Money and investments can be tricky topics to navigate, and you might wonder if the Bible has anything to say about where and how to invest. While modern-day investments weren’t around in biblical times, scripture offers timeless wisdom on managing wealth, being generous, and making wise financial decisions. We’ll take a look at biblical principles that can guide today’s investors.
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What Does The Bible Say About investing
Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of investing wisely and consistently. It warns against dishonest gain, which will ultimately diminish, and encourages the practice of patiently accumulating wealth over time.
Matthew 25:14-30
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
This parable teaches us the importance of investing the resources God has given us. Each servant was entrusted with different amounts of money, symbolizing the varied talents and abilities we possess. The servants who invested and multiplied their talents were praised, while the servant who hid his talent out of fear was rebuked. This serves as a reminder that God expects us to wisely and actively use our resources, taking risks and growing what has been entrusted to us.
Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
This verse highlights the importance of saving and investing for the future. The wise are deliberate in their preparations, accumulating resources for times of need. In contrast, the foolish indulge in immediate consumption, failing to secure a stable and prosperous future.
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 urges the wealthy to avoid becoming prideful and placing their trust solely in their material wealth. Instead, they are called to place their hope in God and use their resources to do good, be generous, and help others. By doing so, they cultivate an eternal treasure that enriches their lives both now and in the future.
Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in the pursuit of financial prosperity. Laziness leads to poverty, while those who are diligent and hard-working are more likely to experience increased wealth and success.
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 underscores the benefits of investing time and effort into productive endeavors rather than pursuing meaningless and unprofitable activities. Hard work and wise investments lead to abundance, while a lack of purpose and direction result in poverty.
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 reminds us that true wealth is found in generosity and giving, rather than solely in accumulating riches for ourselves. It echoes Jesus’ teachings that it is a blessing to be able to give to those in need, and through our generosity, we embody the character of Christ.
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.”
Here, Jesus teaches the principle of sowing and reaping. When we give generously, whether it be financial resources, time, or talents, God promises that He will multiply our blessings and pour abundance into our lives. Our willingness to give reflects our faith in God’s provision and His faithfulness in multiplying what we sow.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
This verse encourages generosity towards the less fortunate. Those who give to the poor and demonstrate compassion will not lack in their own lives. Conversely, those who ignore the needs of others and turn a blind eye will face negative consequences.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This verse teaches the principle of proportional giving. As we sow into the lives of others, whether it be through financial contributions or acts of kindness, we will reap rewards accordingly. The more generously we give, the greater the harvest we can expect to receive.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
This verse assures us that when we extend generosity towards those in need, we are lending to the Lord Himself. God promises to repay and bless those who are generous in their giving, both materially and spiritually.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages perseverance in doing good and giving. It reminds us to stay the course, knowing that in due time, our faithfulness will be rewarded. Our investment in doing good will yield a bountiful harvest in God’s perfect timing.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse urges us to surrender our plans and endeavors to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives. When we entrust our investments and financial decisions to God, He will guide and establish our plans according to His perfect will.
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 passage encourages us to prioritize honoring the Lord with our wealth and resources. By giving our first and best to God, we position ourselves for blessings and abundance. He promises to provide for our needs and overflow our lives with blessings as we trust in Him.
Deuteronomy 8:18
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
This verse serves as a reminder that all wealth and resources ultimately come from God. He is the source of our ability to accumulate wealth, and it is by His grace and blessing that we have the opportunity to prosper. We are called to acknowledge and honor Him as the provider of our prosperity.
James 4:13-15
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
This passage serves as a reminder of the brevity and uncertainty of life. It cautions against prideful planning and reliance solely on our own abilities for financial success. We are urged to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit our plans to His will, recognizing that all our investments and endeavors are ultimately subject to His divine guidance.
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.”
Jesus instructs us to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. By sharing our possessions with those in need, we invest in heavenly treasures that are imperishable and secure. Investing in acts of kindness and charity yields rewards that extend far beyond material wealth.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse assures us that generosity leads to prosperity. When we refresh and bless others through our giving and acts of kindness, we ourselves are refreshed and experience the blessings of God’s provision. It is in giving that we receive.
Luke 16:10-12
“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. So, if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”
This passage emphasizes the importance of stewardship and integrity in financial matters. It reminds us that how we handle worldly wealth reflects our character and trustworthiness. Our faithfulness in managing resources is a determining factor in whether we are entrusted with greater blessings and true riches.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse warns of the dangers of debt and excessive reliance on borrowed funds. It cautions against becoming enslaved to lenders, highlighting the importance of financial freedom and wise money management.
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.”
Jesus instructs us to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly possessions. Earthly wealth is temporary and vulnerable to loss, while treasures stored in heaven are secure and everlasting. Our focus should be on investing in spiritual growth and eternal rewards rather than storing up material wealth.
Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
This verse cautions against an obsessive pursuit of wealth and the reliance on our own abilities for financial success. It reminds us that earthly riches are fleeting and can disappear unexpectedly. Our trust should be in God, not in our own cleverness or worldly possessions.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. When we find our delight and joy in Him, He promises to satisfy the desires of our heart. As we seek His kingdom first, He will provide for our needs and bless us according to His perfect plans.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.””
This verse reminds us to guard against the love of money and to cultivate contentment with what we have. Our ultimate security and provision come from God’s faithfulness and presence in our lives, not from the accumulation of wealth. Therefore, we can find peace and satisfaction in His constant care and provision.
Psalm 112:5
“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
This verse promises blessings to those who are generous, compassionate, and fair in their dealings with others. It encourages us to extend kindness and lending freely to those in need and to operate with integrity and justice in all our business transactions.
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 challenges us to test His faithfulness in the area of giving. By faithfully bringing our tithes and offerings into His house, He promises to pour out blessings that exceed our expectations. When we honor Him with our finances, we position ourselves to receive His abundant provision and favor.