Stewardship is about responsibly managing what God has given us. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about being a faithful steward of our time, resources, and gifts.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Our Mind
What Does The Bible Say About Being A Good Steward
1. Genesis 1:28
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.””
This verse establishes humanity’s role as stewards of God’s creation. As good stewards, it is our responsibility to care for and manage the earth and all its resources, taking into account the well-being of all living creatures.
2. Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
This verse reminds us that everything belongs to God, including the world and everyone in it. Therefore, as good stewards, we should manage and use the resources of the earth in a way that honors God and benefits His creation.
3. Leviticus 25:23
“The land must not be sold permanently because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.”
God emphasizes His ownership of the land and reminds the Israelites that they are merely temporary residents entrusted with its care. This verse teaches us to treat our possessions, including land and resources, with an understanding of their temporary nature and to use them wisely for God’s purposes.
4. Luke 12:42
“The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?”
Jesus tells a parable about a faithful and wise manager to illustrate the importance of being responsible stewards. Just as the manager in the parable was entrusted with providing for his master’s servants, we are entrusted with managing the resources God has given us to bless and provide for others.
5. Romans 12:6
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”
Every individual has been given unique gifts and talents by God. As good stewards, we should utilize these gifts to serve others and contribute positively to the world. We are called to steward not only material resources but also our abilities and talents for the glory of God.
6. 1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our gifts to serve others, recognizing that everything we have is ultimately a result of God’s grace. As stewards of God’s grace, we are called to be generous, compassionate, and willing to share with others.
7. Matthew 25:14-30
““Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one, he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned, I would have received it back with interest. ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”‘”
This parable Jesus tells highlights the principle of stewardship through the story of the servants and their master’s wealth. The faithful and wise servants who utilized the resources given to them were rewarded, while the unfaithful servant who hoarded and neglected his responsibility was condemned.
8. Proverbs 27:23
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”
This verse encourages us to be diligent and attentive in managing all that we have been entrusted with. Just as a shepherd takes care of his flock, we should take the time to understand and take responsibility for the well-being of our possessions and resources.
9. Ecclesiastes 2:24
“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.”
This verse reminds us to find contentment and joy in the work and provision that God has blessed us with. As good stewards, we should not only steward resources well but also appreciate and enjoy the fruits of our labor as a gift from God.
10. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.”
God instructs His people to be generous and compassionate towards those in need. As good stewards, we should respond with open hearts and hands, using our resources to help those who are less fortunate and demonstrating God’s love through our actions.
11. 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 highlights the principle of sowing and reaping. When we give generously and freely, God promises to bless us abundantly in return. As good stewards, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and provision as we steward our resources according to His principles.
12. Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
This proverb encourages us to be wise stewards by planning and saving for the future. Just as a wise person stores up resources, we should practice sound financial management and avoid wastefulness.
13. Isaiah 32:8
“But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds, they stand.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity in stewardship. The noble make plans that are honorable and just, and their actions reflect their commitment to stewarding well. As good stewards, we should always strive to act in ways that honor God and benefit others.
14. Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Jesus teaches that faithfulness in managing small things demonstrates our ability to be trustworthy with greater responsibilities. As good stewards, we should be faithful in managing even the smallest resources and opportunities, knowing that our actions reflect our character.
15. 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 proverb highlights the principle of generosity and its reciprocal nature. When we give freely and generously, God blesses us in return. As good stewards, we should cultivate a lifestyle of generosity, knowing that it not only benefits others but also leads to our own well-being.
16. 2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This verse reiterates the principle of sowing and reaping in the context of giving. When we give generously, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings abundantly. As good stewards, we should approach giving with a spirit of abundance and trust in God’s provision.
17. Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
When we show kindness and generosity to those in need, we are lending to the Lord Himself. As good stewards, we should seize opportunities to bless others, knowing that God sees and rewards our acts of kindness.
18. Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
God invites His people to test Him by faithfully giving their tithes and offerings. When we obey and give wholeheartedly, God promises to bless us abundantly. As good stewards, we should trust in God’s faithfulness and be obedient in our giving.
19. 2 Corinthians 8:21
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
This verse highlights the importance of stewarding well not only before God but also before others. As good stewards, our actions should reflect integrity, and we should strive to manage resources in a way that brings glory to God and earns the trust and respect of others.
20. 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 reminds us to prioritize eternal treasures over earthly possessions. As good stewards, we should invest our resources in activities and endeavors that have lasting spiritual impact, rather than seeking only temporary worldly gain.
21. Proverbs 13:22
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
This proverb speaks to the importance of long-term planning and generational stewardship. As good stewards, we should seek to provide for future generations and leave a legacy of financial and spiritual blessings that will continue to bear fruit long after we are gone.
22. Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
This proverb underscores the principle of generosity and its impact on our own well-being. As good stewards, we should be attentive to the needs of the poor and marginalized, recognizing that our generosity not only blesses them but also invites God’s blessings into our lives.
23. Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
God promises to meet all our needs according to His abundance. As good stewards, we can trust in God’s provision and have confidence that He will provide everything we need to fulfill the responsibilities He has entrusted to us.
24. Luke 12:48
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
When God has entrusted us with many resources, talents, and opportunities, He expects us to steward them well and use them for Kingdom purposes. As good stewards, we should recognize the weight of our responsibilities and seek to fulfill them with excellence and faithfulness.
25. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
This passage instructs those who are blessed with abundance to pursue a different perspective on wealth. As good stewards, we should not find our identity or security in money and possessions but rather in God alone. We are called to use our resources to do good, be generous, and invest in the things that have eternal value.