One of the most vexing areas of life is that of finances
. Can I trust God to provide for my needs? When is enough, enough? How do I maintain my priorities between seeking God and providing for my family? Perhaps the most poignant passage on this subject is found in Matthew 6:19-34 and summarized in verse 33:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Following is a brief Biblical primer on wealth:
Dont trust in or set your heart on riches. Ps. 62:10; Deut. 6:10-12; 8:12-14; Job 31:24-28; Lk. 12:15
Because wisdom and understanding are superior to wealth, choose the former over the latter. Pro. 16:16; Psa. 119:127; Pro. 3:13-18; 4:7; 8:10,11,19; Ecc. 7:12; Matt. 16:26; Luke 12:21
Because riches can easily disappear, dont make them your main focus. Pro. 23:5; 27:24; Ecc. 5:13
Those who please God gain wisdom and understanding, while the rebel is relegated to the meaningless task of gathering and storing wealth (only to have his acquisitions to be handed over the those who please God). Ecc. 2:26; Pro. 3:13-18; 13:22; 28:8; Isa. 3:10; Job 27:13-23
Lovers of money (Ecc. 5:10-14):
– Will never be satisfied with what they possess, because "leaches" will diminish their holdings. Ecc. 6:7; Hab. 2:5-7
– Will live with angst from their financial enslavement, compared to the laboring man who is content with what he has. Psa. 119:36,37; Josh. 7:21-25; Ecc. 6:9; Jer. 17:11
– Hoard their resources to their own detriment. Gen. 13; Pro. 1:19; 11:24,25; Lk. 12:16-21
When Gods judgment falls, our wealth cannot save us. Zeph. 1:18; Psa. 52:5-7; Pro. 11:4; Jer. 9:23,24; Zeph. 1:10-13
Hoarding for selfish pleasure is sin. Lk. 12:13-21; Jms. 5:1-3; Psa. 119:36,37; Mi. 2:2; Hab. 2:9; Col. 3:5; 2 Tim. 3:2; 2 Pet. 2:14
The rich young ruler illustrates the point that an idolatrous relationship with wealth will cost us our souls. Lk. 18:18-25; Ezek. 33:31; Lk. 8:14; 19:8; Eph. 5:5; Phil. 3:8
A godly person who is content with lifes basics is the truly rich individual. I Tim. 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5; Matt. 6:34; Phil. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 9:8-11; 12:9,10
The person lusting for wealth will pay a high price for its acquisition. I Tim 6:9,10; 2 Kin. 5:20-27; Pro. 15:27; 20:21; 21:6; 22:16; 28:20-22; Isa. 5:8; Hos. 12:7,8; Amos 8:4-6; Zech. 11:5; Jude 1:11
Those blessed with wealth bear the responsibility of humility over arrogance, trusting God over their vulnerable resources, and exercising generosity in the sharing of their wealth. I Tim 6:17,18; 1 Jn. 2:15,16; Deut. 15:7-11; Psa. 37:3; Pro. 11:24,25; Ecc. 11:1,2,6; Isa. 58:6,7; Lk. 6:33-36; Act. 9:36; Rom. 12:8,13; 2 Cor. 8:19; 9:6-15; Gal. 6:10; Tit. 2:14; 3:8; Heb. 13:16; 1 Jn. 3:17