Let me start by saying that it was difficult to create this list. Think about it—I'm trying to pick the best verses from the Bible about a particular topic. But are there really best verses, or are there just those that have impacted us more than others?
I tend to think the latter.
So this list is just that. These are the five Bible verses on money that, even as I just scratch the surface of understanding them, have revolutionized my financial life. Each one of them has had a strong impact on many decisions in my life. I hope you allow them to impact you, as well, and that they'll give you a better glimpse into what the Bible says about money.
1. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 NLT
If you've lived much life at all, you're probably well aware that putting your trust in the economy, your employer, or your bank account is not a good idea. They are all fair-weather friends. They can be helping you greatly one minute, and then the next everything has changed.
God, however, is always faithful. That is why we should always trust Him as our supply! It doesn’t matter if there's a financial crisis, if you get laid off, or your 401k loses 37 percent overnight—God will still supply your needs. Just like He promised.
2. "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do," says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put Me to the test!" – Malachi 3:10 NLT
It is a bold step of faith to start tithing. Some people argue that tithing is not required in the New Testament. I actually agree, since our salvation is no longer based on works, but on faith in Jesus. But to be quite honest, as New Testament believers, 10 percent should just be a mile-marker on our giving journey. After all, God owns it all, and no matter where we are with our giving, we should always be striving to give more. From my own personal tithing experience, I found that stepping out in faith in this area proved to be quite fruitful and yielded a pretty amazing testimony.
3. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:10 NLT
This verse is often misquoted. Money on its own is not evil; the love of money is. Having a million dollars in your bank account doesn’t mean that you love it. Having five dollars in your account doesn’t prove that you don’t.
For example, Warren Buffett has billions of dollars in his accounts, but he's giving almost all of it away to benefit the lives of others. On the other hand, I've heard stories of people getting killed over a matter of twenty dollars. It's a heart posture that only God can judge.
4. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." – Acts 20:35 NLT
Giving sets us free, while hoarding entraps us (James 5:2). Giving changes the lives of others (John 3:16). Giving brings blessing back to us (Luke 6:38). Giving allows us to store up treasures in Heaven rather than here on the earth (Matthew 19:21). Giving really is fun—we need to be in on it.
5. Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. – Proverbs 22:7 NLT
The freedom of being debt-free has always been so incredibly enticing to me that I've been willing to give up a whole lot in exchange for it. The last three or so years, my wife and I have been diligently chopping away at our debt, passing up opportunities to spend as frivolously as some of our peers have done. Getting out of debt is not easy and often requires a fight, but the freedom that comes with it is so worth it.
