What's the bible say about money?

If you think money is the root of all evil, then you may have a distorted view of biblical finances. On the other hand, if you think personal riches are evidence of God's blessing, then you may have a distorted view of biblical finances.

Down through history Christians have often clung to one extreme or the other. Some teaching that poverty is a sign of devotion to God while others teach that Gods blessings can be measured by the size of your bank account. So which is it? Both of these extremes may be supported by emphasizing some scriptures while ignoring others. I believe the God intends us to take a more balanced view, and learn to trust Him in whatever state you find yourself. Paul put it this way (sort of): I've been rich, and I've been poor, and I've learned to be content in either situation.

Philippians 4:11-12 says: ".for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

He expounds on the thought in his letter to Timothy:

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Paul's message is clear: be happy with what you have. Don't fret over what you don't have, and don't be afraid to lose what you do have. The one thing that is sure is that things will change, so roll with the punches, be able to live with a lot or a little. Find your joy, peace and fulfillment apart from riches. Find it in your relationships: with God, with your family, friends, and the world. Does this mean that money isn't important? Of course not. The Bible has lots of things to say about earning money, saving it, borrowing it, spending it and lending it, but I think the most important thing is that we get the right attitude towards it. Money is just a tool. In order to get the best use of the that tool you need to know how to earn it, how to take care of it and how to use it wisely.

Each of the following principles could fill a book, so I'll just list some quick thoughts on them:

If you are an employee, work hard for your boss, work as though you report directly to Jesus. (After all, you do.)

If you are an employer, treat your employees fairly and well. The Bible says "don't muzzle the ox that tramples out your corn." That means to let your employees enjoy some of the fruits of their labors.

Don't get into debt. Now some people take this principle to mean that you should never have any kind of debt, not even a mortgage. I don't believe this. I believe the exception to this is borrowing to gain a large asset such as a home that offsets the debt. I believe this because you can sell the house and pay off the mortgage. However, with credit cards, or even a car loan, you can't just sell what you've bought to pay back the debt, you will still have debt left over.

If you do have debt, make your payments on time and pay it off.

Give. Give of your time, talents and money. I personally believe this includes paying tithes. By giving a tenth of your income back to the Lord you are acknowledging his provision for you. You are putting your finances under His authority. Giving is also like sowing financial seeds that will grow up and bear fruit. You actually put God in your debt when you give, and He always pays His debts.

Plan for the future, and live by your plan. In other words, get a budget and live by it. Only by controlling what you spend can you keep more of what you make.

Save a portion of what you make for yourself. Store it up when times are good, so that bad times will not be so hard. Establish a rainy day fund, as well as a good retirement account.

Be wise in your financial decisions. Seek counsel before doing anything major.

Don't gamble. There's a good reason the call Los Vegas "Lost Wages" and "Sin City." The odds all favor the house, and even though you hear about lucky winners, you'll most likely to be one of the losers.

Be honest in all your business dealings. Tell the truth, and deliver on your promises.

And of course: be content.