What does the Bible say about money?
The Bible speaks extensively about money, not as a neutral topic, but as a spiritual matter with eternal implications. Scripture presents a balanced view: money can be used for great good when stewarded faithfully, but it can also become a snare when loved, idolized, or pursued without regard for God’s will.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible treats money as a heart issue. Jesus Himself spoke about it often, knowing that the way we handle resources reveals what we value most. This article explores what the Bible teaches about money—its dangers, purposes, and role in a life of faith.
1. The Bible Warns Against the Love of Money
The Bible does not condemn money itself, but it consistently warns against loving it. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:10, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” This means that money, when elevated above God, can fuel greed, dishonesty, exploitation, and idolatry.
Jesus echoes this warning in Matthew 6:24: “You cannot serve both God and money.” Here, money becomes a rival master, competing for our devotion. When money governs our decisions, it shapes our priorities away from God’s kingdom and toward self-centered gain.
2. Money as a Test of Stewardship
According to the Bible, the way we manage money is a measure of our trustworthiness and spiritual maturity. Luke 16:10–11 teaches that “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Our financial choices reflect whether we see ourselves as owners or stewards.
Faithful stewardship means:
Using resources for God’s purposes, not selfish ambition.
Caring for the needs of others (Acts 2:44–45; 1 John 3:17).
Living within God-honoring priorities, not pursuing excess for its own sake.
Generosity is central in this stewardship. The Bible commends giving as an act of worship, like the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41–44—small in amount but rich in sacrifice.
3. The Deceptive Nature of Wealth
The Bible warns that money can create a false sense of security. Proverbs 11:28 says, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” Wealth can fade suddenly through circumstances beyond our control, reminding us that only God’s provision is truly secure.
Jesus also warns about the “deceitfulness of riches” (Mark 4:19), which can choke spiritual growth. The pursuit of wealth for its own sake often blinds people to eternal realities and the needs of others.
4. Contentment Over the Pursuit of Riches
Rather than urging believers to seek financial abundance, the Bible encourages contentment. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11–12 that he learned to be content in every situation—whether in plenty or in want. This contentment grows from trust in God’s provision, not from bank account balances.
The Scriptures caution that chasing wealth can lead to spiritual ruin (1 Timothy 6:9). Contentment frees believers from the endless cycle of accumulation and allows them to focus on eternal treasures (Matthew 6:19–21).
5. The Eternal Perspective on Money
In the Bible, God’s valuation often differs from human valuation. The widow’s two small coins (Mark 12:43–44) outweighed the large sums given by others because her offering was sacrificial and from the heart. This illustrates that God judges not the amount but the motive.
Ultimately, the Bible calls believers to view money in light of eternity. Financial resources are temporary tools for advancing God’s kingdom, not ends in themselves. When money serves God’s purposes—through generosity, justice, and mercy—it becomes a blessing both in this life and in the life to come.
Conclusion: What the Bible Says About Money
So, what does the Bible say about money? It teaches that money is a powerful tool and a dangerous temptation. It can bless others, support ministry, and reflect God’s generosity—or it can become an idol that corrupts the heart.
The Bible calls for a posture of stewardship, generosity, and contentment, rooted in trust that God will provide. In the light of the Gospel, money is not the measure of success but a means to honor Christ, serve others, and store up treasure in heaven.
Bible verses about money:
1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other… You cannot serve God and money."
Proverbs 11:28, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage."
Luke 16:10–11, "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much… if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?"
Hebrews 13:5, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have."
Ecclesiastes 5:10, "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase."
Proverbs 22:7, "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Matthew 6:19–20, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Mark 12:43–44, "This poor widow has put in more than all those who have given… for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had."
