Investing money wisely is an important part of Christian stewardship. As the Bible teaches, God has entrusted us with resources and abilities to use for His glory. When it comes to managing money through investments, there are several biblical principles that can guide our decisions. By adhering to biblical truths, we can make prudent investment choices that align with godly values and priorities. Here are five core biblical principles for wise investing.
Seeking Wisdom and Discernment from God
The book of Proverbs stresses the importance of seeking wisdom and discernment from the Lord. As Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Praying for God’s guidance when making investment decisions is crucial. We should humbly ask Him to reveal His will for the money He has entrusted to us and listen for His leading through Scripture, godly counselors, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. Operating in godly wisdom will enable us to steward our investments excellently.
Investing with Integrity and Honesty
The Bible condemns unjust business practices and commands honesty and ethical conduct. As Proverbs 11:1 states, “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” When researching investments, we should thoroughly investigate companies or funds to ensure they operate with integrity and biblical values. Choosing investments aligned with righteousness protects our money from unethical practices and enables it to further righteous purposes.
Avoiding Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
While wise investments can multiply resources, the Bible warns against get-rich-quick schemes that promise easy money. Proverbs 13:11 cautions, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Good investments require patient, disciplined saving and informed research. Speculative high-risk ventures violate biblical financial principles and often lead to loss. We must reject greed and trust God’s timing to increase wealth through consistent, ethical investing.
Diversifying Wisely
The Bible recommends prudent diversification. Ecclesiastes 11:2 advises, “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” While we should not spread resources too thin, biblical wisdom endorses diversifying investments across various sectors, companies, etc. to minimize risk. Godly investing applies wisdom to steward money through market fluctuations and economic uncertainties.
Investing Generously
Scripture instructs us to invest not only in earthly things but in eternal heavenly treasures by generously giving to further God’s Kingdom. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” We should ensure our investment portfolio includes regular Kingdom investments through tithing and charitable giving as part of our biblical stewardship.
In summary, applying biblical wisdom in our investment decisions enables us to steward money according to godly priorities and values. Key principles include seeking God’s guidance, investing with integrity, avoiding get-rich-quick schemes, diversifying wisely, and giving generously to store up eternal treasures in heaven.