How does the Bible say to invest your money?
Verse Summary: What Ecclesiastes 11:2 Has to Say About Money
Matthew [25:14]-10
Those who invested wisely and grew their talents were praised, while the one who buried his out of fear was reprimanded. This lesson highlights the importance of responsible financial management and the concept of biblical financial guidance.
You may be surprised to learn that saving is actually encouraged in the Bible. The Bible teaches that it's possible to wisely save and invest for the future while also being “rich toward God” by “storing up treasures in heaven” (Luke 12:21; Matt. 6:19–21).
Proverbs 16:8 makes it clear that God cares more about how we make money rather than how much money we make. Indeed, God proclaims it is better to produce a lower return on investment in a righteous manner than high-flying profits unjustly.
We are encouraged to save, but we must do it for the right reason and in the right proportion. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 - As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
Perhaps that's why Scripture doesn't explicitly promote or prohibit financial investment. We would be hard-pressed to find in the Bible a direct answer to the question, “Should I invest my money?”
Ecclesiastes 11 (GNB) - Bible Society. 1Invest your money in foreign trade, and one of these days you will make a profit. 2Put your investments in several places — many places, in fact — because you never know what kind of bad luck you are going to have in this world.
God is not against the proper use of money, material riches, or physical wealth. A number of God's true servants were very wealthy, like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, King David, King Solomon, Joseph of Arimathea, and some others. Physical abundance and material wealth is one of God's blessings.
Learn to invest your time in the study of the Word, prayer, soul-wining and other spiritual activities like attending church services and other scheduled meetings regularly. Spend quality time in fellowship with the Holy Spirit every day.
Biblically Responsible Investing is a very practical way for Christians to live out their faith in the realm of finances, and thereby glorify God with what He has entrusted to us.
Why biblically responsible investing?
Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), or Faith-Driven Investing, is a biblical approach to investing where Christians align their investment decisions with their Christian values. BRI considers the investor's financial return while seeking to glorify God through the investment process.
The principle Bible verse on money is 1 Timothy 6:10 - “For the LOVE of money is a root of all evil”. This Scripture warns about the trap that so many people fall into in trying to acquire as much monetary wealth as possible. There are other notable verses on the subject including Matthew 6:24 - “…
In Hebrews 13, Paul reminds us to “keep our lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.” No matter how big your dreams are, remember to be content now. The God of the universe is for you, and that is more than enough.
Putting God First
Biblical financial stewardship requires prioritizing God in our finances. This includes giving to God first through tithes and offerings. The principle of tithing involves giving a tenth of our income back to God as an act of worship and trust in His provision (Malachi 3:10).
What the Bible says about borrowing: Exodus 22:14 - If anything is borrowed, it should be paid back. If what is borrowed is lost or injured, full restitution must be made. Ps 37:21 - The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.
Principle 1 Christian Investing Acknowledges God's Ownership When you make investments as a Christian, you recognize you are investing what belongs to the Lord. Principle 2 Christian Investing Acknowledges God's Sovereignty Not only is God the owner of all things, Scripture says He is also sovereign.
God entered into a Covenant with Abraham and his descendants that he blessed them so they could bless others – locally and globally. But, one could say blessings are beyond words. To bless others is to create all kinds of wealth and in turn, share it. This is indeed a part of the Covenant.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. There are also many other areas to be covered in financial planning such as budgeting, debt elimination and setting up a strategy for building cash reserves (Proverbs 21:20 and 22:7).
Finally, 1 Timothy 6:17-18 offers divine instructions for the wealthy among us. The passage reads: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
But Scripture tells us that God loves the poor. He is on their side simply because they are still persons worthy of respect. And in their helplessness, they put their trust in God.
What did Jesus teach about wealth?
Kahan cites Jesus' injunction against amassing material wealth as an example that the "good [Christian] life was one of poverty and charity, storing up treasures in heaven instead of earth." Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
Based on a verse in the Bible, the sages teach us that God's investment is wisdom. The Jewish sages explain that God places in each and every human being a unique kind of wisdom — a talent or ability, a gift.
Prayer is not only a way to commune with God and to receive help from God, it is an eternal investment! … Intercession for the salvation of others, for the building of Christ's church, for revival among God's people, and for the evangelization of the world all partake of the quality of the eternal.
Deuteronomy 8:18 New King James Version (NKJV)
“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Proverbs 13:11-16 NLT
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.
