What are the bible proverbs about money ? Find out in this article with commentary on each verse.
Introduction
Does money make the world go round? Or is this a statement from a money-centered universe? Money solves a lot of problems. It is a necessity. Most transactions need money. People need money to live daily. Money is not something that you need once in a while. It is a daily need just as the prayer Jesus taught his disciples (The Lord’s Prayer) which is now a universal prayer to pray that God gives us our daily bread. Bread refers to sustenance. Money sustains us.
6 Bible proverbs about money
Proverbs 11:4
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Money has value in this world. But, in the spiritual world, in Heaven, which is our final destination as Christians, it has no value. The day of wrath in the Bible refers to a day when God will judge the world of its evil. On this day, no amount of money can deliver or save humanity. Righteousness will, however, save men from the wrath (anger) of God.
Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
This is one of the best Bible proverbs that warn about dirty money. It is better to accumulate your wealth legitimately over a period of time than to be involved in get-rich-quick dubious schemes. Quick money disappears fast, probably because the person does not value the money, because they never worked for it. If you do not toil for something, you will not value it. So they spend it anyhow. This proverb advises us to build on wealth patiently. Such wealth will last long.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
According to the Bible, a good man knows how to handle money. He knows how to save money so much that he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, creating generational wealth. But the sinner who rejects God cannot keep his wealth. Looking back at the book of Job (1:7-10), the devil states how God had put a hedge around Job. Meaning God protected all his possessions (wealth). The wealth of the righteous is protected by God, but the wealth of the sinful is not protected by God therefore, it can easily get finished or be given to someone else.
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
In this present day, money (silver and gold) is given precedence over all else. This generation is money centred. But the wise saying is that honour is more important than money. Money perishes, people die and leave money in their bank accounts. You cannot take money to the afterlife with you. Choose a good name instead and then accumulate wealth, which is secondary.
Proverbs 28:8
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
Making money by taking advantage of the poor is an invitation to poverty. You cannot oppress the poor and think that you will get away with it. God, who is also the father to the poor is watching and He will defend the poor who cannot defend themselves. The moral of the proverb is, riches that are ill-gotten do not last long. Stop taking advantage of those who cannot defend themselves. If you take advantage of them, you will lose your wealth to one who is just and kind to the poor.
Proverbs 23:4-5
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
It appears the Bible just contradicted itself. The Bible advocates for hard work and shuns laziness.
“… If a man will not work, he shall not eat”.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV)
Not so. Proverbs 23:4-5 is advising people not to be too obsessed with chasing after money. As people, we plan and find ways to make money, get on that money-making train, trusting our capabilities. It is not worth it to break your back pursuing money, that is an unhealthy pursuit of money.
God is not anti-wealth. Focusing solely on money is wrong. This is making money your god. There are other things to focus on, such as seeking the kingdom of God. Money is there to facilitate a good life, but we cannot depend on it. Only God is dependable. Think about the time when Job lost all his possessions and children in one day. When all else was lost, God remained. Work hard, but do not be obsessed with money that you can lose anytime.
Conclusion
The book of Proverbs teaches people to see money as daily bread. It sustains people. However, money should not be worshiped. Its value is only for the short time that we are on earth. It is futile to chase after earthly riches. Instead, we should concentrate on storing up unperishable treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
