Managing Money By the Book

Some Biblical Principles on Managing Money:


1. The Principle of HONEST GAIN.

PROVERBS 10:2 (nrsv). Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit.

PROVERBS 13:11 (nrsv). Wealth hastily gotten will dwindle.

There is nothing wrong with accumulating wealth and income. For a godly man or woman, wealth can be an asset to be used in ways that honor God greatly. John Wesley - founder of Methodism - is noted for having said "Earn all you can." But he was careful to clarify that advice - he told people to "earn all you can," as long as it was not at the expense of one's character, health or well-being.

Read John Wesley's "The Use of Money" for an interesting perspective on Christian money management. The language is a little old-fashioned, but the principles are timeless!

See also this article on avoiding get-rich-quick schemes!


2. The Principle of LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS.

PROVERBS 22:7 (nrsv). The borrower is the slave of the lender.

Of course it is true that "living within your means" can be very difficult on a limited income. This article from Crown Ministries may offer some help, along with this article on the dangers of debt.


3. The Principle of KINGDOM INVESTMENT.

PROVERBS 3:9-10 (nkjv). Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty.

MATTHEW 6:21 (nrsv). Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

LUKE 16:13 (nlt). No one can serve two masters...You cannot serve both God and money.

How do I begin to invest in God's Kingdom when I am already over-extended in my financial life? This article may provide some help.


4. The Principle of CONTENTMENT.

PROVERBS 15:16 (nlt). Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

HEBREWS 13:5 (nkjv). Be content with such things as you have. For he himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

If your whole life is built around discontent - this article on Contentment may provide you an outline for helping to put this principle into practice.

The message on Sunday discussed the Time magazine cover story. Read the article for yourself - "Does God Want You To Be Rich?" - and see what you think about the claims of "prosperity theology" in light of biblical principles.