When it comes to investing, there’s no shortage of advice out there. But if you want wise and lasting investment strategies, why not look to a timeless source?
The Bible has been around for thousands of years and its principles are as relevant today as they ever were.
Here are eight biblical principles that can help guide your investment decisions, so you can make the most of your money for yourself and future generations. Whether you’re just starting out or have plenty of experience in the financial markets, these Biblical insights will give you an edge over the competition.
So let’s take a closer look at how faith-based wisdom can improve your finances!
1. Be a good steward of your resources.
The Bible has a lot to say about stewardship. In general, stewardship is the idea of taking care of something that doesn’t belong to you. When it comes to money, this means using it in a way that is responsible and beneficial, not just for yourself but also for others.
2. Be wise with your money
The Bible tells us to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This means that we should be careful and thoughtful about how we use our money.
When it comes to investing, this means doing your research and being thoughtful about where you put your money. You don’t want to put all of your eggs in one basket, but you also don’t want to spread yourself too thin. Find a balance that works for you and make sure you are comfortable with the risks you are taking.
3. Get good advice
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
This verse is often interpreted to mean that it’s important to get advice from others before making major financial decisions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should always take someone else’s advice, but it’s important to seek out wise counsel and consider it carefully before making any decisions.
4. Don’t be greedy
One of the Ten Commandments is “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). This means that we should not desire things that we do not have and we should not try to get more than our fair share.
When it comes to investing, this means being content with what you have and not trying to get rich quickly. Greed is often what leads people to make risky investments that they later regret. So, instead of chasing after big returns, focus on making wise investments that will grow steadily over time.
5. Use your resources for good
The Bible tells us to “do good, be rich in acts of love, generous, and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). This means that we should use our resources for good instead of using them selfishly.
When it comes to investing, this means using your money to invest in things that will benefit others. This could include investing in businesses that provide goods or services that help people or investing in companies that have a positive impact on the environment.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure your investments are aligned with your values and are benefiting others in some way.
6. Give generously.
This principle is found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse speaks to the idea that giving should be done willingly and cheerfully, not begrudgingly or because we feel like we have to. When we give generously out of a heart of thankfulness, it pleases God and can be a blessing to others as well.
7. Don’t put your hope in earthly things.
Matthew 6:19-21 says, “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.”
This verse speaks to the idea that our focus should be on heavenly things, not earthly things. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t invest or save for the future, but we shouldn’t make these things our primary focus. Instead, we should focus on heavenly things like our relationship with God and loving others well.
8. Pray about it
Ultimately, we want God’s guidance when it comes to making any decision in our lives – including decisions about investing.
The Bible tells us to “commit everything you do to the Lord” (Proverbs 16:3) and to “pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6).
So before you make any investment decision, take some time to pray about it and ask God for wisdom. Then trust that He will guide you and make His will known to you.
These Biblical principles can help us to make wise investment decisions that honor God and are in line with His will for our lives. As you invest, remember to keep these principles in mind – and be sure to thank God for the resources He has provided!