The book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom on many aspects of life, including how to manage money and possessions. These principles provide valuable guidance for making sound financial decisions and living a life that honors God. Here are ten key lessons from Proverbs that can help us develop a biblical perspective on money and live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
1. Don’t let money be the focus of your life.
“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.” –Proverbs 23:4-5
Making money should not be the primary goal of your life. It can be fleeting and disappointing if it becomes your main focus. Instead, focus on living a life of purpose and meaning, trusting that God will provide what you need.
2. Always trust God to meet your needs.
“Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” –Proverbs 30:7-9
Trust in God to provide for your needs, and avoid letting money become your god. Recognize that both abundance and lack can lead to spiritual pitfalls, and seek a balanced, contented life.
3. Your stuff does not define you.
“One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” –Proverbs 13:7
Your possessions do not define your worth. True value comes from your character and relationship with God. Focus on building a life of integrity and wisdom, rather than accumulating material wealth.
4. Be generous.
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” –Proverbs 11:24-25
Generosity blesses both the giver and the receiver. It leads to a more fulfilling and enriched life. By sharing what you have, you reflect God’s love and provision, and you open yourself up to receiving blessings in return.
5. Saving money is wise.
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” –Proverbs 6:6-8
Saving money is a wise practice. It helps you be responsible and prepared for the future. Planning ahead and being diligent in your financial habits can prevent hardship and provide security.
6. God promises to provide for you.
“The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.” –Proverbs 10:3
God promises to provide for the needs of the righteous. Trust in His provision and be content with what you have. This trust fosters a sense of peace and reliance on God’s faithfulness, rather than on material wealth.
7. Be careful with debt.
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” –Proverbs 22:7
Be very cautious with debt. It can lead to a loss of freedom and financial stress. Live within your means and avoid unnecessary debt, as it can become a burden that affects all areas of your life.
8. Put God first in everything.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” –Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor God with your resources, including your time, energy, and money. Putting God first keeps your heart in the right place and aligns your priorities with His will, leading to a life of blessing and fulfillment.
9. Financial success takes time and effort.
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” –Proverbs 10:4
Financial success requires hard work, patience, and diligence. It doesn’t happen overnight. Consistent effort and wise decision-making are key to building lasting wealth and stability.
10. Money won’t solve all your problems.
“The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat.” –Proverbs 13:8
While money can make some aspects of life easier, it won’t solve all your problems. True peace and fulfillment come from a close walk with God, not from material possessions. Rely on God’s wisdom and guidance to navigate life’s challenges.
It’s amazing how much wisdom is packed into these ancient texts, and how relevant they still are today. By applying these principles, we can navigate our financial lives with more confidence and peace, knowing that we’re aligning our actions with God’s wisdom.
This post was based on the sermon “Wisdom on Wealth,” delivered by David Smith on February 9, 2025. To explore these topics further, you can watch or listen to the entire sermon.