When I first began to think seriously about money, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of financial advice out there. From investment strategies to financial concepts, the options seemed endless and often conflicting. But then, I turned to the Bible—a source of wisdom I’ve relied on for guidance in so many areas of my life—and I was amazed at how practical and profound its teachings on money are.

What struck me most was how timeless and universal the principles of biblical financial stewardship are. They don’t require advanced degrees or intricate knowledge of financial systems. Instead, they offer simple yet profound truths that can help anyone, regardless of their financial status. Here, I want to share why I believe biblical financial stewardship is not just a spiritual ideal but also a practical approach filled with wisdom.

It Starts with Ownership

The first principle of biblical financial stewardship that transformed my thinking was the concept of ownership. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (ESV). This reminded me that everything I have—my income, my possessions, even my abilities—ultimately belongs to God.

Recognizing this shifted my perspective. Instead of viewing money as something to hoard or control, I began to see it as a resource entrusted to me. This mindset encouraged me to handle my finances with care and intentionality, knowing I’m accountable for how I use them. It also freed me from the constant anxiety of ownership because I realized I’m a steward, not the ultimate provider.

Living Within Your Means

One of the most practical aspects of biblical stewardship is the emphasis on living within your means. Proverbs 21:20 states, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it” (ESV). For me, this was a wake-up call to practice self-control and avoid the temptation of overspending.

Living within my means didn’t just help me avoid debt; it also gave me peace of mind. I started budgeting, distinguishing between needs and wants, and learning to be content with what I have. Contentment, as 1 Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (ESV). This principle has kept me grounded, especially in a world that constantly pushes consumerism.

Avoiding Debt

The Bible doesn’t forbid debt outright, but it warns against the dangers of becoming enslaved to it. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender” (ESV). This wisdom helped me understand the long-term implications of borrowing.

I used to think of debt as a necessary part of life, but the biblical perspective encouraged me to minimize it as much as possible. I started paying off existing debts aggressively and thinking twice before taking on new ones. The freedom I’ve gained from reducing debt is something I can’t put a price on.

Generosity as a Lifestyle

One of the most beautiful and challenging aspects of biblical stewardship is the call to generosity. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (ESV). At first, giving felt counterintuitive, especially when I was trying to save and manage my resources. But as I began to practice generosity, I experienced its profound wisdom.

Giving taught me to trust in God’s provision. It also helped me break free from materialism and develop a heart of compassion for others. Whether it’s tithing, supporting a cause, or helping someone in need, generosity has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my financial journey.

Planning and Saving

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of planning and saving. Proverbs 6:6-8 points to the ant as an example of diligence and foresight: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest” (ESV). This inspired me to create an emergency fund and start saving for long-term goals.

Planning doesn’t mean I rely solely on my efforts. Instead, it’s about partnering with God in wisely managing what He’s given me. It’s a balance between faith and action—trusting God while also doing my part.

Avoiding the Love of Money

Perhaps the most important principle I’ve learned is to guard against the love of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (ESV). This doesn’t mean money is bad; it’s about the attitude we have toward it.

I’ve learned to see money as a tool rather than an end goal. It’s a resource that can be used to glorify God, bless others, and provide for needs. Keeping this perspective has helped me avoid the trap of greed and maintain a sense of purpose in my financial decisions.

A Life of Peace and Purpose

Embracing biblical financial stewardship has not only improved my finances but also enriched my life in ways I didn’t expect. It’s given me a sense of peace, knowing I’m managing resources according to God’s principles. It’s also provided a deeper sense of purpose, as I’ve seen how financial faithfulness can make a positive impact on others.

The wisdom of the Bible is timeless, and its principles are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. Whether you’re struggling with debt, trying to save, or looking for a way to give back, I believe biblical financial stewardship offers practical guidance and profound wisdom for anyone seeking to honor God with their finances.

As someone who has spent decades teaching personal finance matters and being a student of biblical stewardship, I’ve come across a lot of interpretations about money and faith. One of the most pervasive—and concerning—is the “Prosperity Gospel.” At first glance, it sounds appealing: believe in God, have enough faith, and He will bless you with material wealth, health, and success. But as I’ve studied Scripture and walked alongside others on their financial journeys, I’ve come to realize that the Prosperity Gospel is not just misleading—it’s dangerous to our faith.

Here’s why we should stay away from it.

1. It Misrepresents God’s Character

The Prosperity Gospel often paints God as a kind of cosmic vending machine: put in enough faith or obedience, and out comes material blessings. But this idea reduces God’s character to something transactional, ignoring His sovereignty, wisdom, and deeper purposes.

In Scripture, we see a God who blesses His people—but His blessings are not always material. For example, Jesus said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3, ESV)

God’s ultimate blessing isn’t earthly wealth or success; it’s the eternal richness of knowing Him and being part of His kingdom.

2. It Twists Scripture for Personal Gain

One hallmark of Prosperity Gospel teaching is the misuse of Bible verses to promote the idea of guaranteed wealth. Passages like Malachi 3:10 (“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse…”) or John 10:10 (“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”) are often taken out of context to suggest that God promises financial prosperity to all who believe.

But Scripture, when read in context, tells a fuller story. Jesus Himself said:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)

God’s Word doesn’t promise a life free from struggles or financial difficulty. Instead, it promises His presence, peace, and strength in all circumstances.

3. It Focuses on Earthly Rewards Over Eternal Riches

The Prosperity Gospel shifts our focus to temporary, earthly rewards. But Jesus warned against this mindset:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19–20, ESV)

True wealth isn’t found in bank accounts, luxury cars, or big houses—it’s found in a life transformed by Christ and lived for His glory. When we chase after material blessings, we risk losing sight of what truly matters: loving God and loving others.

4. It Creates a False Theology of Suffering

One of the most harmful aspects of the Prosperity Gospel is its implication that suffering or financial struggles are signs of a lack of faith. This teaching can leave believers feeling ashamed, doubting their relationship with God, or questioning His goodness when trials come.

Yet the Bible is full of faithful men and women who faced immense hardship—Job, Paul, and even Jesus Himself. Paul writes:

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.” (Philippians 4:11–12, ESV)

God doesn’t promise us a life free from hardship, but He does promise to be with us through it all, shaping us to become more like Christ.

5. It Undermines Generosity and Stewardship

The Prosperity Gospel can distort our view of money, turning it into something we seek for our own benefit rather than a tool to serve others. Biblical stewardship calls us to manage our resources wisely and generously for God’s glory—not to hoard wealth for ourselves.

In Acts, the early church modeled radical generosity:

“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” (Acts 2:45, ESV)

When we embrace a biblical view of money, we see it as a means to bless others and advance God’s kingdom, not just a measure of our faith.

A Better Gospel

The true Gospel offers something far better than the Prosperity Gospel ever could: a relationship with Jesus Christ. In Him, we find forgiveness, purpose, and the promise of eternal life. These blessings far outweigh anything money can buy.

Let’s remember the words of Jesus:

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36, ESV)

Our faith isn’t about what we can get from God—it’s about loving Him, trusting Him, and living for His glory, whether in abundance or in need.

My Thoughts

The Prosperity Gospel is tempting because it appeals to our desire for comfort and success. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a higher standard—a life of faithfulness, stewardship, and trust in God’s ultimate plan.

Let’s reject teachings that distort God’s Word and instead embrace the true Gospel, which offers joy and peace that no amount of money can provide.

What are your thoughts on this? How can we encourage each other to focus on eternal treasures rather than earthly ones?

Money has always fascinated me. It’s a tool, a resource, and, when used wisely, a blessing. I’ve spent years guiding people toward financial empowerment, but there’s one biblical story that keeps me grounded: the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man in Matthew 19:16–22.

If you’re familiar with the story, you know it’s a sobering one. A wealthy man approaches Jesus and asks, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus responds by pointing him to the commandments, and the young man confidently claims he’s kept them all. But then comes the challenge:

“If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)

The rich young ruler walks away sorrowful because, as the passage notes, “he had great possessions.”

When I first read this story, it was easy to think, “I’m not like him. I don’t have great possessions.” But the more I reflected on it, the more I realized how much this story speaks to all of us—regardless of how much money we have.

The Grip of Wealth

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that wealth is more than just money in the bank; it’s anything that takes up residence in our hearts. For the rich young ruler, his wealth wasn’t just a possession—it was his identity, his comfort, and his security.

I’ve asked myself: What’s my version of “great possessions”? Is it my career? My reputation? My financial stability? These aren’t bad things in themselves, but when they start to hold me back from fully trusting God, they become obstacles.

Money as a Heart Check

This story forces us to confront a tough question: If Jesus asked me to let go of something precious, would I? For many of us, money is the ultimate heart check. We work hard to save, invest, and build wealth, but it’s easy to forget that everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him.

As someone who advocates financial literacy, I’ve seen how money can either free us or enslave us. The key lies in our relationship with it. Are we using money as a tool to serve God, or is it subtly becoming our master?

Treasure in Heaven

Jesus’ words about treasure in heaven resonate deeply with me. It’s a reminder that true wealth isn’t measured in pesos or dollars—it’s found in the impact we make and the lives we touch. When we give generously, help others, and prioritize God’s kingdom, we’re investing in something eternal.

This doesn’t mean we should neglect wise financial planning. On the contrary, being a good steward of our resources allows us to give and serve more effectively. But it does mean we need to regularly evaluate our priorities. Are we accumulating wealth for ourselves, or are we using it to glorify God?

Walking Away Sorrowful

The part of the story that haunts me is how the rich young ruler walked away. He wanted eternal life, but he wasn’t willing to pay the price. I often wonder: How many times have I walked away from God’s call because it felt too costly?

As I reflect on this, I’m reminded that following Jesus often requires sacrifice. But every time I’ve let go of something I was clinging to—whether it was financial security, pride, or comfort—I’ve found that God’s blessings far outweighed the cost.

My 2 cents

The Parable of the Rich Young Ruler isn’t just about money; it’s about the condition of our hearts. For me, it’s a reminder to hold everything loosely—my finances, my career, my plans—and to trust that God’s plans are always better than mine.

If you’re on a financial journey like I am, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect. What are you holding onto too tightly? What would it look like to trust God more fully with your resources?

Let’s not walk away sorrowful. Instead, let’s walk toward the joy and freedom that come from following Jesus with everything we have.

What’s your “great possession,” and how can you surrender it to God? I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections.