Money problems are nothing new. The Book of Proverbs is full of practical insights about sound money management.
Be wise.
Financial wisdom begins with getting your thinking right. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (21:5). Part of right thinking includes receiving good advice. “Plans succeed through good counsel” (20:18). No matter how much money or how little you have, you need wisdom in using and conserving it, and God is ready to provide that wisdom. “The Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (2:6).
Be diligent.
There is an undeniable connection between money and work (you may have noticed this!). “Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest” (20:4). And for those who love the “high life” and crave the latest-and-greatest, Proverbs offers this sobering truth: “Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich” (21:17).
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Be generous.
If you have a mean or manipulative spirit—beware! “A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty” (22:16). But good things await those who are faithful and generous givers. “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain and your vats will overflow with good wine” (3:9-10). And when you bless the needy with your resources, you bless yourself, too. “Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed” (28:27).
Be grateful.
Above all, the Bible reminds us that all we have belongs to God. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). And in Chronicles 29:14: “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” Even though you may have worked hard to earn what you have, remember that your life, your health and your strength are all God’s gifts.
