While the Bible does not explicitly mention terms such as ‘stocks’, ‘bonds’, or ‘real estate’, it provides clear principles on stewardship, foresight, risk-taking and wealth accumulation.
What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
The Bible places a great amount of emphasis on the concept of stewardship. This refers to the responsibilities and obligations that we, as individuals, have toward managing and preserving the resources we have been entrusted with. Stewardship implies not merely hoarding wealth but cultivating, growing and making it fruitful. It implies seeing our present resources as seeds that can be sown to reap richer harvests in the future. Stewardship, in the biblical sense, therefore, includes the wise management and expansion of one’s wealth through judicious investment.
Why Does Foresight Matter in Investment According to the Bible?
In the Bible, foresight and prudence are intrinsic virtues held by those who flourish. The book offers numerous narratives demonstrating the importance of anticipating the future and preparing for different outcomes. Such stories illustrate that it is not only wise but also crucial to consider and plan for the long-term ramifications of our decisions. Consequently, making investment decisions requires the same level of careful thought and strategic planning. Whether we’re investing our resources, time, or money, the Bible advocates for a long-term perspective that emphasizes anticipating future needs and working diligently to meet them.
Where Does Taking Risk Fit In Biblical Investing?
While the Bible endorses caution and foresight, it also acknowledges the necessity of taking calculated risks to attain prosperity. Parables stress on how taking measured, thoughtful risks is a critical part of successful resource management. This doesn’t advocate for reckless decision-making, but emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone as an investor. The ingredient of risk, tempered with wisdom and discernment, results in opportunities for successful investments and broader growth.
Who Does the Bible Advocate Generosity For?
In the landscape of biblical teachings, the acquisition of wealth is not an end in itself. While it advises prudent investments leading to wealth accumulation, it also emphasizes using the amassed wealth for the welfare of others. The Bible urges us not to be overly attached to our material possessions, but instead to be generous, making use of our resources to help those in need. This teaching can be applied to investments as well, encouraging investors to partake in socially responsible and impact investing, which seeks not just financial returns but also positive social and environmental outcomes.
When Should One Start Investing according to the Bible?
The Bible subtly advocates the concept of time value of money, implying that it’s beneficial to start investing sooner rather than later. It encourages immediate action based on wisdom and understanding. There is an urgency to employ our resources wisely while we have them. Therefore, when it comes to investing, rather than waiting for the ‘right’ moment or delaying unnecessarily, the Bible urges individuals to be prompt and diligent in their investment practices, all with due caution and wisdom.
What Are the Warnings the Bible Provides about Investing?
The Bible also alerts its readers to the dangers associated with investing. It warns against the pursuit of quick wealth, discouraging rash or hasty decisions fueled by greed or impatience. It also emphasizes the inevitability and severity of consequence for poorly-considered investment choices. Thus, while the Bible encourages thoughtful investing for sustainable growth, it starkly cautions against haste, imprudence, and selfish motives in the pursuit of wealth generation.
Below is the full list of bible verses on investing (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Investing
Proverbs 31:16
“16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”
Related Themes: Capitalism
Matthew 6:19-21
“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances Materialism Coveting
Proverbs 31:18
“18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.”
Proverbs 13:11
“11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
Proverbs 31:24
“24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
“6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Reaping Stewardship Money
Luke 12:33-34
“33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Money Homelessness Money Heart
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Related Themes: Money Pride Money Homelessness Hope
Malachi 3:10
“10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Reaping Prosperity Giving
Ecclesiastes 11:2
“2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”
Proverbs 21:5
“5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.”
Related Themes: Business Money Finances Setting Goals Planning
Proverbs 22:7
“7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Proverbs 3:10
“10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Proverbs 28:20
“20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.”
Related Themes: Money Reaping Finances Faithfulness Greed
1 John 3:17
“17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
Related Themes: Homelessness Selfishness Money Serving The Poor
Proverbs 15:22
“22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.”
Related Themes: Dating Frustration Money Business Counseling
Proverbs 28:8
“8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.”
Proverbs 3:9-10
“9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Proverbs 16:8
“8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.”
1 John 2:15-17
“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Related Themes: Lust Pride Money Social Justice
Proverbs 19:2
“2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.”
Proverbs 21:17
“17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
Related Themes: Lust Indulgence Finances Pleasure Money
1 Timothy 6:17
“17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”
Related Themes: Money Pride Money Homelessness Hope
Proverbs 21:20
“20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Business Wisdom Stewardship
Proverbs 6:6-8
“6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
“1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”
Related Themes: Frustration Reaping
Proverbs 24:27
“27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.”
Related Themes: Money Preparation Setting Goals Finances Planning
Deuteronomy 23:18
“18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Related Themes: Abomination
Proverbs 3:5-6
“5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Related Themes: Frustration Trust Letting Go Faith Life
Proverbs 19:17
“17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Strangers Business Money Serving The Poor
