingdom.
Biblical Support for Investing
Investing isn’t a modern concept. Scripture acknowledges the importance of multiplying resources. One of the most direct examples is found in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In this story, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money, and while two servants invest and multiply their master’s money, the third hides it out of fear. The servants who invested were praised, while the one who hid the money was condemned for his lack of initiative.
This parable teaches us that God expects us to multiply the resources He gives us. Whether it’s time, talents, or finances, we are accountable for how we use what He has provided. Investing, when done wisely and without greed, is one way to honor God by growing what we’ve been given.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NLT) encourages taking calculated risks through investment, while also practicing diversification to avoid unnecessary loss. Another biblical principle on investing comes from Proverbs 21:5 (NLT): “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”
This verse reinforces the value of thoughtful financial planning and long-term effort. Just as successful investing requires diligence and careful strategy, the Bible encourages us to approach our financial decisions with wisdom and patience, avoiding reckless or impulsive moves.
The Bible clearly shows that multiplying resources is part of responsible stewardship, but it must be done with wisdom, prayer, and a heart focused on serving God rather than just personal gain.
Generosity: The Fruit of Stewardship
While managing and growing wealth is important, the Bible also calls us to be generous with what we have. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT), Paul writes, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'” Our giving should flow from a heart of gratitude and trust, not out of obligation.
Generosity is a key part of balancing wealth and faith. It’s one of the ways we demonstrate that our trust is in God, not in our material wealth. When we give, we reflect God’s generosity toward us and acknowledge that all we have ultimately belongs to Him. Luke 6:38 (NLT) says, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.”
Practicing generosity helps keep us grounded. It reminds us that wealth is not the goal. Our ultimate purpose is to serve God and love others.
Trusting God While Managing Wealth
At the core of biblical financial teaching is the reminder that our trust should always remain in God, not in our wealth. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NLT) encourages us to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” This means that while we work hard and manage our resources, we trust God as the ultimate provider.
It’s entirely possible to earn money, invest wisely, and still live a life of faith that depends fully on God. The key is balance, understanding that wealth is a tool for stewardship, not a source of security. When we manage wealth according to biblical principles, we free ourselves from the pressures of greed and anxiety, and we open the door to living a life that honors God in every area.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Wealth and Investing
The Bible offers a balanced and holistic view of wealth. It warns us against the dangers of loving money, but it also encourages wise stewardship, which includes investing and multiplying the resources God has entrusted to us.
We are called to manage our finances responsibly, to be generous, and most importantly, to trust in God above all else. By doing so, we honor God with our wealth and live in a way that reflects His goodness and provision.