What Does the Bible Say about Money and Possessions?
The Bible contains over 2,000 verses about money. God speaks about finances more than almost any other practical topic. This tells us something clear: how we handle money matters to Him.
God Owns Everything, Including You
Deuteronomy 10:14 states, "Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it." Psalm 24:1-2 echoes this truth. Everything you see, touch, and use belongs to God. Your house, your car, your paycheck—none of it originated with you.
This extends to your very person. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." Christ purchased you with His blood. You belong to Him completely, which means your money belongs to Him too.
We Are Stewards, Not Owners
Since God owns everything, we serve as His stewards. A steward manages someone else's property. You manage what God entrusts to you, and He calls you to faithfulness in that management.
Matthew 25:21 records the master's words to the faithful servant: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Notice the emphasis falls on faithfulness. God does not demand perfection in your financial decisions, but He does require faithful management of what He gives you.
Your Heart Follows Your Money
Matthew 6:19-21 teaches, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
You cannot separate your heart from your wallet. When you invest in earthly things, your affections drift toward earthly things. When you invest in eternal things through giving, serving, and using money for God's purposes, your heart moves toward heaven. This explains why generous Christians often experience deep joy. Their hearts follow their treasures, and their treasures point to Christ.
First Timothy 6:9-10 warns, "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." The issue is never money itself. The problem comes when you love money, when you crave it, when you let it control your decisions and thoughts.
God Enables Contentment
Philippians 4:11-13 gives us Paul's testimony: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Paul learned contentment. He did not possess it naturally. The Spirit-filled Christian can experience contentment whether rich or poor, whether in plenty or in want. This contentment comes through Christ's strength, which means you can learn it too. You do not need more money to feel satisfied. You need more of Christ.
God's Generosity Transforms Us to Be Generous
First Timothy 6:17-19 instructs, "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
God's generosity toward you should produce generosity in you. He gave His Son. He gives you breath, health, food, shelter, and salvation. When you grasp how much He has given, you loosen your grip on earthly possessions. You become ready to share, eager to do good, and willing to give generously.
This generosity stores up treasure. You lay a foundation for the future by giving now. The person who hoards his wealth finds it slipping through his fingers like sand. The person who gives discovers that God multiplies his impact in ways he could never accomplish through mere accumulation.
Our Life Is with Jesus in Eternity, Not on This Passing Earth
Hebrews 13:14-16 reminds us, "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
You have no lasting city here. Everything you own will rust, rot, or burn. Your house will crumble. Your car will break down. Your bank account will mean nothing when you die. The city you seek comes later, built by God, permanent and perfect.
This reality should reshape how you use money today. Do good with it. Share what you have. These actions please God because they show you understand where your true home lies. You are just passing through this world, and your financial decisions should reflect that truth.
Recommended Reading
Randy Alcorn's Treasure Principle
Randy Alcorn's Money, Possessions, and Eternity