What does the Bible say about money?
Some people grew up hearing that money is evil. Others heard that if you just give, you’ll get rich. Neither is the whole picture, and the confusion keeps a lot of people stuck.
The Bible doesn’t call money evil; it warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). It teaches that God is the source of the ability to build wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), that we should give first and generously (Proverbs 3:9), plan and work diligently (Proverbs 21:5), avoid being enslaved by debt (Proverbs 22:7), and leave an inheritance to our children’s children (Proverbs 13:22). Money is a tool to steward for God’s purposes.
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Jesus told a story about three servants
A master gave three servants money to manage while he traveled. Two invested it and doubled it. The third, afraid, buried his in the ground. When the master returned, he praised the two who multiplied what they had and rebuked the one who hid it out of fear (Matthew 25:14–30). Jesus wasn’t teaching that money is bad. He was teaching that what God puts in your hands is meant to grow.
Five things the Bible says about money
God is the source. Your skill, your job and your opportunities come from Him (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Give first. Firstfruits, not leftovers: giving to God before anything else keeps money in its place (Proverbs 3:9–10; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
Plan and build. Diligent planning leads to plenty (Proverbs 21:5); wealth gathered by steady work grows (Proverbs 13:11).
Watch the debt. The borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7). Debt isn’t forbidden, but it limits your freedom.
Think generations. A good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children (Proverbs 13:22).
The heart behind it
Jesus said you cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). The question is not how much you have but who holds the top spot. When God does, money becomes a tool to provide for your family, bless people and build things that outlast you.
What the Bible says
- 01
Where the power to build wealth comes from.
“But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.”
Deuteronomy 8:18 - 02
Giving first.
“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Proverbs 3:9–10 - 03
The real danger.
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
1 Timothy 6:10 - 04
An inheritance for grandchildren.
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.”
Proverbs 13:22 - 05
Who you serve.
“No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Matthew 6:24 - 06
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Read the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) today and ask: what has God put in my hands that I’ve been burying out of fear?
Common questions
Is it wrong to be rich?
No. Abraham, Job, David and others were wealthy and faithful. Scripture warns against trusting in riches and loving money, not against having it (1 Timothy 6:17–19).
Does God want me to be poor?
Scripture never presents poverty as holier. God cares for the poor and calls His people to do the same, and He also gives people the ability to build and provide.
How much should I give?
Give first, cheerfully and generously, and let it grow over time (2 Corinthians 9:7). Many believers start with a tithe, a tenth, as a way to put God first.
Start building, not just surviving.
Become’s Family Office helps you set your number, plant your seed and grow it, with the whole family in it. Start with what you have tonight.