money principles in the bible: A Comprehensive Guide to overcoming financial stress through biblical stewardship

Feeling financially overwhelmed? You’ve tried different strategies—watching webinars, listening to podcasts, reading articles—but still find yourself struggling. As a Christian, you cry out to God for help, waiting on Him, yet the journey remains difficult. What might He be teaching you through this season?With God’s wisdom, practical guidance, and the right resources, you can regain financial control and manage your money with wisdom. This resource is designed not only to explore money principles in the Bible but also to help you apply biblical stewardship in real, tangible ways. You’ll also find a curated collection of tools to equip you on your financial journey.

 The Problem of Financial Stress

Financial struggles are becoming increasingly common due to the rising cost of living, ongoing inflation, and the aggressive marketing tactics of credit card companies and other lenders. These companies often extend thousands of dollars in credit, which can make overspending feel easy and harmless—until the weight of interest payments begins to pile up.

For many individuals and families, this creates a cycle of debt that feels overwhelming and inescapable—almost like financial slavery, in which you see your earnings disappear as soon as they arrive. Such a pattern leaves little room for generosity or even basic financial freedom.

In the midst of these pressures, this resource on Biblical money principles offers a timeless and reliable guide. You'll find wisdom to navigate financial challenges, break free from the burden of debt, and manage resources in a way that aligns with God's design for freedom, stewardship, and peace.

what are biblical Financial principles?

Biblical money or financial principles refer to the instructions in God's Word—both direct and implied—that guide how to manage, spend, save, and give money according to His design.

What is the Biblical Theology of Money and Financial Management?

Many people point to the passage in Jeremiah that says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you...thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future..." (Jeremiah 29:11). While I don’t subscribe to the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel, I do believe that God desires for His children to prosper—though not always in the way the world defines it.

That being said, while I believe God wants us to flourish, He doesn’t always make the path easy. He gives us free will, and in my own life, I’ve made many poor financial decisions. As a result, I’ve faced significant struggles. Yet, God continues to guide me toward a place of financial freedom—but it’s a process. It requires time, dedication, and diligence. Overcoming years of overwhelming debt and financial bondage isn’t an overnight fix, but by His grace, I’m making real progress.

When it comes to the theology of money, Scripture provides clear principles. At its core, God calls us to be wise and faithful stewards of the resources He provides. Our financial decisions should honor Him, and we are entrusted to use what we have to serve both Him and others.

Specifically--what does the Bible say about money?

Bible Verses about Money/Management:

The following biblical money principles guide us in aligning our financial practices with God’s will, helping us maintain the right attitudes and use our resources responsibly.

1. Stewardship and Responsibility

Biblical stewardship emphasizes managing resources faithfully as God's appointed caretakers.

Luke 16:10-11 (WEB) – “He who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”

Principle: Faithfulness in small financial matters reflects your trustworthiness in larger responsibilities.

Application: Start by managing what you have wisely—whether it’s a modest income, a growing business, or even a relatively small monetary gift.

1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Here, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

Principle: God calls His people to be reliable managers of the resources He provides.

Application: Set a budget and track your expenses to reflect intentional, faithful stewardship.

2. Debt and Borrowing

The Bible does not outright forbid borrowing but warns against the burdens it brings.

Proverbs 22:7  – “The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.”

Principle: Debt can create a form of bondage that limits your freedom.

Application: Prioritize debt reduction through strategies like the debt snowball or avalanche method. Crown Financial Ministries has more on those types of strategies. See the link to that resource toward the bottom of this page.

Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”

Principle: Avoid unnecessary debt and focus on fulfilling your responsibilities as it pertains to loving and serving God and others.

Application:  Set boundaries, use cash-based spending where possible, and limit borrowing to essential needs.

3. Saving and Planning

Biblical wisdom encourages proactive financial planning and preparation for the future.

Proverbs 21:20 – “There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up.”

Principle: Saving and careful management prevent future financial hardship.

Application: Establish an emergency fund and save consistently, even in small amounts.

Luke 14:28 – “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Principle: Wise financial decisions require thoughtful planning.

Application: Before making significant purchases, count the cost and plan for long-term stability.

4. Generosity and Giving

Giving reflects the heart of God and brings both spiritual and practical blessings.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each man give according to what he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Principle: Cheerful, willing generosity aligns with God’s heart and opens the door for His provision.

Application: Set aside a portion of your income for giving, whether through tithing or charitable acts.

Proverbs 11:24-25 –- “There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.”

Principle: Generosity often leads to unexpected increase and provision.

Application: Give generously without fear, trusting that God provides for the generous heart.

5. Contentment and Trust in God

True financial peace comes from trusting God’s provision rather than material wealth.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Principle: Contentment protects your heart from the trap of greed.

Application: Cultivate gratitude by focusing on what you have rather than what you lack.

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Principle: Eternal values matter more than temporary financial gain.

Application: Invest in eternal priorities—like supporting ministries and serving others.

6. Honesty in Financial Dealings

God values integrity in how we earn, spend, and share our financial resources.

Proverbs 16:11 – “Honest balances and scales are Yahweh’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.”

Principle: Financial honesty reflects God’s character.

Application: Be transparent and fair in all financial dealings—whether in business or personal life.

Leviticus 19:13 – “You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.”

Principle: Pay promptly and fairly to honor God and those you work with.

Application: Always honor agreements and advocate for fair business practices.

7. Seeking Wise Counsel

The Bible emphasizes the value of seeking advice from those with wisdom and experience.

Proverbs 15:22 – “Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.”

Principle: Wise financial decisions are strengthened by seeking godly counsel.

Application: Consult with trusted mentors, financial advisors, or spiritually mature individuals when making major financial decisions.

Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.”

Principle: Seeking guidance leads to greater success and prevents costly mistakes.

Application: Don’t navigate financial challenges alone—build a network of wise connections to guide your financial journey.

Money Principles in the Bible: A Broad Overview

When we discuss the theology of money, it's important to keep the following points in mind:

1. All money belongs to God.

2. God warns against the love of money and selfishness.

3. God honors generosity and cheerful giving.

4. God calls us to be wise stewards of all resources, including money.

5. Biblical wisdom encourages saving and careful financial management.

6. God instructs us to practice contentment, which leads to true spiritual gain in Christ—and may bring other blessings.

7. Debt can lead to financial bondage and limit our freedom to serve God and others. ("Owe no one anything, except to love one another..." – Romans 13:8).

How does God want us to manage money?

Given what we’ve covered so far on this introductory page on money principles in the Bible, you might be wondering: What are the steps to financial freedom?

From a Christian, biblical perspective, these steps are both practical and rooted in faith:

Step # 1: ASk God for Wisdom Regarding your finances

Financial freedom begins with seeking God’s wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us that if we ask for wisdom, God gives it generously. Pray for discernment, clarity, and the strength to manage your finances in a way that honors Him.

Step # 2: Fill out a personal and comprehensive financial analysis worksheet

Understanding where you stand financially is essential. Take time to assess your income and expenditures. A personal financial assessment form that tracks your monthly income, savings, spending habits, and expenses, will help ensure you're managing your finances effectively. Such a form would provide a clear picture and help identify areas where you may need to adjust.

Step # 3: Create a Savings plan

Even small steps toward saving can build a foundation for future stability. Proverbs 21:20 says, "There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up."  Developing a savings plan shows both wisdom and foresight as you prepare for future needs.

Step # 4: Strategize on how to get out of debt

Debt can feel like a heavy burden, but there is a path to freedom. Proverbs 22:7 warns that "the borrower is servant to the lender." Develop a strategy to reduce and eventually eliminate debt.

Step # 5: Use Freedom in Your finances to help further god's kingdom

True financial freedom is not just for personal gain—it’s an opportunity to serve others and advance God’s work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds us that God provides abundantly so that we can abound in every good work. As you gain control over your finances, look for ways to give generously and support ministries that align with God’s heart.

Step #6: Live Within Your Means

Practicing contentment and avoiding unnecessary spending is crucial to maintaining financial freedom. Philippians 4:11-12 encourages us to be content in every situation. Developing habits of mindful spending and distinguishing between needs and wants can prevent future financial struggles.

Step #7: Seek  Wise Counsel

As mentioned above, Proverbs 15:22 says, "Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established." Consulting with a financial advisor, trusted mentor, or someone experienced in biblical financial principles can offer wisdom and accountability as you work toward financial freedom.

Apply Biblical Stewardship and Take Charge of Your Finances Today

Budgeting is a crucial step toward financial freedom—it helps you track where your money goes and make wise decisions for the future. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your approach, these resources can guide you:

For Biblical Financial Principles and helpful tools: Explore Crown Financial Ministries for Christ-centered advice on stewardship and managing your finances:

Crown Financial Ministries: https://www.crown.org/

For Practical Budgeting Tools: Dave Ramsey’s site offers step-by-step guidance and free resources to help you take charge of your financial life:

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/

For Budgeting On-the-Go: Check out Forbes’ list of top budgeting apps to find a digital tool that fits your lifestyle:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/l/best-budgeting-apps/

Below are five free budgeting apps--at least free versions (with limitations but optional upgrades or free trials) known for their user-friendly features to help you manage your finances effectively:

• Goodbudget: This tool utilizes the envelope budgeting method, allowing you to allocate funds to specific categories and track your spending accordingly.

• Empower Personal Dashboard™ --This tool offers tools for tracking wealth and spending, providing a comprehensive view of your financial health.

• PocketGuard--This tool simplifies expense tracking by syncing with your bank accounts, giving you real-time insights into your spending habits.

• EveryDollar--Based on the zero-based budgeting approach, this app helps you plan and track every expense against your income.

• Honeydue--Designed for couples, Honeydue allows partners to manage joint and individual expenses together, fostering financial transparency.

These apps are available--as mentioned with free versions and free trials-- and can be excellent tools to assist you in budgeting and achieving your financial goals.

From a spiritual perspective, if you're seeking to grow in your Christian faith regarding money management, I highly recommend exploring online interviews on this topic featuring Dr. Ben Witherington III, a New Testament scholar and professor at Asbury Theological Seminary—you can find those with a quick Google search. He has also written an excellent resource, Jesus and Money: A Guide for Times of Financial Crisis. In addition, he encourages every Christian to read John Wesley's sermon, "The Use of Money."

Take the First Step... Choose a resource, get started today, and begin your journey toward financial freedom and faithful stewardship!

overwhelmed with debt?

If you're struggling with debt that is so overwhelming that certain strategies like the debt snowball method wouldn't work, you may want to explore options like debt settlement or consolidation. Based on my experience, Century Support Services has been a helpful resource in navigating this process, and they do have a great track record. They also offer financial tools, such as a financial analysis worksheet, and some individuals may qualify for a debt consolidation loan through their program.

Disclaimer: This mention is based on personal experience and is for informational purposes only. I am not affiliated with Century Support Services, nor can I guarantee specific results. I encourage you to research thoroughly and consult with a financial professional to determine the best course of action for your situation.

What’s inside this Comprehensive Guide on Money principles in the bible?

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