Taxes are a part of life, and the Bible provides guidance on this matter. Today, we’ll see how Scripture teaches us to approach paying taxes with honesty and integrity.
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What Does The Bible Say About Paying Taxes
Matthew 22:21
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
This verse reminds believers to fulfill their civic duty by paying taxes. It emphasizes the importance of submitting to earthly authorities while also recognizing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God.
By paying taxes, we demonstrate obedience and respect for the laws of the land. It is a way of contributing to the functioning of society and supporting the greater good.
Romans 13:6-7
“For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of honoring our financial obligations, including paying taxes. It highlights that governmental authorities are appointed by God and fulfill a necessary role in society.
Therefore, as responsible citizens and faithful Christians, we should fulfill our duty to pay taxes promptly and without hesitation, recognizing it as an act of obedience and displaying integrity in our interactions with authorities.
Luke 20:25
“And Jesus said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in Matthew 22:21, emphasizing the need to fulfill our obligations to both earthly authorities and to God. It reinforces the importance of honoring governmental institutions and fulfilling our financial responsibilities.
By paying taxes, we demonstrate obedience to human authorities and contribute to the stability and functioning of society, allowing us to focus on the greater purpose of serving God.
1 Peter 2:13-14
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.”
This verse encourages believers to submit to governing authorities for the sake of the Lord. It highlights the role of authorities in maintaining order, promoting justice, and protecting society.
As Christians, we are called to respect and obey these authorities, understanding that paying taxes is one way we contribute to the well-being of society and fulfill our part in God’s plan for governance.
Mark 12:17
“Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.””
Jesus emphasizes the importance of honoring both earthly authorities and God. This verse reminds us to fulfill our financial obligations, including the payment of taxes, to the appropriate authorities.
By doing so, we exhibit a spirit of obedience, respecting the institutions God has established for the governance and order of society.
Titus 3:1
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.”
Believers are reminded in this verse to be submissive to rulers and authorities, which includes fulfilling our financial responsibilities, such as paying taxes.
By doing so, we demonstrate our obedience to God’s commandments, displaying a willingness to support the community and contribute to its well-being through our financial contributions.
Proverbs 24:21
“My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,”
This proverb admonishes us to recognize the authority of both God and earthly rulers. By paying taxes, we display a reverence for God’s established order and a willingness to contribute to the functioning and support of society.
It calls us to align our actions with godly principles and to avoid associating with those who may seek to evade their financial responsibilities.
Romans 13:1
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
This verse underscores the sovereignty of God over all earthly authorities. It reminds us that these authorities are established by God for the maintenance of order in society.
Paying taxes is an act of submission and recognition of God’s authority, aligning our actions with His divine plan and contributing to the proper functioning of government institutions.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
In this passage, believers are encouraged to pray for those in authority, including kings and those in high positions. By paying taxes, we fulfill our part in supporting their work and enabling societal peace.
Through our financial contributions, we actively participate in creating an environment conducive to a godly and dignified life for all.
Matthew 22:17-21
“Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.'”
When questioned about whether it is lawful to pay taxes, Jesus uses this encounter with the Pharisees to assert the importance of fulfilling both our earthly and spiritual obligations.
By paying taxes, we demonstrate integrity and obedience to the laws of the land, recognizing the rightful authority of Caesar while also honoring our ultimate allegiance to God.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse highlights the virtue of generosity towards others, including the financial support of those in need.
By paying taxes, we contribute to the provision of resources for social welfare programs and assistance for the less fortunate, mirroring God’s heart for justice and care for the marginalized.
Matthew 22:15-22
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.”
In this interaction with the Pharisees, Jesus tactfully responds to their attempt to trap Him in a political dilemma.
By affirming the rendering of taxes to Caesar, Jesus teaches us the importance of honoring our financial responsibilities to the authorities while maintaining fidelity to God as His followers.
Proverbs 13:7
“One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.”
This proverb cautions against the façade of financial deception, urging us to be truthful in matters of wealth.
As we pay taxes honestly and diligently, we exemplify integrity and demonstrate our commitment to being faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us by God.
Matthew 22:19-21
“Show me the coin for the tax. ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”
In this exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees, He skillfully illustrates the distinction between earthly obligations and spiritual devotion.
We are called to pay taxes faithfully, not only out of obedience to human authorities but also as an expression of our commitment to live according to God’s principles.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
This proverb highlights the power dynamic associated with indebtedness and financial obligations.
By paying taxes promptly and fulfilling our financial responsibilities, we exhibit financial responsibility and avoid undue dependence on others, promoting financial freedom and stability.
Matthew 17:24-27
“When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, ‘Does your teacher not pay the tax?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?’ And when he said, ‘From others,’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.'”
Jesus demonstrates the importance of fulfilling tax obligations in this incident with Peter. Though He Himself is exempt as God’s Son, He instructs Peter to pay the tax to avoid offending the authorities.
By paying our taxes responsibly, we strive to maintain good relationships with our neighbors, expressing respect and consideration for their expectations.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
This verse urges believers to submit to their leaders, recognizing their role in guiding and protecting the community.
By paying taxes willingly and responsibly, we contribute to the financial stability necessary for leaders to carry out their responsibilities joyfully, facilitating their ability to govern effectively.
1 Samuel 8:15
“He will take the tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants.”
In this verse, Samuel describes the consequences of having a human king. The people would be required to pay a tenth of their produce as taxes.
We can draw from this verse an understanding that financial responsibilities, such as paying taxes, are inherent in human governance structures, even in biblical times.
Proverbs 29:2
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
This proverb emphasizes the impact of good governance on the well-being of society.
By fulfilling our financial obligations, such as paying taxes, we contribute to the functioning of government institutions, supporting a just and righteous administration and fostering communal rejoicing.
Matthew 17:25-27
“‘Yes, he does,’ he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. ‘What do you think, Simon?’ he asked. ‘From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?’ ‘From others,’ Peter answered. ‘Then the children are exempt,’ Jesus said to him. ‘But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.'”
In this instance, Jesus miraculously provides the means to pay the temple tax for Himself and Peter. His actions remind us of God’s faithfulness in helping His people fulfill their financial obligations.
Paying taxes is an opportunity to trust in God’s provision as we participate responsibly in supporting the community and honoring the authorities.
Matthew 17:24-25
“After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?’ ‘Yes, he does,’ he replied.”
When questioned about Jesus’ payment of the temple tax, Peter affirms that Jesus fulfills His financial responsibilities.
By paying taxes diligently, we follow Jesus’ example and demonstrate our commitment to integrity and responsibility in our financial dealings.
Romans 13:7-8
“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
These verses highlight the importance of meeting our financial obligations, including the payment of taxes, as an act of obedience and love.
By fulfilling our responsibilities, we contribute to the functioning of society and demonstrate our commitment to fulfilling the commandments of God.
1 Peter 2:13-15
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”
This passage encourages believers to submit to human institutions and authority, recognizing their role in maintaining order and justice.
By paying taxes, we fulfill our part in supporting these institutions, demonstrating obedience to God’s will and silencing those who would discredit our faith.