What Does the Bible Say About Saving Money?
You want to save more money—not just for yourself, but so you can better serve God, care for your family, and help others in need. That’s a good and godly desire.
But let’s be honest: saving money isn’t easy these days. With rising costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty, it can feel like your paycheck disappears the moment it arrives. On top of that, you might wonder—does God even want me to save money? Or should I just trust Him to provide and focus on giving instead?
If you've ever wrestled with these questions, you're not alone. The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about money, including how to handle it wisely. So, what does the Bible say about saving money? Let’s explore what Scripture really teaches about saving, trusting God, and living with both faith and financial wisdom.
the importance of saving
From a general standpoint --we should not underestimate the importance of saving money for the following reasons:
⦁ How quickly money goes --as you have probably noticed n between paychecks
⦁ Emergencies leading to unexpected costs
⦁ Putting special funds aside for certain activities such as trips etc. to avoid using credit cards and taking out loans.
Saving is a vital part of wise financial planning from a biblical perspective. It makes sense to want to save. You're probably asking though, specifically, what does the Bible say about saving money?
is it okay for Christians to save money?
The short answer is yes. Scripture supports the wisdom of saving. However, before diving into what the Bible says about this topic, I want to offer a theological perspective—one that takes into account the broader biblical teaching on our relationship with God.
While saving money is not only acceptable but also encouraged in Scripture, what is not God-honoring is developing a mindset of dependence on money that reflects a lack of trust in God.
For instance, it is wise and prudent to set aside funds for emergencies. But when we begin to cling to our wealth excessively—hoarding resources and placing our security in our savings rather than in God—we move away from a posture of faith.
Saving becomes problematic when it leads us to neglect generosity, forget the needs of others, or lose sight of God’s provision.
Considering those points, it's also important to keep in mind that one of the reasons for saving has to do with financial freedom-- Freedom from debt as well as the ability to give even more through what would be a much healthier budget than if finances were tight.
What does the Bible say about saving money for the future?
General Bible Verses on Saving Money:
Genesis 41:34–36 (WEB)
"Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. The food will be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine..."
→ Joseph models saving during abundance to prepare for future scarcity.
Proverbs 6:6–8 (WEB)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;
which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”
→ The ant’s foresight and diligence are praised—an example of wise preparation.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 (WEB)
“Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight;
for you don’t know what evil will be on the earth.”
→ Encourages diversification and preparation for uncertain times.
1 Corinthians 16:2 (WEB)
“On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as he may prosper,
that no collections be made when I come.”
→ Suggests disciplined, proportional saving.
Luke 14:28–30 (WEB)
“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? Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him,
saying, ‘This man began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
→ Advocates careful planning before undertaking commitments.
Matthew 25:14–30 (WEB)
“For it is like a man going into another country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them…” (continues through verse 30)
→ Teaches faithful stewardship and productive use of God-given resources.
Philippians 4:11–12 (WEB)
“…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.”
→ Paul demonstrates financial contentment, regardless of circumstances.
The Bible also includes a few additional passages that, while not explicitly about saving money, contribute to the biblical wisdom on financial prudence, stewardship, and long-term thinking—all closely related to the concept of saving. Below are a couple more more worth considering:
Matthew 6:19–21 (WEB)
“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, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
→ Prioritize eternal values over material wealth—invest in what truly lasts.
1 Timothy 6:17–19 (WEB)
“Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.”
→ Use wealth as a tool for generosity and eternal impact, not personal security.
Proverbs About Saving Money
Proverbs 6:6–8 (WEB)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;
which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”
→ Encourages diligence, foresight, and preparing for future needs—key principles of saving.
Proverbs 10:4–5 (WEB)
“He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand,
but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
He who gathers in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.”
→ Hard work and timely action lead to financial provision and wise resource management.
Proverbs 13:11 (WEB)
“Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.”
→ Promotes slow, steady saving through honest means rather than get-rich-quick approaches.
Proverbs 21:20 (WEB)
“There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise;
but a foolish man swallows it up.”
→ Saving and wisely managing what you have is a mark of wisdom, not wastefulness.
Proverbs 22:7 (WEB)
“The rich rule over the poor.
The borrower is servant to the lender.”
→ Avoiding debt gives greater freedom to save, give, and live responsibly.
Proverbs 27:23–24 (WEB)
“Know well the state of your flocks,
and pay attention to your herds:
for riches are not forever,
nor does even the crown endure to all generations.”
→ Careful financial oversight is necessary because wealth does not last without stewardship.
Additional Proverbs Related to Saving Money and Financial Wisdom:
Proverbs 3:9–10 (WEB)
“Honor Yahweh with your substance,
with the first fruits of all your increase:
so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
→ Honoring God first with your resources sets the foundation for wise financial stewardship and abundance.
Proverbs 11:14 (WEB)
“Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls,
but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.”
→ Applies to seeking financial counsel and making wise, informed money decisions.
Proverbs 12:11 (WEB)
“He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread,
but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.”
→ Encourages steady, realistic effort—key to building savings over time.
Proverbs 13:18 (WEB)
“Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
but he who heeds correction shall be honored.”
→ Financial discipline is essential for saving and long-term stability.
Proverbs 14:8 (WEB)
“The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way,
but the folly of fools is deceit.”
→ Prudence includes planning and thinking ahead—core to saving money.
Proverbs 15:22 (WEB)
“Where there is no counsel, plans fail;
but in a multitude of counselors they are established.”
→ Again, emphasizes thoughtful planning—a foundation of responsible saving.
Proverbs 20:13 (WEB)
“Don’t love sleep, lest you come to poverty.
Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.”
→ Promotes diligence, which leads to financial stability and the ability to save.
Proverbs 28:19 (WEB)
“He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies shall have poverty in plenty.”
→ Reiterates the theme of steady work and realistic goals, contributing to financial health.
Proverbs 28:20 (WEB)
“A faithful man is rich with blessings, but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.”
→ Contrasts wise, faithful stewardship with greed, which undermines lasting savings.
These additional verses support the broader biblical ethic of wisdom, diligence, and planning—principles that strongly underpin the value of saving.
What does the Bible say about saving money for retirement?
Proverbs 6:6–8 (WEB)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise; which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”
→This encourages foresight and diligence — a biblical parallel to saving and preparing for future needs.
Proverbs 21:20 (WEB):
“There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up.”
→Wise people save and steward their resources; foolish people consume all they have.
Caring for Family and Avoiding Financial Dependence
1 Timothy 5:8 (WEB):
“But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
→Providing for family includes thinking ahead financially and being responsible with resources.
Note: In biblical times, extended families cared for aging relatives. While “retirement” wasn’t a concept then, the principle of financial foresight still applies.
Trusting God vs. Hoarding Wealth
Luke 12:16–21 (Parable of the Rich Fool, WEB):
“…The ground of a certain rich man produced abundantly…‘I will store all my grain and my goods. I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods… take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you.’”
→Saving is wise, but trusting in wealth alone is spiritually dangerous. Balance is key.
Seasons of Life and God’s Timing
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (WEB):
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
→ Reminds us that saving and spending both have their proper time in God’s plan.
While the Bible doesn’t mention retirement planning directly, it acknowledges life has different phases — each with purpose.
While the Bible doesn’t describe retirement accounts or pension plans it clearly encourages:
- Planning wisely for the future
- Living within your means
- Providing for your family
- Thoughtful preparation
- Generous stewardship
- Trusting in God above material security
While the Bible does not specifically and explicitly address savings for retirement, the approach that should be taken that is in alignment with Scripture is to focus on applying and evaluating yourself in the above areas, while at the same time not placing your trust in riches.
Not placing your trust in riches
So, saving for retirement can be seen as a biblically wise practice, provided it's done with humility, generosity, and trust in God rather than in wealth itself.
Bible verses about saving money for Kids
The Bible, while not speaking directly to saving money for your kids in modern financial terms like 529 plans or trust funds, does encourage the principle of providing for your children and leaving a legacy. Several verses point to the wisdom and righteousness of planning for the future—especially for your family.
Here are the most relevant themes and verses:
1. Leaving an Inheritance
Proverbs 13:22 (WEB)
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.”
→This is the clearest biblical support for leaving a financial or material legacy for your descendants. It reflects long-term thinking, including planning beyond your own lifetime.
2. Providing for Your Family
2 Corinthians 12:14 (WEB)
“Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.”
→Paul uses this principle to describe his relationship with the Corinthians, but it reflects a cultural assumption: parents are expected to provide and plan for their children.
1 Timothy 5:8 (WEB)
“But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
→This verse emphasizes responsibility and provision, which can reasonably include financial preparation.
3. Wisdom in Saving and Planning
Proverbs 21:20 (WEB)
“There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up.”
→Saving and managing resources wisely is part of godly living.
Proverbs 6:6–8 (WEB)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;
which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
provides her bread in the summer,
and gathers her food in the harvest.”
→Planning for future needs is wise and proactive, a principle that applies to saving for your children’s future.
4. Teaching and Modeling Stewardship
Though not directly about saving money, these verses reinforce that passing on wisdom and teaching responsibility is just as valuable:
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (WEB)
“These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart;
and you shall teach them diligently to your children…”
→ Teaches the importance of passing down spiritual and practical wisdom—including stewardship—to the next generation.
Proverbs 22:6 (WEB)
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
→Saving is part of stewardship, and teaching your children to handle money wisely is also a biblical value.
✅ Summary
The Bible supports saving for your children through themes of:
- Inheritance and legacy
- Provision and planning
- Wisdom in saving
- Teaching stewardship
So, saving money for your kids is not just financially sound—it's consistent with biblical principles.
What does the Bible say about investing?
The Bible actually has quite a bit to say about investing, though not always in the modern stock-market sense. Instead, it speaks to principles of wise stewardship, diligence, risk, and long-term planning. Here are key ideas with Scripture references:
1. God Commends Wise Investing
Jesus Himself used investing as a metaphor in His parables.
Matthew 25:14–30 – The Parable of the Talents (WEB)
“For it is like a man going into another country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them...”
(In this parable, a master gives money to three servants. Two of them invest and double what they were given; the third buries his talent out of fear. The master praises the first two and calls the third ‘wicked and lazy.’)
→Lesson: God values wise, productive use of resources. We are called to multiply, not merely preserve, what He entrusts to us.
2. Diversify Wisely
The Bible suggests spreading risk—a principle similar to modern investment diversification.
Ecclesiastes 11:2 (WEB)
“Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don’t know what evil will be on the earth.”
→Lesson: Don’t put all your resources in one place. Planning for the unknown is a biblical principle.
3. Be Patient and Long-Term Oriented
True investing takes time and consistency.
Proverbs 13:11 (WEB)
“Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.”
→Lesson: Slow, steady growth through honest means is blessed by God. Avoid “get rich quick” schemes.
4. Plan and Count the Cost
Any investment or financial decision should involve planning, wisdom, and discernment.
Luke 14:28 (WEB)
“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?”
→Lesson: Don’t invest blindly—know what you're committing to and assess the risks.
5. Avoid Greed and Trust in God, Not Wealth
Investing isn’t inherently wrong—but it becomes dangerous when driven by greed or fear.
1 Timothy 6:10 (WEB)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Proverbs 11:28 (WEB)
“He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.”
→Lesson: Wealth can be a tool—but never a source of ultimate security.
6. Be Generous Even While You Invest
Don’t wait to be rich to be generous. Wise investing can enable greater giving.
Proverbs 3:9–10 (WEB)
“Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
→Lesson: Investing should be part of a holistic life of generosity and stewardship.
Summary: Biblical Principles for Investing
- Steward God's resources wisely (Matthew 25)
- Diversify your investments (Ecclesiastes 11:2)
- Be patient and consistent (Proverbs 13:11)
- Make decisions prayerfully and with planning (Luke 14:28)
- Avoid greed and maintain trust in God (1 Timothy 6:10; Proverbs 11:28)
- Use your returns for God-honoring purposes (Proverbs 3:9–10)
Best Methods for Saving Money (Scripture)
When it comes to managing our finances, Scripture provides timeless principles that help us honor God and steward His resources wisely. Saving money isn’t about hoarding—it’s about preparing, planning, and giving from a heart that recognizes that all we have is from God.
Here are several biblically-aligned methods for saving money:
1. Acknowledge That All Belongs to God — Start with Giving (Firstfruits Principle)
Before we talk about saving, Scripture teaches us that the foundation of financial stewardship is recognizing God as the source of all we have. Honoring God with the "firstfruits" means giving back to Him first—before we do anything else with our money.
“Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”— Proverbs 3:9–10
Giving generously trains our hearts to trust God, not wealth. This sets the tone for every financial decision, including saving.
2. Budget and Track Spending Faithfully
Saving starts with stewardship. A simple budget helps you tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Tracking income and expenses each pay period ensures you live within your means and allocate funds purposefully.
For budgeting tips including practical advice on tracking expenses to align with biblical wisdom see one of the other pages in this resource: Biblical Principles of Faithful Stewardship
“Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds: for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure to all generations.”— Proverbs 27:23–24
3. Use the Envelope Method or Digital Categories
Creating labeled envelopes (or virtual equivalents) helps prioritize important categories like tithing, offering, savings, and needs vs. wants. This method brings structure to your spending and reinforces discipline and intentionality.
“The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.”--Proverbs 21:5
4. Build an Emergency Fund in a Separate Account
Planning for future needs—like unexpected car repairs or medical expenses—is not a lack of faith but a form of wise preparation. A separate savings account helps protect your budget from disruptions and provides peace of mind.
“There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man swallows it up.”— Proverbs 21:20
“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?”— Luke 14:28
5. Avoid Debt and Live Simply
Another key aspect of saving money is learning contentment and resisting unnecessary debt. The less debt you carry, the more freedom you have to save.
“The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.”— Proverbs 22:7
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”— 1 Timothy 6:6
Note: if you avoid or somehow consolidate already existing debt you'll have the freedom financially to save and give generously.
6. Seek Additional Income Sources, Including Those That Can Earn Money Passively or Allow You to Work From Home (A Means of Earning That Has Become Even More Popular Since the COVID-19 Pandemic).
Ecclesiastes 11:2 (WEB)
“Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don’t know what evil will be on the earth.”
→ Encourages diversification of income—wise preparation in uncertain times.
7. Seek Wise Financial Counsel From a Trusted Christian Financial Advisor Rooted in Biblical Principles.
A trusted Christian financial advisor can help you make decisions that honor God. To find one, consider resources like Crown Financial Ministries, which offers tools and directories aligned with Scripture.
Proverbs 15:22 (WEB)
“Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.”
→ Wise financial planning flourishes when guided by biblical counsel and trusted advisers.
In Summary:
So, what does the Bible say about saving money? Biblical saving isn’t about accumulating wealth for security out of a lack of trust in God—it’s about living wisely, giving generously, and preparing for the future with faith. In other words, It's not about going crazy hoarding money, as that would reflect a combination of fear and selfishness instead of faith and love. When we manage money God's way, we experience both true freedom and blessing.
Here is the introductory page to this topical resource: Introduction –Money Principles in the Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Financial Stress Through Biblical Stewardship
Chapter 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Debt?
Chapter 2 – Biblical Principles of Faithful Stewardship
Chapter 3 – Biblical Principles of Generous and Intentional Giving