Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionHandling money is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the importance of financial stewardship, generosity, and the ethical use of resources. The Scriptures provide guidance on how believers should manage their finances, emphasizing principles such as honesty, contentment, and the avoidance of greed.
Stewardship and ResponsibilityThe Bible portrays money as a tool entrusted to individuals by God, who is the ultimate owner of all resources. Believers are called to be good stewards of their financial resources. In the Parable of the Talents (
Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of using what God has given wisely and productively. The servants who invest their talents are commended, while the one who hides his talent is rebuked.
Honesty and IntegrityScripture emphasizes the importance of honesty in financial dealings.
Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This highlights the need for integrity in business and personal transactions. Believers are called to conduct themselves truthfully and fairly, reflecting God's character in their financial interactions.
Contentment and Avoidance of GreedThe Bible warns against the dangers of greed and the love of money.
1 Timothy 6:10 cautions, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Contentment is encouraged as a virtue, with
Hebrews 13:5 advising, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'"
Generosity and GivingGenerosity is a key biblical principle in handling money. Believers are encouraged to give cheerfully and sacrificially.
2 Corinthians 9:7 states, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." The act of giving is seen as a reflection of God's generosity and a means to support the work of the church and aid those in need.
Avoiding DebtThe Bible advises caution regarding debt.
Proverbs 22:7 observes, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." While not explicitly prohibiting borrowing, Scripture encourages living within one's means and avoiding the bondage that excessive debt can bring.
Planning and SavingPrudent financial planning and saving are commended in the Bible.
Proverbs 21:20 notes, "Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." This suggests the wisdom of setting aside resources for future needs and emergencies, reflecting foresight and discipline.
ConclusionThe biblical approach to handling money encompasses a range of principles that guide believers in managing their finances in a way that honors God. By practicing stewardship, integrity, contentment, generosity, and prudence, Christians can navigate financial matters in alignment with biblical teachings.
Topical Bible Verses
Luke 16:11If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Topicalbible.orgLuke 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
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Proverbs 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends it up.
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Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
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Library
Foreign Exchange.
... And thehandling of themoney has been so thoroughly systematized, too, that, as
a rule, a very small proportion is taken up in keeping the banks running, the...
Limitations.
... Andmoney is less than personal service.... The man who can draw a large check for some
good object, and who may by dint of much dexteroushandling be induced to...
For this Deep and Disabling Reason Therefore, Its Cynical and...
... Above all, we have the same great upperclass assumption that things are done best
by large institutionshandling large sums ofmoney and ordering everybody...
How God Gives.
... And so he volunteersmoney for a number of libraries throughout that city.... a keen,
cunning pretender-prince who is a past-master in the fine art ofhandling men...
The Gains of the Faithful Steward
... And so the first point that is suggested in regard to this matter of faithfulness
about thehandling of outward good is... Mediaeval barons leftmoney for masses....
Spirit Alchemy.
... There is a divine alchemy wherebymoney may be transmuted into redeemed, purified,
uplifted lives... a man may put in the gold intrusted to hishandling and there...
Acts xvi. 13, 14
... Lo, even miracles, and yet love ofmoney was mightier... with his hammer, and each artisan
with his several instruments, and you will find eachhandling his proper...
A Corps Commander
... of Salvationists already attached to his corps; to raisemoney for the... there are
occasions when matters of contention arise which require carefulhandling....
2 Cor. viii. 7
... no mode of persuasion, but moves heaven and earth [816] inhandling his argument....
Ye are flourishing [823] inmoney; they in life [824] and in boldness towards...
The Value of Life
... Let us go at this study with the sense ofhandling something great, which may have...
to the respectable and well to do, for it took leisure andmoney to obey the...
Resources
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