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What does the Bible say about providing for a family?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that providing for one’s family is a serious calling of love, diligence, and stewardship, while trusting God as the ultimate giver of every good gift. First Timothy 5:8 urges believers not to neglect their households, and Exodus 21:10 reflects the duty to meet a spouse’s material needs. Second Thessalonians 3:10 commends willing work rather than idleness, while Proverbs 3:27 calls us to do good when it is in our power. Yet provision is not secured by human effort alone: Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 34:10 assure God’s faithful care for His people. In all circumstances, believers rest in God’s wiser purposes, as Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 46 votes

    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.

  • Philippians 4:19 12 votes

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • Proverbs 3:27 7 votes

    Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

  • Exodus 21:10 7 votes

    If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 7 votes

    For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.”

  • Psalms 34:10 5 votes

    The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger, but those who seek Yahweh shall not lack any good thing.

  • Isaiah 55:8-9 4 votes

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says Yahweh. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

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