Money is something everyone thinks about.
Whether you are earning it, spending it, or trying to save it, money plays a huge role in daily life.
The Bible may not talk about retirement funds or savings accounts, but it does have a lot to say about how we handle our money.
Many people wonder if saving money is a sign of wisdom or a lack of trust in God.
Should Christians plan ahead financially, or should they give everything away and trust that God will provide?
To answer these questions, we need to look at what Scripture teaches about wealth, planning, and trusting in the Lord.
The Bible Encourages Wise Financial Planning
The Bible does not discourage saving money.
In fact, it teaches that planning for the future is a sign of wisdom.
Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
This verse reminds us that wise people do not spend everything they have.
Instead, they prepare for times when resources may be scarce.
Joseph’s story in the book of Genesis is a great example of biblical financial wisdom.
When Pharaoh had a dream about seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, Joseph advised storing food during the good years.
Genesis 41:35-36 says, “Let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food.
This food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt.”
Because of this preparation, many lives were saved.
This teaches us that setting aside resources for future needs is not a lack of faith—it is wise stewardship.
Trusting in God, Not in Wealth
While the Bible supports financial wisdom, it also warns against putting trust in money rather than in God.
Proverbs 11:28 says, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.”
Saving money is wise, but it should never become our source of security.
True security comes from God alone.
In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus teaches, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
This does not mean we should never save money.
Instead, it reminds us that earthly wealth is temporary.
If our focus is only on building wealth, we are missing what matters most.
God wants us to be responsible with our money, but He also wants our hearts to be focused on eternal things.
Avoiding Greed and Hoarding
There is a difference between saving money wisely and hoarding wealth out of fear or greed.
Some people save excessively because they are afraid of the future.
Others hold onto wealth because they do not want to share it.
Both of these attitudes are warned against in Scripture.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.”
Saving money should be done with the right heart—one that trusts God and is willing to give when needed.
Luke 12:16-21 tells the parable of a rich man who stored up more and more wealth but never considered using it for God’s purposes.
God called him a fool and said his life would be taken that very night.
Jesus ended the parable by saying, “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Saving money is good, but it should never become our highest priority.
Being Generous While Saving
The Bible encourages saving, but it also commands generosity.
Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
This means that giving to God should come first, even before saving.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 tells the rich to “be generous and willing to share.
In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.”
If we focus only on saving and never on giving, we are missing a key part of God’s financial plan.
Generosity does not mean giving everything away recklessly.
It means being willing to bless others while also being responsible with what we have.
Saving for the Right Reasons
Why we save money matters just as much as how we save it.
Some people save out of fear, while others save with the intention of blessing their families and others.
The Bible supports saving for wise reasons.
1 Timothy 5:8 says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse shows that taking care of our families is a biblical responsibility.
Having savings can help ensure that we meet our needs and provide for our loved ones.
Another good reason to save is to be prepared for unexpected expenses.
Proverbs 6:6-8 praises the ant for storing food in summer so that it has enough in winter.
Likewise, saving money allows us to be ready for medical emergencies, job loss, or other financial hardships.
The Danger of Debt
One reason to save money is to avoid falling into debt.
Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
Debt can be a heavy burden, making it difficult to give generously or provide for a family.
Saving money can help prevent unnecessary borrowing and financial stress.
Romans 13:8 advises, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
While not all debt is sinful, being careful with money and saving wisely can help avoid financial traps.
Preparing for the Future
While we cannot predict the future, we can prepare for it.
Proverbs 27:12 says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
This means that wise people take steps to prepare for potential challenges.
Saving money is one way to be prepared.
However, preparation should never lead to worry.
Matthew 6:25 reminds us, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
We should be wise in our financial planning, but we must also trust that God is our ultimate provider.
Saving with an Eternal Perspective
At the end of the day, money is just a tool.
The Bible encourages financial wisdom, but it also reminds us that wealth is temporary.
Mark 8:36 asks, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
If our focus is only on money, we are missing what really matters.
Instead of just saving for ourselves, we should use what we have to bless others and further God’s kingdom.
This means giving generously, providing for our families, and trusting that God will meet our needs.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
That includes how we manage our money.
Final Thoughts
The Bible does not discourage saving money—in fact, it supports wise financial planning.
However, it warns against trusting in wealth, hoarding out of fear, or being greedy.
Saving money should be done with the right heart—one that trusts in God, gives generously, and plans wisely for the future.
Rather than focusing on wealth alone, we should remember that everything we have ultimately belongs to God.
When we seek Him first, He will provide for all our needs.
As Philippians 4:19 promises, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”