Stewardship is a fundamental teaching in the Bible, deeply rooted in its verses. The message is clear and cannot be overstated – everything we have is a gift from God and we are to use these blessings wisely and responsibly. The concept underpins our spiritual understanding, encouraging us to manage our resources – time, talent, money and even creation itself – for a higher purpose and to serve the greater common good.
What Does the Bible Teach About Stewardship?
In the Bible, the message of stewardship is reiterated consistently throughout. We are told that each person’s possessions, abilities, and resources ultimately belong to God, and we are merely caretakers or ‘stewards’ of them. We’re encouraged to be responsible managers, not just for our material goods, but also for our time, our talents, and the earth itself. Our stewardship is seen as a reflection of our relationship with God – a vital part of our spiritual journey and personal growth.
Why is Stewardship Important?
Stewardship, as detailed in the Bible, holds practical and spiritual significance. It reminds us that our resources are not entirely our own. This not only fosters gratitude for what we have but also encourages selflessness and a willingness to share. From a spiritual perspective, good stewardship is an act of obedience to God’s commandments, projecting a faithful and responsible attitude. It reflects our values and ethics, putting our faith into clear, tangible action.
When Does the Concept of Stewardship Appear in the Bible?
The theme of stewardship pervades the entire Bible, from the early pages of Genesis to the New Testament teachings of Jesus. Right from the start, in Genesis, we’re told of our role in caring for creation. The New Testament, on the other hand, has numerous parables that highlight the implications of good and bad stewardship. It is consistent throughout the Bible, signifying its integral role in Christian teaching and practice.
Who Are Called To Be Stewards in the Bible?
According to the Bible, stewardship isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s a calling for all. Each person, regardless of their status or wealth, is challenged to be a steward of whatever they have been entrusted with. Regardless of how big or small, every resource we oversee should be considered a gift from God – one that we’re responsible for managing wisely and compassionly. It shows a universal calling for everyone, reflecting the Bible’s overall message of love, service, and responsibility.
Where in Our Lives Does Stewardship Apply?
Stewardship, as outlined in the Bible, extends into all aspects of our lives. Be it our personal resources, our time, our skills, or our environment, we’re called to manage these areas wisely and with a spirit of generosity. In our careers, our education, our homes, and our communities, we can practice good stewardship by making ethical choices, by volunteering our time and talent for the betterment of others, and by caring for the natural world. Stewardship then becomes a way of life, shaping our actions, decisions and interactions at every turn.
Below is our full list of bible verses on stewardship (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Stewardship
1 Peter 4:10
“10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Related Themes: Serving Others Volunteering Education
Genesis 1:28
“28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Children Creativity Dominion
Genesis 2:15
“15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Reaping Money
Colossians 3:23
“23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
Related Themes: Creativity Business Attitude Laziness Money
Luke 16:11
“11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Proverbs 16:3
“3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
Titus 1:7
“7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”
Related Themes: Greed Bitterness Integrity Anger
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
1 Corinthians 4:2
“2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
Luke 14:28
“28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
Related Themes: Money Finances Frustration
John 3:27
“27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.”
Luke 12:42-46
“42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.”
Related Themes: Morals Faithfulness
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
Proverbs 13:22
“22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Children Inheritance Grandparents
1 Timothy 6:7-8
“7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
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.”
Psalm 24:1
“1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
Proverbs 3:9
“9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”
Matthew 6:24
“24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Deuteronomy 8:18
“18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
Related Themes: Business Money Finances Sovereignty Prosperity
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Lust Health Holiness Omnipresence
1 Chronicles 29:14
“14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”
Luke 12:48
“48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
Related Themes: Personal Responsibility Accountability Leadership
Matthew 25:21
“21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Matthew 10:8
“8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
Related Themes: Healing Criticism Health Serving Others Sickness
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
“1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
Related Themes: Reputation Morality Morals Homelessness
Proverbs 13:11
“11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
Mark 12:41-44
“41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”
Related Themes: Money Offering Giving Finances Generosity
