When one reads the Bible, one will realize that God is anything but silent when it comes to money. It is often said that one of the most mentioned topics in the Bible is money and possessions. Why is that? I believe it’s because God knows that we will struggle with money issues.
The Bible serves as a timeless guide for every aspect of our lives, including financial matters. Saving and investing are integral components of wise financial stewardship, and the Scriptures provide valuable insights and principles to guide our actions. In this column, we will explore what the Bible says about saving and investing, drawing upon its wisdom to understand the importance of responsible financial management and how it can align with our faith.
The principle of diligence
The Bible emphasizes the principle of diligence in managing our resources. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us: “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Saving and investing require discipline, patience and careful planning. It encourages us to work hard, save diligently and make wise investment decisions that align with God’s principles.
The concept of stewardship
The Bible teaches us that everything we have belongs to God, and we are stewards entrusted with managing His resources. This includes our finances. As faithful stewards, we are called to manage our money wisely and responsibly. Luke 16:10 highlights the importance of faithfulness in small things, stating: “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.”
Avoiding greed and materialism
The Bible warns against the dangers of greed and materialism. Luke 12:15 cautions: “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Saving and investing should not be driven by a desire for excessive wealth or earthly possessions. Instead, our focus should be on honoring God and using our financial resources to bless others.
The principle of diversification Ecclesiastes 11:2 advises: “But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.” This verse encourages us to diversify our investments and not put all our eggs in one basket. Diversification helps mitigate risk and ensures that we are not overly dependent on a single investment or income source.
Planning for the future
The Bible encourages us to plan for the future while remaining mindful of God’s sovereignty. Proverbs 6:6-8 highlights the wisdom of ants, which store food in the summer to prepare for the winter. Similarly, we are called to save and invest wisely to provide for our needs and the needs of our families. However, we must also trust in God’s provision and remain open to His guidance.
Generosity and giving
While saving and investing are important, the Bible also emphasizes the virtue of generosity and giving. Proverbs 11:24-25 teaches: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” As we accumulate wealth, it is essential to remember to give generously to support God’s work, bless others and meet the needs of the less fortunate.
The Bible offers timeless wisdom on saving and investing, guiding us toward responsible financial stewardship. Through financial principles learned from the Bible, we can align our financial decisions with timeless godly principles. By embracing these teachings, we can achieve financial security, bless others through our abundance and ultimately honor God with our resources. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, making sound financial choices that reflect our commitment to follow the biblical teachings on saving and investing, and how we handle money in general. Go be financially empowered so that you can be a blessing. Remember that everything we have should be for the kingdom of God. INQ
I’m happy to announce that I will soon publish a book entitled “Money By The Book,” which will explore biblical financial principles.
Randell Tiongson is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 103rd RFP program this September 2023. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text 0917-6248110.