Making money is a big part of life. But what does the Bible say about it? In short, the Bible doesn’t condemn making money. It’s more about how you make it and what you do with it.
The Bible encourages honest, hard work and sees it as a way to provide for yourself and others. But, it warns against greed and the love of money. It’s not about the amount in your bank account, but the attitude in your heart.
Want to know more about balancing making money with your spiritual life? Keep reading for some biblical wisdom on wealth and work.
What Does the Bible Say About Making Money?
When it comes to making money, the Bible offers a balanced perspective. It’s neither all praise nor all caution. Instead, it provides guidance on how to approach wealth and work in a way that honors God.
First off, hard work is commended. The Bible views work as a means to provide for oneself and one’s family, and even to help those in need. This approach to work reflects diligence, responsibility, and integrity.
But, there’s a big “but” here. The Bible strongly cautions against letting money become your master. The love of money, not money itself, is described as a root of all kinds of evil. It’s when the pursuit of wealth overshadows other values that problems arise.
Jesus spoke a lot about money. He warned about the dangers of wealth becoming an idol, something that takes God’s place in our hearts. His teachings encourage a focus on spiritual riches rather than merely earthly wealth.
God’s view on wealth is also about how it’s used. The Bible encourages generosity and caring for the less fortunate. It’s not just about how much you make, but how you use it to bless others.
The New Testament continues this theme. It teaches that while wealth is allowed, it should be handled with humility and awareness of its temporary nature. It’s a resource for doing good, not an end in itself.
So, making money? The Bible says go for it, but with the right heart and priorities. Work hard, be honest, and use your resources to reflect God’s love and generosity.
Bible Verses About Making Money
- Proverbs 10:4 – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work in achieving financial stability.
- Proverbs 13:11 – “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Here, the Bible cautions against quick, potentially dishonest ways to wealth, advocating for steady and honest accumulation.
- Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus teaches the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over monetary wealth.
- 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” This verse warns against the dangers of allowing the pursuit of wealth to become a primary focus in life.
- Proverbs 22:16 – “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” This verse highlights the sin of exploiting others for financial gain and cautions against unbalanced wealth distribution.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” This verse speaks to the futility of finding fulfillment solely in accumulating wealth.
- Luke 12:15 – “And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'” In this teaching, Jesus highlights the importance of focusing on more than just material wealth. He urges caution against letting greed and the desire for possessions dominate one’s life.
- Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” This proverb reinforces the value of faithfulness and integrity over the reckless pursuit of wealth. It suggests that there is virtue in patience and honesty in financial matters.
- Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” This verse encourages contentment and trust in God’s provision, rather than an incessant pursuit of more money.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” This verse from the New Testament underscores the principle of working to provide for oneself and not relying on others unjustly.
These verses collectively offer a comprehensive view of the Bible’s teachings on making money. They emphasize the importance of hard work, integrity, and using wealth responsibly. The Bible encourages a healthy relationship with money, where it serves as a tool for good and not an ultimate goal or idol. Through these teachings, believers are guided to balance their financial pursuits with their spiritual values and responsibilities.