The Bible speaks about preparation, especially during times of need. From Joseph’s story to Proverbs, there are lessons on saving and planning wisely. Here’s what the Bible teaches about preparing for hard times.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Respecting Others Beliefs
What Does The Bible Say About Preparing For Famine
Genesis 41:35
And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
This verse illustrates the importance of preparing for times of famine. It teaches us to be proactive in saving and storing resources during seasons of abundance, so that we have enough to sustain us during times of scarcity.
In our own lives, this verse encourages us to save and be diligent in our financial planning, ensuring that we have enough to meet our needs and help others during difficult times.
Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
This verse uses the example of ants to admonish laziness and teach the importance of preparation. Just as ants diligently work to store food during plentiful times, we should also be wise and diligent in preparing for seasons of scarcity.
By being proactive and responsible stewards of our resources, we can develop a mindset of preparedness that will benefit us and those around us in times of need.
Proverbs 22:3
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
This verse emphasizes the importance of being prudent and foresighted in recognizing potential dangers or challenges, including famine. The wise take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.
By staying informed, practicing discernment, and taking necessary precautions, we can navigate challenging times with wisdom and make the necessary preparations to safeguard our well-being.
Proverbs 27:12
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Similar to the previous verse, this passage reiterates the importance of being prudent and cautious when faced with potential dangers or crises. The wise take necessary steps to protect themselves, while the naive or careless continue on their path, often facing avoidable consequences as a result.
In the context of preparing for famine, this verse reminds us of the need to heed warnings, seek guidance, and make wise choices in order to mitigate the impact of such devastating circumstances.
Genesis 6:21
And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.
This verse speaks to the actions of Noah, who, in obedience to God, gathered food and provisions in preparation for the destructive flood. His preparation allowed him and his family, as well as the animals on the ark, to survive the crisis.
This serves as a reminder for us to be proactive and prepare for future challenges, including the possibility of famine, so that we may be equipped to provide for ourselves and those in need.
Proverbs 21:20
The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
This proverb highlights the disparity between wisdom and foolishness in regard to resource management and preparation. The wise are characterized by their ability to save and store provisions, while the foolish indulge in immediate consumption with no regard for the future.
By emulating the wise and practicing self-control in our consumption habits, we can ensure that we have enough resources to sustain ourselves and contribute to the well-being of others, even in times of famine.
Proverbs 30:25
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.
This verse draws attention to the industrious nature of ants, who diligently gather and store food during seasons of abundance. Despite their small size, they exhibit foresight and preparation in anticipation of leaner times.
Similarly, we are encouraged to adopt an attitude of preparation, recognizing that our efforts during times of plenty can help sustain us and others during periods of scarcity.
Matthew 25:4
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
In the parable of the ten virgins, this verse highlights the preparedness of the wise virgins who carried extra oil for their lamps. While the foolish virgins had to leave to buy more oil, the wise were ready for the bridegroom’s arrival.
This parable reminds us of the importance of being ready and prepared for unexpected events, such as famine, by ensuring that we have enough provisions to sustain ourselves and help others in need.
Proverbs 19:24
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
This proverb portrays the laziness and lack of preparedness exhibited by a sluggard. Despite being presented with an easy opportunity to feed himself, the sluggard fails even to bring his hand to his mouth.
This verse serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to avoid complacency and to take action in preparing for challenges, including famine, instead of expecting others to provide for us.
Proverbs 28:19
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
This verse teaches the importance of diligence and responsible work in acquiring provisions. Those who diligently cultivate their land and engage in productive endeavors will have an abundance of sustenance, whereas those who are idle or pursue meaningless pursuits will suffer from poverty.
By developing a strong work ethic and prioritizing productive endeavors, we can better prepare for times of famine and ensure our provisions.
2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
This verse reminds us of the principle of sowing and reaping. It encourages us to be generous in our provisions and to sow abundantly, trusting that we will reap a plentiful harvest in return.
By adopting a mindset of generosity and investing our resources wisely, we can lay a foundation of abundance that will sustain us and enable us to bless others even in times of famine.
Proverbs 24:27
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and planning. It encourages us to prepare and establish our work before pursuing other endeavors, indicating that we should secure our provisions before attending to other priorities.
In relation to preparing for famine, this verse underscores the need to prioritize the acquisition of resources and ensure our basic needs are met before focusing on more secondary concerns.
Proverbs 28:8
Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
This verse emphasizes the principle of generosity and its impact on one’s prosperity. Those who accumulate wealth through ethical means have the opportunity to share their resources with the less fortunate, where generosity becomes the virtuous cycle that benefits both the giver and the receiver.
By cultivating a heart of generosity and practicing wise financial stewardship, we can help alleviate the effects of famine on others and contribute to the well-being of our communities.
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This passage reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly possessions and wealth. It encourages us to focus on storing up treasures in heaven, which are eternal and unaffected by the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the material world.
While preparing for famine is wise, this verse encourages us not to place our ultimate security in earthly provisions, but to prioritize our relationship with God and the things of eternal significance.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
This proverb highlights the importance of legacy and generational provision. It encourages individuals to wisely manage their resources and assets so that they can leave a lasting inheritance for their descendants.
Preparing for famine involves not only ensuring immediate sustenance but also making provisions to safeguard the well-being of future generations. This verse calls us to adopt a long-term perspective in our financial planning.
Proverbs 3:9-10
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.
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring God with our wealth and possessions. It encourages us to prioritize giving back to God and supporting His work, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty over our lives.
By faithfully giving and stewarding our resources according to God’s principles, we can trust in His provision during times of scarcity, knowing that He will bless and multiply what we have.
Luke 12:15
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of material possessions and urges us to avoid greed and covetousness. It cautions against placing excessive value on worldly wealth as the primary source of fulfillment or security.
While preparing for famine is important, this verse prompts us to maintain a perspective grounded in the understanding that our true worth and purpose lie beyond the accumulation of possessions.
1 Timothy 6:17
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
This verse offers advice to those who possess material wealth, cautioning against arrogance and placing hope solely in their riches. Instead, it encourages them to anchor their hope in God, who is the ultimate provider and sustainer.
In light of preparing for famine, this verse reminds us to place our trust in God and seek His guidance in managing our resources, recognizing that He is the true source of provision and security.
Psalm 37:25
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
This psalm reassures the faithful that God takes care of His righteous children, even in the face of adversity. It testifies to the faithfulness of God in providing for His people, ensuring that they do not go hungry or lack the necessities of life.
When preparing for famine, we can draw comfort from this verse, knowing that God is faithful to sustain us and meet our needs, especially when we prioritize living righteously.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
This verse offers reassurance that God is the ultimate provider who meets all our needs according to His abundant riches. It affirms the faithfulness of God’s provision and invites believers to trust in His abundant resources.
When preparing for times of scarcity, we can hold onto the promise in this verse, knowing that God will provide for us according to His immeasurable wealth and abundance.
Proverbs 11:24-25
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.
This proverb underscores the principle of generosity and its impact on abundance. It suggests that those who freely share their resources and bless others will experience an increase in their own wealth and blessings.
By cultivating a spirit of generosity, especially in times of plenty, we can position ourselves to receive God’s abundant provision and be agents of blessing to others, even in the midst of famine.
Psalm 33:19
He delivers them from death and keeps them alive in famine.
This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in delivering His people from calamity and providing for them, even in the midst of famine. It speaks of divine protection and provision, assuring us that God can sustain us in times of scarcity.
When preparing for famine, this verse offers hope and confidence that God is able to preserve us and meet our needs, regardless of the severity of the circumstances.
Psalm 147:14
He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
This verse speaks of God’s ability to bring peace and abundance to His people. It portrays a picture of flourishing and provision, assuring us that God can provide the best of His provision even in challenging times.
When preparing for famine, we can hold onto the promise in this verse, trusting that God is able to supply us with the finest sustenance and bless us amidst difficult circumstances.
Psalm 37:19
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
This verse assures the followers of God that they will not be put to shame or suffer lack during times of adversity, including famine. It promises satisfaction and provision for those who trust in Him.
When preparing for famine, we can find comfort and peace in this verse, knowing that God’s faithfulness and provision will sustain us and provide for our needs, even in the most challenging times.