Faithful Finances: Managing Money According to Biblical Principles

Money feels personal. It’s one of those taboo topics, we’re not supposed to approach in polite conversation, but it’s part of life, and it affects every single one of us. Whether you’re someone who counts every penny or just hopes there’s enough in the bank to make it to the next payday, understanding a biblical approach to finances can be life-changing.

When I started looking into this topic myself, I found that the Bible has a lot to say about money—not just how we should handle it but also the attitudes we should have about it. As believers, we know that God’s ways are the best ways. They aren’t always the easiest, but if we’re obedient, they are always fruitful. Let’s dive into some principles I found and talk about how we can put them into action.

1. Stewardship: Recognizing That Everything Belongs to God

One of the key lessons about money in the Bible is that everything we have comes from God. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

If we apply this idea, it changes how we see what’s in our wallet. If everything we own actually belongs to God, then we’re just managing His resources. It’s like if a friend lets you borrow their car—you’d probably want to take good care of it because it’s not really yours. This perspective adds an extra layer of protection against frivolous spending.

How to apply it: Start viewing your finances as God’s resources. Make a budget that reflects a commitment to careful spending. You’re not just spending “your” money; you’re managing God’s money. This shift helps to be more intentional with spending, knowing it’s not solely for personal pleasure but also for stewardship. That means allocating funds to things that God finds important (more on that in a second).

2. Tithing: Honoring God with Our First Fruits

One of the most well-known biblical principles about finances is tithing. In the Old Testament, God’s people were instructed to give a tenth, or “tithe,” of their earnings and resources back to God as a way to honor Him. Leviticus 27:30 says, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”

The idea of giving the first portion of what we earn helps keep our focus on God, showing our trust in His provision. It’s a tangible way to say, “I know this is from You, and I’m giving back a part of it as an act of worship and gratitude.”

Jesus affirmed the heart of this principle in the New Testament, highlighting the importance of giving out of sincerity rather than mere obligation. In Matthew 23:23, He emphasized that while tithing is good, it should not be done at the expense of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This shows that tithing is about both action and attitude—it’s not just about the amount we give, but also the heart behind it.

How to apply it: If tithing 10% feels challenging, remember that it comes with a promise from God. In fact, it’s the only time God says “test me.”

“Test me in this.” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”—Malachi 3:10-11

Tithing is one thing my wife and I are consistent and insistent on. We have lived on $150,000 a year, and we have lived on $20,000 a year, and everything in between in our marriage. We have always had what we needed and then some. I firmly believe it is because we are faithful with the first ten percent.

Make tithing part of your budget so it’s a priority each month. It’s God’s anyway. Don’t neglect to give it back, and see what He will do with your obedience. HE said, “Test me.”

3. Avoiding Debt: Living Within Your Means

Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” This verse doesn’t mean debt is a sin, but it does warn us about the consequences. When we owe money, we’re obligated to pay it back, which limits our freedom. And let’s be honest—debt is stressful. Many of us feel stuck because of student loans, credit cards, or car payments. While some debt may be unavoidable in today’s system, striving to live within our means keeps us free from unnecessary financial burdens.

How to apply it: Focus on reducing and avoiding debt wherever possible. If you’re already in debt, create a repayment plan. Prioritize paying down high-interest debt first, like credit cards. Once that’s under control, consider setting up a budget that limits future borrowing and allocates extra money to savings for future big purchases.

Buying quality used items, cooking more meals at home, and reducing impulse purchases (waiting a week to buy that thing you want) are small ways to curb expenses and build better habits.

4. Generosity: Giving Back

Generosity is one of the cornerstones of biblical financial principles. In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Generosity isn’t about giving big sums of money; it’s about the heart behind it. When we give, we’re participating in God’s work, whether that’s helping someone in need, supporting a righteous cause, or giving back to our church community. Giving also keeps us from getting too attached to our money and reminds us that there’s more to life than what’s in our bank account.

How to apply it: Start by setting aside a small percentage of your income to give each month. I like to give to missions. I set it up to auto-draft the same amount every month, so I never even think about it.

Giving doesn’t have to be financial, either—it can be time or resources. Volunteering is a powerful form of generosity.

5. Planning and Saving: Thinking About the Future

The Bible encourages us to plan for the future. Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”

Saving isn’t about hoarding money out of fear but being wise so we’re prepared for future needs. It’s about creating a financial cushion to handle emergencies and plan for long-term goals like buying a home, sending kids to college, or retirement.

How to apply it: If you don’t have a savings plan yet, start with a small emergency fund. Aim to save enough to cover three to six months of living expenses. Automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account. Treat this fund as a priority, even if you can only add a little at a time. It’s about consistency over time.

6. Contentment: Avoiding the Trap of Comparison

In our consumer-driven world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “keeping up with the Joneses.” But the Bible encourages us to be content with what we have. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

Contentment helps us avoid spending on things we don’t need and keeps our focus on what truly matters. It’s easy to think happiness is just one purchase away, but real contentment comes from gratitude for what we already have.

How to apply it: Practice gratitude by regularly listing things you’re thankful for. Try a “spending freeze” for a month where you only buy essentials, and avoid extra purchases. This exercise can help you see that you’re okay without constantly buying more. When you feel the itch to buy something, ask yourself if it’s really necessary or if it’s just a quick fix for a passing desire.

7. Working with Integrity: Honoring God with How We Earn

Finally, the Bible emphasizes working with integrity. Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Work isn’t just a means to an end; it’s an opportunity to honor God and serve others. Honest work also helps us avoid the pitfalls of “quick and easy” money schemes, which often come with their own risks and consequences.

How to apply it: Approach your job with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Avoid shortcuts or dishonest practices, even if they seem harmless. Earning an income honestly and ethically is an essential part of faithful finances. If you’re in a job that doesn’t align with your values, start planning how you might transition into something that does.

Practical Tips for Living Out These Principles Daily

Living out biblical financial principles doesn’t happen overnight. Here are a few small steps to help you get started:

• Daily Gratitude: Each morning, jot down a few things you’re thankful for. This habit can help shift your mindset toward contentment.
• Budget Check-Ins: Once a week, take 15 minutes to review your spending. Adjust where necessary to ensure you’re staying on track with your goals. Try an app like Rocket Money or Every Dollar to track your spending. I use a simple Google Sheet.
• Plan for Generosity: Schedule regular giving, even if it’s just a small amount. If it’s part of your plan, you’re more likely to stick with it.
• Limit “Retail Therapy”: Next time you feel the urge to shop for fun, take a walk, exercise, or call a friend instead. Develop healthier ways to deal with stress or boredom.
• Remember the “Why”: When you feel discouraged, remind yourself why you’re managing your finances this way. You’re honoring God and setting up a secure, stable future for yourself and those around you.

Embracing Financial Freedom God’s Way

Managing finances can feel overwhelming, especially if we’re dealing with debt or don’t know where to start. But approaching our finances with biblical principles provides not only structure but peace. You don’t have to do it alone. God promises “He will never leave you or forsake you.” In fact, that’s the end to that whole “keep your lives free from the love of money” verse.

The goal isn’t to accumulate wealth for its own sake or to feel restricted by rules, but to use money wisely, honor God, and find freedom in managing money well. Following these principles helps us focus on what really matters and builds a life of purpose and security. Let’s keep encouraging each other on this journey of faithful finances—it’s a worthwhile path to walk.