Money can be a blessing or a burden, depending on how we manage it. The Bible offers timeless wisdom for handling money in a way that honors God and provides for our needs.
Whether you’re trying to get out of debt, save for the future, or be more generous, Scripture has something to say.
Here are Bible verses from the NKJV that teach us how to manage finances with wisdom and integrity.
1. God Owns Everything We Have
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 NKJV
We are not the true owners of our money or possessions. Everything we have is a gift from God. We are stewards, managing what belongs to Him. Recognizing God’s ownership helps us handle money with humility and gratitude.
2. Be Diligent and Avoid Laziness
“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Proverbs 10:4 NKJV
Hard work is part of God’s design for provision. The Bible doesn’t encourage get-rich-quick ideas. Instead, it values steady, faithful effort. Diligence in work leads to stability and growth.
3. Plan and Budget Carefully
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” Luke 14:28 NKJV
Wise financial management includes planning. Jesus used this example to teach about commitment, but the principle applies to money too. Creating a budget and tracking expenses helps prevent debt and overspending.
4. Avoid Debt When Possible
“The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 NKJV
The Bible does not forbid borrowing but warns about the dangers of debt. Being in debt puts us in a position of servitude. It’s wise to avoid unnecessary loans and to repay what we owe as soon as we can.
5. Practice Honesty in All Transactions
“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.” Proverbs 11:1 NKJV
God values integrity in all things, including money. Cheating in business, lying on taxes, or manipulating numbers is not pleasing to Him. Honest dealings reflect a heart that honors God.
6. Be Generous and Help the Needy
“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.” Proverbs 19:17 NKJV
Generosity is one of the clearest marks of financial faithfulness. Giving to others is not a loss; it is an investment in eternity. God promises to bless those who help the poor and those in need.
7. Tithing and Giving First to God
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV
Giving to God first shows that we trust Him to provide. It also reminds us that our resources come from Him. Tithing is an act of worship and gratitude.
8. Avoid the Love of Money
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV
Money is not evil, but loving it above God or people leads to destruction. Financial success should never come before faithfulness. Keep your heart anchored in God, not wealth.
9. Save for the Future
“There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.” Proverbs 21:20 NKJV
Saving is a biblical principle. Wise people plan for future needs rather than spending everything now. It honors God when we prepare and live responsibly.
10. Trust God, Not Riches
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV
Wealth is temporary, but God is eternal. When we place our security in money, we set ourselves up for fear and disappointment. Trusting God brings lasting peace.
Managing finances God’s way brings peace, stability, and purpose. The Bible gives us principles that help us avoid pitfalls and live generously. Whether you have much or little, honoring God with your money is always the right choice.
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
