Is money evil? Is being wealthy a ticket to hell? Should the rich be punished for being rich?
We often hear that money is bad and that it’s impossible for the rich to enter the gates of heaven. Is this really what the Bible say about money and wealth? Is having money bad that God wants us to remain poor ’till His Kingdom comes? Let’s delve into what the wisest book in the Bible — the Book of Proverbs (aka Proverbs) — has to say.
About the Book of Proverbs
“Proverbs” (Latin: proverbium) originally came from the Hebrew word “marshall,” which means “to be like” or “comparisons.” That is why the book is filled with comparative illustrations about various truths and principles in life — mainly about the wise and the foolish.
According to Bible scholars, the primary author of Proverbs is King Solomon, the son of King David of Israel. In 1 Kings 4:34, it is said that King Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs and composed 1,005 songs. And these wise anecdotes still speak to us to this day.
But the book was not compiled until around 200 years after King Solomon’s death — during King Hezekiah’s reign and probably until the Babylonian exile of the Jews in 597 BC. King Solomon is also not the sole author of the Proverbs. We read passages spoken by Agur, King Lemuel, and other anonymous authors.
In modern-day Christianity, the Book of Proverbs has become synonymous with the “Book of Wisdom.” It was the first book that hooked me to the Bible — the concepts and gut-wrenching truth it presents to the readers help us reflect on our character, beliefs, and outlook in life. It also corrects some of our wrong mindsets and negative behaviors that do not benefit us in the long run.
But what does this book say about money and wealth generation? Is it wise or foolish? Read on!
12 Proverbs about money and wealth
Whether you believe in God or not, here are 12 proverbs that provide sound financial wisdom to all of us.
“Dishonest money dwindles, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” (Proverbs 13: 11)
Money is not evil, but how it was obtained could be. Proverbs warns us that money acquired dishonestly will eventually disappear. But if we build wealth little by little — through diligence, commitment, and honesty — it will eventually grow into a legacy we could pass on to the next generations.
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23)
We always have that one friend who loves to talk about their dreams but doesn’t do anything to achieve them. Sometimes, we are that one friend. At the end of the day, all talk without action will not yield any returns.
On the other hand, the Proverbs promises that hard and diligent work will always give us valuable returns, which we could use to grow our wealth. Remember the saying, “hard work beats talent when talent refuses to work hard.
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Proverbs 10:4)
This proverb speaks a similar message to the one prior — that laziness will never lead to success and wealth. As the adage goes, “success is not easy, but it’s definitely NOT for the lazy.”
Laziness doesn’t only mean being idle. It could also mean being mediocre, not thinking of creative ways to improve our craft, and refusing to find solutions to our problems. We can work mindlessly all day, but it wouldn’t guarantee us financial success. It’s not surprising that a lot of people working from 9 to 5 are still broke.
Working hard is one thing, but being diligent and working smart is another.
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22)
True riches last several lifetimes, and wise parents build wealth for their families. Generational wealth is geared toward passing down stable, significant financial assets to the next generations. This ensures the financial stability and well-being of their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.
However, according to a 2022 survey by Caring.com, only 33% of the population leaves a will or trust to their children, while 1 in 3 claims not having enough assets to leave behind.
Building generational wealth is hard, but it’s not impossible. For this reason, Warren Buffet advocates teaching financial literacy early on at home. Financial planning is also crucial. To build generational wealth, you need to develop a financial legacy strategy that will outline how your wealth will be managed, invested, and distributed when you pass on.
This proverb also warns us that wealth gained dishonestly will eventually go into the hands of people who will use it in honorable and noble pursuits.
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
There are two major schools of thought regarding debt — one, that debt can be good and be leveraged for business and investments; two, that debt is bad and will lead to a downward spiral financially, emotionally, and psychologically. And these two concepts have their own merits.
But according to recent statistics, almost half (44%) of 18-to-34-year-olds are drowning in debt. Another survey showed that over 420,000 people in England alone consider taking their own life each year due to debt. Sadly, over 6,000 of these commit suicide annually due to financial problems.
The truth is: most of us are not Robert Kiyosakis — we are not as financially literate and savvy as most billionaires are when it comes to leveraging debt. Based on statistics, debt has damaging effects on the finances, relationships, and health of most debtors.
So for everyday, ordinary people like me, it’s wise to remember that debt can enslave us and bring physical, emotional, and mental distress.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” (Proverbs 10:4)
The difference between having a dream and making a wish is taking action. A lot of us always dream of becoming something, but we don’t do anything about it. We waste our free time on idle activities, like binge-watching Netflix, partying, and gambling, instead of enriching our minds. What we’re actually doing is simply chasing fantasies.
Inaction will never lead us to success. But those who work diligently towards their goals will eventually turn their dreams into reality.
“Be not among heavy drinkers of wine or gluttonous eaters of meat; for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and slumber puts rags on man.” (Proverbs 23: 20-21)
For so long, the media has sold us the idea that a glamorous lifestyle is the picture of success. Social media has even given us sneak peeks into the lives of celebrities and their lavish spending. Many “influencers” post every clubbing, jet-setting, and shopping escapade they have to sell us an expensive version of “the good life.”
But Proverbs cautions us that overindulgence will never bring true peace and joy. When we spend our money on “fun” yet meaningless pastimes, we’re often left depressed and miserable. Successful people understand the real value of time and money. Instead of wasting your money on booze, gluttony, and over-partying, invest in exercise, a good book, and healthy living.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” (Proverbs 6: 6-8)
Ants are known for being industrious and hard workers. They are most active during summertime as they forage for and store food in preparation for the winter.
Based on research, the average worker ant takes approximately 8 minutes of rest every 12 hours or 250 one-minute naps each day, which adds up to 4 hours and 48 minutes of sleep per day. They travel an average of 100 yards (approx. 91 meters) from their nest to find food and can even carry 50 times their weight. Hardworking might be an understatement.
Though we’re not expected to work as hard as the ant, they teach us a valuable lesson: diligence and preparedness for emergencies and unfavorable seasons in life.
“She considers a field before she buys or accepts it; with her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.” (Proverbs 31: 16)
Proverbs 31 is such a wealthy resource of sound wisdom about money and home management (you might have heard of a “Proverbs 31 wife”). Proverbs 31 not only empowers housewives and mothers but also equips every financial manager out there — us.
Moreover, this proverb encourages us to invest our financial resources in profitable pursuits, be it real estate assets, stocks, index funds, or small businesses.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11: 25)
The adage goes, “the more you give, the more you receive.” And wisdom supports a generous giver. The more we give to those in need — orphans, homeless, victims of human trafficking, stray animals — God opens up opportunities for us to receive more blessings. This, in turn, enables us to give out of our abundance with joy and peace.
Blessings are more than just monetary gains. They can also be in the form of good health, peace of mind, protection from danger, and a happy heart — things that money can’t buy. Giving is a gift that enables us to share our happiness with the world. And generosity brings true prosperity. Nevertheless, we should also remember that we cannot give what we don’t have.
“Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.” (Proverbs 1:19)
Elizabeth Holmes is an entrepreneur and the founder of Theranos, a biotech startup that promised accurate medical diagnosis by simply doing a blood test. This ground-breaking idea made Holmes the youngest female self-made billionaire in 2014.
However, in 2022, Holmes was sentenced to 11 years in prison due to investor fraud and misleading patients with inaccurate medical results. From $4.5 billion in 2014, Holmes’ net worth is now $0. Holmes’ story and Proverbs 1:19 remind us that dishonest wealth will eventually disappear and bring catastrophic consequences.
“Do not weary yourself [with the overwhelming desire] to gain wealth; cease from your own understanding of it.” (Proverbs 23: 4)
Some wealthy people work 16-plus hours every day to achieve their goals. This may be applause-worthy, but it could be exhausting and unhealthy for our body and mind. Obsession with wealth forces us to overwork day and night just to chase the “dream life.” But God gives rest to His people.
While gaining financial freedom is the ultimate goal of financial literacy, it should also bring us peace of mind and good health. Financial literacy helps us achieve work-life integration and balance to avoid burnouts that lead to depression and poor health. After all, you’re not working hard just to spend your money on hospital bills and medicines.
So let’s not tire ourselves chasing money wherever it goes. Learn when to rest and enjoy life’s simplicity — dinner with family, a good night’s sleep, and productive conversations with friends.
Bottom line
Jesus Christ said, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy: but I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” John 10:10
God promises us a rich and satisfying life. Moreover, the Bible teaches us that true wealth lasts, leaves a legacy to future generations, and is amassed little by little through honesty and diligence. With multiple digital assets available at our fingertips, it’s easy to fall victim to quick-rich schemes. And riches gained hastily will eventually disappear as quickly.
Dishonest tricks also do not bring peace and could turn into a curse in the long run. Though our journey to financial independence won’t be easy, success is not a far-off dream if we persevere with discipline, hard work, and creative thinking.
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