Finances can be a source of tension in marriage, but the Bible offers guidance on managing money wisely. Let’s explore what Scripture says about handling finances as a couple and how to build a strong financial foundation in your marriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About Finances In Marriage
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse emphasizes the union and unity that happens in marriage. Finances in marriage should be approached with the mindset of oneness, where both husband and wife work together as a team.
Communication and transparency are key in managing finances as a couple. It is important to establish financial goals and priorities together, ensuring that decisions are made mutually and in agreement.
Proverbs 13:11
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
This verse highlights the importance of patience and diligent work in managing finances. Building wealth takes time, and it is important to avoid the temptation of seeking quick and easy gains.
By consistently and gradually saving and investing, couples can experience long-term financial growth and stability. It is important to remember that financial success is a journey, not a destination.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
This verse reminds us of the dangers of debt and the importance of living within our means. When couples accumulate too much debt, it can create financial stress and become a burden on the marriage.
It is wise to avoid unnecessary debt and, if possible, pay off existing debt as soon as possible. Managing finances responsibly allows couples to have financial freedom and avoid becoming slaves to lenders.
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
This verse encourages believers to practice giving back to God by tithing. In the context of finances in marriage, it is important for couples to have a spirit of generosity and stewardship.
When couples faithfully give and manage their finances according to biblical principles, they can trust that God will provide for their needs and bless them abundantly.
Proverbs 21:20
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and self-control in managing finances within the home. Wise financial decisions and responsible spending can lead to the accumulation of wealth, while foolish and impulsive actions can lead to financial ruin.
Couples should strive to make wise financial choices by budgeting, saving, and investing prudently. It is important to resist the temptation of excessive spending and impulsive purchases that can harm the financial well-being of the marriage.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
This verse serves as a warning against the love and obsession with money. In the context of finances in marriage, it is crucial for couples to prioritize their relationship with God and not allow money to become an idol.
Healthy financial management requires a balanced perspective, where money is seen as a tool rather than the ultimate source of happiness or security. Couples should guard against greed and materialism, focusing instead on cultivating love, faith, and trust in their marriage.
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 encourages believers to prioritize God in their finances. In the context of marriage, couples should prioritize honoring God with their money, both in giving back to Him and in managing their finances with integrity.
By seeking God’s guidance in financial decisions and faithfully giving, couples can trust in His provision and experience His blessings in abundance.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the value and importance of a prudent and wise wife in the context of marriage and finances. A wife who possesses financial wisdom and discernment is a blessing from the Lord.
When both husband and wife work together as wise stewards of their finances, they can navigate financial challenges and make sound decisions that lead to financial stability and security.
Proverbs 27:23-24
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?”
This verse underscores the importance of being aware and attentive to one’s financial situation. In the context of marriage, it is essential for couples to stay informed about their income, expenses, and overall financial condition.
Regularly reviewing and assessing their financial position allows couples to make necessary adjustments, seek opportunities, and prepare for the future with wisdom and prudence.
Proverbs 30:8-9
“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.”
This verse offers a prayer for contentment and balance in financial matters. It reminds couples to seek moderation and avoid extremes, whether in abundance or lack.
Contentment with what is necessary and suitable prevents the temptation to put trust in riches or resort to sinful actions. Couples should strive for a balanced perspective on finances, focusing on cultivating a relationship with God rather than pursuing excessive wealth or material possessions.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.”
This verse highlights the futility and emptiness of pursuing wealth as the ultimate goal. The love of money can never truly satisfy, as there will always be a desire for more.
Instead, couples should prioritize contentment, gratitude, and the pursuit of God’s kingdom. By focusing on relationships, experiences, and eternal values, they can find true fulfillment and joy beyond material wealth.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and integrity in managing finances. Couples should prioritize honesty, hard work, and wise financial decision-making, trusting that God will bless their efforts.
Seeking shortcuts or pursuing wealth at the expense of ethical behavior can lead to negative consequences and a lack of true blessings. It is essential to prioritize righteousness and trust in God’s provision and timing.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
This verse emphasizes the impossibility of serving both God and money. In the context of marriage and finances, couples should prioritize their relationship with God over their pursuit of wealth.
When couples prioritize God, they can approach their finances with integrity, wise stewardship, and a willingness to be generous. By seeking first the kingdom of God, they can trust that all their needs will be provided for.
Proverbs 15:16
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.”
This verse highlights the value of contentment and reverence for God over the accumulation of vast wealth. Couples should prioritize a heart that fears and honors the Lord rather than placing too much emphasis on material possessions.
True wealth and fulfillment come from a relationship with God and the blessings that flow from it. Contentment in simple blessings and a focus on eternal values lead to a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction in marriage.
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 that life is not defined by the abundance of possessions. Couples should guard against the desire for excessive wealth and material possessions that can distract from what truly matters.
Instead, couples should prioritize relationships, character development, and spiritual growth. By finding contentment in the essentials and focusing on eternal values, they can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in marriage.
Proverbs 11:28
“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.”
This verse warns against putting complete trust and dependence on material wealth. Couples should trust in God rather than in their financial resources for security and provision.
When couples prioritize righteousness, stewardship, and faithfulness in managing their finances, they can experience a flourishing life that extends beyond material possessions.
Proverbs 14:23
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
This verse highlights the importance of hard work and diligence in managing finances. Couples should prioritize taking action and being proactive in their financial endeavors.
Mere discussions without strategic planning and implementation can lead to financial struggles. By combining their efforts in honest work and responsible financial practices, couples can reap the rewards of their labor.
Proverbs 30:24-25
“Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer.”
This verse points to the wisdom found in observing and learning from God’s creation. Couples should learn from the ants’ example of diligence, preparation, and planning for the future.
By prioritizing saving, investing, and being prepared for unforeseen circumstances, couples can navigate financial challenges with wisdom and prudence, ensuring long-term stability and security.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of providing for one’s family, including managing finances and meeting the needs of household members. Couples should prioritize the financial well-being and care of their family members.
Caring for the needs of the household requires wise financial management and planning. Couples should ensure that they are providing for their family’s basic needs and creating a stable and secure environment.
Proverbs 17:16
“Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?”
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in managing finances. Couples should prioritize seeking wisdom and understanding in financial matters.
Financial decisions should be guided by sound principles, knowledge of investment options, and consideration of long-term consequences. By seeking wisdom, couples can make informed decisions that lead to financial success and security.
Proverbs 11:4
“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly wealth and the importance of prioritizing righteousness. Couples should understand that material possessions hold no significance in eternity.
Instead, they should focus on cultivating righteousness, seeking God’s kingdom, and living a life that honors Him. By prioritizing eternal values, couples can experience true deliverance and eternal blessings.
Proverbs 16:8
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”
This verse highlights the importance of integrity and righteousness in financial matters. Couples should prioritize conducting their financial affairs with honesty and fairness.
Though they may not have great wealth, their modest resources will be blessed when handled with integrity. Couples should prioritize righteousness over material gains, trusting that God will provide for their needs according to His perfect timing.
Proverbs 23:4-5
“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.”
This verse warns against the pursuit of wealth at all costs and the unpredictable nature of material possessions. Couples should recognize that placing too much focus on accumulating wealth can lead to disappointment and emptiness.
Instead, couples should prioritize discernment and contentment in what they already possess, seeking God’s guidance in their financial decisions. By placing their trust in God rather than in wealth, they can find true security and peace.
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 serves as a reminder to couples who may have material wealth to keep their focus on God rather than on their riches. Couples should guard against pride and arrogance, recognizing that material possessions are fleeting and uncertain.
Instead, they should place their hope and trust in God, who is the ultimate provider of all things. By cultivating gratitude and enjoyment of God’s blessings, couples can experience true fulfillment and contentment in their marriage.
Proverbs 22:1
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”
This verse emphasizes the value of a good reputation and character over the accumulation of vast wealth. Couples should prioritize building a good name through honesty, integrity, and responsible financial practices.
A good reputation will bring favor and blessing, even more than material possessions. Couples should focus on leaving a legacy of righteousness and godliness, seeking to impact others positively through their actions and financial stewardship.