The Bible talks a lot about money and goods. There are many verses that refer to wealth and poverty; on some topics, we may doubt why the Bible says very little. What about tanning? Well, we don’t have many specific instructions; therefore, we cannot be dogmatic in this matter.
However, in terms of money and possessions, there is one opposite problem: because the Bible talks a lot about money, it is tempting to develop an unbalanced theology about money.
- On the one hand.
- It is easy to see where the theology of prosperity comes from.
- Take some promises from the mosaic covenant of its national context.
- Take Malachi 3’s promise to open the windows of heaven.
- Mix it with some of Jesus’ statements about receiving what you ask for in faith.
- And thus build a small gospel of health and prosperity.
On the other hand, it is possible to propose an unbalanced theology of austerity, insist on the fact that Jesus never had a place to rest his head, refer to the story of the rich young man, focus on the parable of the rich fool, and you will have a theology that says that money is bad, like those who have it.
You could form a biblical argument that God loves the rich. Just consider Abraham, Job, and Zacched. Consider the vision of cosmic joy in the garden and the era to come.
You can also easily make a biblical argument that God hates the rich. Think of the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Consider the book of James. Note Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mountain.
So how should we think about money and property?What biblical principles should we consider when considering wealth and poverty in the face of our own poverty or wealth?There are some things the Bible says most often, and that’s good, because there are few things that are so relevant to people. everywhere for having a good theology about money.
Where to start
The Book of Proverbs is an excellent starting point for developing biblical theology on material possessions. For starters, there are many verses on this topic, and above all, there are several different lines of instruction on the subject. If you started with Genesis, you could conclude that God always makes His people prosper. If I started with A2, I’d think all the rich are oppressors. But Proverbs sees wealth and poverty from many angles. And because Proverbs is a book of high generals, the principles we find in the proverbs are more easily transferable to God’s people at different times and places.
Recently, one Sunday night, I gave my congregation ten principles of proverbs about money and material goods. I don’t want to present the full sermon here, but I thought it was worth listing at least the main points. Maybe I could present them, the details later.
I will give the points in the order of what the book of Proverbs says about a specific principle. This way of presenting them will end with the most important topics.
Ten principles about the money and possessions of Proverbs
Reaching delicate conclusions and finding Christ
You cannot understand the biblical view of money if you are not ready to accept various truths held in tension.
You can make more money if you work hard and you’re full of wisdom, but if all you care about is making more money, you’re a big fool.
Money is God’s blessing, but you will be more blessed if you give it
God gives him money because he is generous; but he’s generous to you so you can be generous to others. And if you’re generous in giving your money, God will probably be more generous to you.
Saving money is wise, but don’t think money gives you real security.
Wealth is more desirable than poverty, but wealth is not as good as justice, humility, wisdom, good relationships, and the Lord’s fear.
In 1 Corinthians 1: 30-31, we read that Christ is God’s wisdom, justice, sanctification, and redemption for us, so that, as it is written:
Therefore, money is a matter of faith. He thinks doing things like God is the best way for you. He thinks if you give your money, God can give it back. He thinks money can be good. But don’t you dare think that’s it. Money is a gift from God, but the gifts you really need can only be found in God.