While the Bible doesn’t mention insurance in the way we think of it today, it does speak about the importance of planning and stewardship. Let’s explore what biblical principles can guide our understanding of financial protection and trust in God’s provision.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Ashamed Of God
What Does The Bible Say About Insurance
Proverbs 6:1-5
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion— and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
This verse warns against the dangers of taking on financial responsibility for others without careful consideration, emphasizing the importance of being cautious in promising security or guarantees. It advises taking immediate action to free oneself from such obligations so as not to fall into the trap of being responsible for someone else’s debts, reminding us to exercise wisdom and discernment in financial matters.
This verse also serves as a reminder to evaluate the risks involved in providing financial security for others, highlighting the need for prudence and discernment before assuming any financial responsibility.
Proverbs 22:26-27
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
In this verse, we are cautioned against making commitments or providing collateral for debts for which we do not have the means to repay. It emphasizes the consequence of such actions, which can result in the loss of our personal possessions and security. It teaches us to exercise financial prudence and responsibility, avoiding unnecessary risks that could lead to detrimental outcomes.
This verse also serves as a reminder to consider the potential consequences of our actions and to act wisely in financial matters, ensuring that we have the means to fulfill any commitments we make or guarantees we provide.
Proverbs 27:12
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
This verse emphasizes the importance of being wise and discerning in assessing risks and taking appropriate action to protect oneself. It highlights the contrast between the prudent, who exercise caution and seek security, and the simple, who fail to recognize potential danger and suffer the consequences as a result.
This verse also serves as a reminder to carefully consider the potential risks involved in different situations and to make informed decisions to ensure our safety and security.
1 Timothy 5:8
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 stresses the importance of taking responsibility for the well-being and provision of our families. It emphasizes the need to plan and prepare for financial security, ensuring that we are not neglecting our familial obligations. By fulfilling this duty, we demonstrate our faith and commitment to God.
This verse also serves as a reminder to prioritize taking care of our loved ones and to make wise financial decisions that will contribute to their well-being.
Proverbs 21:20
The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
This verse highlights the importance of wise financial management and planning for the future. It encourages us to save and invest wisely, rather than squandering our resources in haste or impulsive decisions. By being prudent in our spending and saving, we can ensure a more secure and stable future.
This verse also serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and patience in financial matters, avoiding reckless behavior that could jeopardize our financial well-being.
Proverbs 30:24-25
Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
This verse draws wisdom from observing the habits of ants, who diligently prepare and store food during the abundance of summer to provide for themselves during times of scarcity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and preparing for the future, even when our resources may seem limited.
This verse also highlights the virtue of diligence and discipline in financial matters, as well as the wisdom of being proactive and forward-thinking in managing our resources.
Matthew 7:24-27
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
This verse uses the analogy of building a house on a solid foundation to illustrate the importance of putting Jesus’ teachings into practice. It emphasizes the need for a strong spiritual foundation to withstand the storms of life. In the context of insurance, it reminds us of the value of having a financial safety net in place to protect ourselves and our loved ones from unexpected hardships.
This verse also serves as a reminder to prioritize both our spiritual and material well-being, ensuring that we are grounded in faith while also responsibly addressing our financial security.
Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
This verse warns against the danger of greed and the false belief that material possessions bring true fulfillment and security. It calls us to have a balanced perspective on wealth and to prioritize the things of eternal value over temporal wealth.
This verse also serves as a reminder to approach financial matters with a mindset of contentment and generosity, recognizing that our true worth is not determined by our possessions.
Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
This verse contrasts the outcomes of dishonest wealth accumulation versus gradual and honest financial growth. It highlights the importance of integrity and ethical behavior in our financial dealings, as well as the benefits of disciplined saving and responsible money management.
This verse also serves as a reminder to exercise patience and perseverance in our financial endeavors, understanding that long-term stability and growth often come from consistent and gradual efforts.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
This verse warns against the pursuit of wealth as a sole source of satisfaction and fulfillment. It reminds us that an insatiable love for money can lead to emptiness and meaninglessness in life. Instead, we are called to prioritize contentment and seek fulfillment in our relationships with God and others.
This verse also serves as a reminder to align our financial goals with our values and to avoid falling into the trap of materialism and greed.
Matthew 6:19-21
“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, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize eternal treasures and invest in the things that hold lasting value, rather than being solely focused on accumulating worldly possessions. It reminds us that material wealth is temporary and vulnerable to loss, while heavenly treasures are secure and enduring.
This verse also serves as a reminder to consider the eternal perspective in financial decision-making and to align our hearts with the things that truly matter.
Proverbs 11:24-25
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
This verse highlights the principle of generosity and the rewards it brings. It teaches us that giving freely and generously not only benefits others but also leads to personal abundance and refreshing. It encourages us to have an open-handed and compassionate approach to our financial resources.
This verse also serves as a reminder to be mindful of the needs of others and to actively seek opportunities to bless and support those in need.
Proverbs 28:27
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
This verse emphasizes the blessings that come from giving to the poor and disadvantaged. It teaches us that generosity towards those in need leads to personal prosperity and abundance. It also serves as a cautionary reminder that neglecting the needs of others can result in negative consequences.
This verse serves as a call to compassion and to actively engage in acts of charity and support for the less fortunate.
Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
This verse encourages us to give generously and cheerfully, without hesitation or reluctance. It assures us that as we freely give, God will bless our efforts and provide favor in all our endeavors. It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s provision and to cultivate a spirit of generosity.
This verse also serves as a reminder to approach financial matters with a perspective of abundance rather than scarcity, trusting that God will provide for our needs as we prioritize giving.
Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
This verse speaks to the importance of compassionate action and practical support for those in need. It reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to extend a helping hand, providing for the physical and emotional needs of others. It serves as a reminder to actively participate in acts of mercy and justice.
This verse also serves as a reminder to prioritize generosity and to view our financial resources as a means to bless and uplift others.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
This verse highlights the principle of divine reward for acts of kindness and charity. It assures us that as we extend compassion and support to the poor, we are effectively lending to the Lord Himself. It serves as a reminder of the eternal significance and value of our generosity.
This verse also serves as a call to actively seek opportunities to assist those in need and to have faith in God’s faithfulness to reward our acts of kindness.
Luke 3:11
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
This verse highlights the importance of sharing our material resources with others in need. It emphasizes the virtue of selflessness and the responsibility to provide for those who lack basic necessities. It serves as a call to action to address the needs of others actively.
This verse also serves as a reminder to cultivate compassion and empathy, allowing our awareness of others’ needs to prompt us to take tangible steps towards meeting them.
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
This verse underscores the joy and blessings that come from giving and supporting the weak and vulnerable. It reminds us that selfless acts of service and provision are not only fulfilling but also align with the teachings of Jesus Himself. It encourages us to prioritize the well-being of others and find fulfillment in helping those in need.
This verse also serves as a reminder to view our work and financial resources as tools for extending love and support to others.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
This verse emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting that our generosity and giving will be multiplied back to us. It encourages us to give with a cheerful heart, willingly and without coercion, knowing that God blesses and provides abundantly for those who prioritize generosity.
This verse also serves as a reminder to trust in God’s provision and to give with faith, confident that He will supply all our needs as we continue to practice generosity.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
This verse reinforces the principle of giving and receiving, assuring us that as we give generously, we will receive abundantly. It encourages us to approach giving with a spirit of abundance and expectant faith, knowing that our generosity will be multiplied back to us.
This verse also serves as a reminder to continually evaluate the measure of our giving and to be intentional in our generosity, recognizing that the blessings we receive are aligned with the extent of our own generosity.
Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
This verse emphasizes the importance of managing our financial obligations and avoiding debt, except for the ongoing obligation to love one another. It highlights that love is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and should be our primary focus in all our relationships and interactions.
This verse also serves as a reminder to prioritize love and compassion above financial concerns, recognizing that our greatest duty is to love and care for one another.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
This verse encourages us to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above worldly concerns. It reassures us that as we focus on our relationship with God and align our lives with His will, He will provide for all our needs. It serves as a reminder to prioritize our spiritual well-being and trust in God’s faithfulness in meeting our material needs.
This verse also serves as a reminder to cultivate a mindset of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in financial matters rather than being solely driven by worldly pursuits.
Proverbs 3:9-10
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 verse encourages us to honor God with our financial resources, offering Him the first and best of what we have. It assures us that as we prioritize giving and worshiping God with our material wealth, He will bless and provide abundance in our lives. It serves as a reminder to approach our finances with a heart of gratitude and stewardship.
This verse also serves as a reminder to practice generosity and to view our wealth as a tool for honoring and glorifying God.