What does the bible say about money?

[Clarinda Della]

I am in a bad situation as far as money goes!! I make seven dollars an hour(and have been searching for a better job for about 6 months) I've gotten to the point to where I feel like I'm on my last leg. My car is in need of serious repairs and its very hard to make ends meet. My question is, what does the bible say about needing money? I know it says something to the effect of no rich man will make it into heaven, but what does it say about praying for money not that I want but I truly need?

[KrozFan]

I don't think there's a problem with praying for money you need, or to pray for a new job. The bible has a lot to say about money, and some people say that the bible is ok with us being wealthy, and others say the bible is not ok.

One of the verses many anti-money people use is Mark 10:25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Though if you read the whole story it goes like this "Mark 10:21-27,31 Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, "There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, "My children," he said to them, "how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." They were more astonished than ever. "In that case," they said to one another, "who can be saved?" Jesus gazed at them. "For men," he said, "it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God... Many who are first will be last, and the last first." This story is also told in Matthew and Luke I think.

Taken in its full context we see that Jesus is talking to a man who is hesitant to give up his riches to follow Jesus, so it seems that this man is choosing his riches over God/Christ. So is the point of the story that you shouldn't have money at all, or that you shouldn't be so desperate to hold onto your money that you dishonor God?

Let's take a look at a pro-money verse. Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaves an inheritance to his childrens' children". This one seems pretty straight forward, because you need to have money in order to leave an inheritance.

You need to be careful though, and not put the dollar above God. Matt. 6:24 "You cannot serve both God and money".

I'm a pro-money guy myself. I know that I'm a giving person by nature and I will be a good steward of the money I have received. Bob has a good list of scriptures refering to money http://www.christianpf.com/money-in-the-bible/

[Tristan]

Hi, Clarinda. The first verse that comes to my mind for a need is Philippians 4:19.

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Be careful, though. Take a look at the context. Paul was writing to the body of Christ in Philippi. In verses 15 and 16 he explains that the Philippian church was the only group of people that gave into his life, supplying all his necessities as he traveled.

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

From there, in verses 17 and 18 Paul describes their giving as a pleasing sacrifice to God, and that he expects to see them reap a harvest from their sewn seed.

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

To me, it's clear that this verse (Philippians 4:19) applies to the giver. Now, I know that you may not have much to give in terms of money. But, give (cheerfully) where you can. Lend a helping hand to someone else in need. It doesn't have to be your money either. I imagine that the church in Philippi gave the Apostle Paul some money for his travels, but the verses above do not explicitly mention money. In fact, in verse 18 Paul states, "I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you..." I believe if you give of your time, goods, and/or money (i.e. whatever you're able to do to help somebody else in need), then God will honor that as an acceptable sacrifice. Then, you'll be able to lay hold of Philippians 4:19 for your life.

[4jacks]

The bible says a lot about money!

over 15% of Jesus' recorded words were about Money, that is more than he talked about Heaven and Hell, more than any other subject.

I would encourage you to listen to Crown Financial's Podcast or radio show (on christian radio) www.crown.org
That's how I orginally learned about the biblical approach to money. It's a slow process, you absorb more everyday.

I also recommend Dave Ramsey. He's on the radio, has a podcast, and is also on television. I have to admit he is more entertaining, but much more practical than Crown.

Anyhoo, I'll say a prayer for you, hope you get your situation turned around.

[4jacks]

How would I best contribute?

Hey, welcome to the boards.

You can contribute any way you wish really. Any conversation starters are good topics, we have a section for just about anything on your mind.

[JoC]

Hi Clarinda

I feel for your situation. It sounds as if you are suffering. We need to learn from that and turn and God and not hide from Him like Adam in the garden.

Psalm 24 says 'The earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof'. He has it all. So it would be a foolish thing not to ask God for it.

The Bible is full of things about money. And not all of it is negative. It can be an idol, but every created thing can be an idol.

Three practical points:

-Start by reading quickly through the book of proverbs and writing sown everthing it says about money.
-Make a budget and keep to it.
-Tithe to your local church where you worship. Tithe 10% of your net income each week/month ie the new money you get in that you can go out and spend in the shop.

[Elmira Nancy]

It is not money but the love of money that is the root of all evil. You should go to God your Father with all your concerns. Ask for help in resolving your problems but don't expect that money will come like mana from heaven. You will need to work with God to improve your situation. One more thing, always be ready to share what you do have with others in need. Yes, I know that sounds silly given your situation, however the widow gave the prophet the last of her grain when she and her child were about to starve and her bin never went empty.

[patergiri]

Money is not the concern of Bible. Though it deals with money, the most important concern of Bible is how man, for that matter, How world is saved through the salvific activity of Jesus Christ. But it does tell you about the proper utilization of money. It tells you to give the money to the poor, widows and for that matter, anyone who is in need and I mean, the anyone who is in absolute need. when you give, the Lord gives. Thank you.

[Gander]

I don't even think he used money.

[4jacks]

I don't even think he used money.

Luke 21: 1-4

[pdave]

Clarinda,

Are you a part of a church? If so, have you shared your need with those in the church? One of the characteristics of the church in Acts is that they shared as there was need and gave to the common good.

[Cambomom]

Great book! Read Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. It points out that Scripture says on the topic.

[femaleit]

I never knew until recently, that God does want us to be successful...and that includes financial success! Theres nothing wrong with praying for success, and include in your prayer very specifically that of which is your hearts desire. We all have very specific value in this world, and a gift that God has provided us with, unique all onto ourselves. As important as it maybe to pray for a better job, more fruitful income, pray that your true gift be self recognized. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit and show you what your talent, expertise, etc. is here on earth. Keep the faith, and prayer certainly does work!

[sharonakinoluwa]

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“ I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.” Pro 8:12-18

This is wisdom speaking saying “Riches and honour are with me”. Prosperity is the product of wisdom at work in a person. So get wisdom and wealth will answer to you.
Solomon was a man endowed with wisdom and was also the richest person in his days. God, the only wise God is also the owner of all things in the world including all the monies.
Wisdom is indeed synonymous with riches!

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.”Hag 2:8


For more on this topic visit:http://www.wealthandriches.net