What does the Bible say about money management?

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The Bible teaches that money is a gift entrusted by God to be received with gratitude, managed wisely, and never allowed to rule the heart. Proverbs 3:9 calls believers to honor the Lord with their wealth, while Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God gives the power to gain it. Scripture commends diligence, saving, planning, and providing for one’s household, as seen in Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 21:20, Luke 14:28-30, and 1 Timothy 5:8. Yet it warns against debt’s bondage, greed, and false security in riches. Hebrews 13:5 and Luke 12:15 call Christians to contentment, trusting God’s providence and using earthly resources faithfully for His glory and the good of others.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 22:7

    The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

  • Proverbs 3:9

    Honor Yahweh with your substance, With the first fruits of all your increase:

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."

  • Luke 14:28-30

    [28] For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? [29] Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, [30] saying, 'This man began to build, and wasn't able to finish.'

  • Luke 16:11

    If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

  • Luke 12:15

    He said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."

  • Proverbs 10:4

    He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, But the hand of the diligent brings wealth.

  • Proverbs 21:20

    There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swallows it up.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Deuteronomy 8:18

    But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as at this day.

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