The Book Of Proverbs gives us much practical instruction on
the use of money, although it sometimes is instruction we would
prefer not to hear. We often feel more comfortable continuing in our
established habits than to learn how to use our money more wisely.
Bible Proverbs include the following 11 practical instructions on the use of money:
1. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE
AND
GOOD JUDGMENT ABOUT MONEY AND
WEALTH;
Proverbs
3:13-14 says
“Blessed
are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is
more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”
Proverbs
8:10-11 (NIV) says
“Choose
my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can
compare with her.”
Proverbs
16:8 (NLT) says
“Better
to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.”
2.
DON’T BE LAZY;
Proverbs
6:6-8 (NIV) says
“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
6:10-11 (NIV) says
“A
little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to
rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an
armed man.”
Proverbs
10:4 (NIV) says
“Lazy
hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
Proverbs
12:11 (NIV) says
“Those
who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase
fantasies have no sense.”
3.
DON’T BE GREEDY;
Proverbs 1:19 (NIV) says “Such
are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the
life of those who get it.”
Proverbs
15:27 (NIV) says
“The
greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes
will live.”
Proverbs
28:22 (NIV) says
“The
stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits
them.”
Proverbs
28:25 (NIV) says
“The
greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will
prosper.”
4.
BE
GENEROUS IN GIVING;
Proverbs
11:24-25 (NIV) says “One
person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly,
but comes to poverty.
A
generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be
refreshed.”
Proverbs
19:17 (NIV) says
“Whoever
is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for
what they have done.”
Proverbs
22:9 (NIV) says
“The
generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with
the poor.”
Proverbs
28:27 (NIV) says
“Those
who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their
eyes to them receive many curses.”
5.
BE CAUTIOUS IN COUNTERSIGNING FOR ANOTHER;
Proverbs
11:15 (NIV) says “Whoever
puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever
refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.”
Proverbs
17:18 (NIV) says
“One
who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a
neighbor.”
Proverbs
22:26-27 (NIV) says
“Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for
debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched
from under you.”
Proverbs
27:13 (NIV) says
“Take
the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in
pledge if it is done for an outsider.”
End
Of Part 1