6 Ways the Proverbs Can Guide Your Financial Management

God is not silent on the topic of money, both spiritually and practically. Proverbs is filled with practical principles that can shape our approach to managing the money that God has entrusted to us. Whether you are striving to save for the future, create a zero-based budget, or make wise investments, the wisdom found in Proverbs provides timeless guidance that can inform your financial planning.

Let’s explore how the Book of Proverbs can guide us in saving, budgeting, and investing.

1. The value of diligence and hard work in saving (Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24).

In a world consumed with immediate gratification, the idea of diligence and hard work can almost seem countercultural. Proverbs speaks frequently about the value of hard work and how it leads to prosperity. Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 12:24 adds, “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”

This principle teaches that consistent effort in both work and financial discipline can lead to long-term stability. Modern-day saving isn’t just about setting money aside occasionally—it’s about establishing a diligent, consistent approach.

How can you live this out in your finances?

First, set financial goals. Establish clear, achievable saving goals and remain disciplined in regularly contributing to savings or investment accounts. Second, create a monthly saving routine. Just as one sets aside time for work, setting aside time for saving is essential. Consistency in saving—even small amounts—can accumulate over time. Remember this formula:

A little bit of money + A lot of time = A lot of money 2. Avoiding debt and living within your means (Proverbs 22:7; Proverbs 21:20).

The Bible repeatedly warns against the dangers of debt and emphasizes the importance of living within one's means. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” And Proverbs 21:20 reminds us, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”

Living on borrowed money leads to financial slavery. Proverbs encourages us to live wisely, avoid unnecessary debt and be thoughtful in our financial choices.

How can you live this out in your finances?

First, establish a budget (Blueprint for Mission). Create a budget that limits debt accumulation and ensures your spending does not exceed your income. Second, pay off your existing debt. Use the debt snowball method to eliminate your debt, targeting the lowest balance debt first. This excludes your mortgage.

3. The importance of planning and strategic investing (Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 24:27).

Proverbs stresses the importance of careful planning and diligence, both of which are essential to sound financial management and long-term financial health. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverbs 24:27 tells us, “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

This teaches us that financial success requires forethought and the wise allocation of resources. Similarly, when it comes to investing, we are advised to plan ahead and not act impulsively.

How can you live this out in your finances?

First, create a financial plan. Pray and consider where you want to be financially in the next 5, 10, or 20 years. Plan how much you need to save or invest to reach your goals. Second, diversify your investments. Diversification of investments can reduce risk and increase the possibility of long-term growth.

4. Saving for future needs (Proverbs 6:6-8; Proverbs 30:24-25).

The idea of setting aside resources for future needs is woven throughout Proverbs. Proverbs encourages us to prepare ahead, even in times of plenty, so that we are not caught unprepared when challenges arise. Proverbs 6:6-8 talks about the wisdom of the ant, which “stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” This speaks to the importance of saving and preparing during times of abundance to cover periods of scarcity. Proverbs 30:24-25 says, “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.” The ants don’t wait for a crisis to begin preparing. They are proactive, saving in the good times so that they are provided for in the lean times.

How can you live this out in your finances?

First, make sure you have an emergency fund (Money Milestone 5). Just as the ant prepares for the winter, we should save for unexpected expenses or periods of unemployment. Second, save for retirement (Money Milestones 3 and 6). Start early. Like the ant, the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better prepared you'll be when it's time to retire.

5. Contentment and the right attitude toward wealth (Proverbs 30:8-9).

Proverbs teaches the value of contentment and warns against greed. Wealth is not an end in itself but a means to honor God, serve others, and advance His Kingdom.

Proverbs 30:8-9 says, “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” This verse highlights that wealth should never be pursued at the cost of godliness. It suggests that financial security comes from a balance of contentment and proper stewardship.

How can you live this out in your finances?

First, guard against greed. Avoid the temptation to accumulate wealth for selfish reasons. Focus instead on how your financial success can serve God and others. Second, pursue financial contentment. Strive for contentment in your current financial situation, even while setting financial goals. A discontent heart often leads to hasty or unwise financial decisions.

6. The blessing of generosity and giving (Proverbs 11:24-25).

Generosity is a central theme in Proverbs, and it underscores the blessing that comes from giving to others. Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” This principle applies to all areas of life, including finances. Saving isn’t just for personal gain, but to enable you to bless others when opportunities arise.

How can you live this out in your finances?

Practice generosity. When you get paid, give a portion to God. You can do this by giving to your local church. After you have given to your church, consider being generous to other Kingdom-advancing non-profits.

The wisdom of Proverbs offers an approach to financial management that includes hard work, strategic saving, wise investing, and generous living. By following these biblical principles, Christians can create a financial foundation that honors God and provides for their families and communities.

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