by Hannah Curtis

Created on: May 18, 2009

The Bible is a minefield of information, historical documentation, parables and valuable lessons on lifestyle and morals. This article explores the extensive finance guidance provided throughout Scriptures.

The book of Proverbs contains a number of verses which contain tips for personal budgeting. And there is a useful parable recorded in the Gospel of Luke, advising readers to make sure they have the necessary funds in order to start and finish a project, whether large or small, 'for which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it; lest perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all those seeing begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish (14:28-30).'

Scriptures continually gives the message for us not to fall into discontent. There is reference to this in the Psalms, the gospels of Luke and Matthew, and the books of Ecclesiastes, Philippians, Hebrews, Thessalonians, and Timothy. When a comfortable level of financial stability is reached, it is important then to be satisfied. For the quest for excess wealth can lead to a wrong way of life, and away from God. 'For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (Timothy 6:7-10).'

The Psalms has a forthright message regarding individual debt in chapter 37:21, 'the wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.' The books of Deuteronomy, Kings, Proverbs and Romans also make clear reference that debt is against God's will. The book of Proverbs gives a number of warnings against getting wealthy quickly, generally the advice is to avoid get rich quick schemes and scams, and to earn slow and steady at honest work. Chapter 28:19-20 reflects this concisely, 'He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty. A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.'

The Gospel of Matthew records the parable of the Talents; the message concerning investment. 'Since we are God's stewards, we must invest our money (God's money) in ways that God instructs. If your broker disobeyed you, you'd fire him. So, don't disobey God's instructions or God will no longer ask you to be His caretaker of His wealth, and will be likely to stop blessing you. Seek knowledge from God and the Bible. Fools refuse instruction.' The conclusion was that sensible investment which gives the same in return is commended behaviour. However the response was harsh against the unfortunate servant who kept their talent out of circulation, 'You wicked, lazy slave...you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.'

These are but a few examples from scriptures regarding personal finance tips; the advice is sensible, and geared to promote a happy, fulfilled lifestyle, following God's will and command.

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