What does the Bible say about saving money?

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The Bible commends wise, diligent saving as faithful stewardship, while warning against greed, anxiety, and trusting wealth rather than God. Proverbs 21:20 and 13:11 praise storing resources patiently and prudently, and Proverbs 6:6-8 points to the ant’s industrious preparation. Believers should work responsibly, plan carefully, and provide for their households, as Proverbs 10:4-5, Luke 14:28, and 1 Timothy 5:8 teach. Yet savings are not our security: Hebrews 13:5 calls us to contentment in God’s presence, and 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that love of money leads many astray. We save with open hands, seeking generosity, wisdom, and confidence in the Lord’s provision.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Proverbs 21:20

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

  • Proverbs 13:11

    Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, But he who gathers by hand makes it grow.

  • Proverbs 10:4-5

    [4] He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, But the hand of the diligent brings wealth. [5] He who gathers in summer is a wise son, But he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.

  • Proverbs 13:22

    A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.

  • Proverbs 22:7

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

  • 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."

  • 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.

  • Luke 14:28

    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?

  • 1 Timothy 6:10

    For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

  • Proverbs 6:6-8

    [6] Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; [7] Which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, [8] Provides her bread in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

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