Wisdom for Your Finances
Everyone has advice for what you should do with your money.
We hear it everywhere. Billboards on the highway. Commercials on television. Financial influencers online. Friends talking about investments, debt, retirement, and side hustles. Everybody has an opinion about how you should spend, save, give, and invest your money.
And to be fair, some advice really is good advice.
When I was a broke college student, an older friend once told me, “Spend good money on four things: a nice mattress, good shoes, a warm winter coat, and the best toilet paper you can buy.” Strange advice? Maybe. But honestly, it’s held up pretty well over the years.
Still, there’s no better financial wisdom than the wisdom we find in Scripture. And Proverbs gives us more than financial tips—it gives us a whole framework for thinking about money.
A Dangerous Prayer About Money
In Proverbs 30, King Agur prays a surprising prayer:
“Give me neither poverty nor riches.” (Proverbs 30:8)
That sounds strange to modern ears.
Most people pray for more. More comfort. More security. More money. But Agur sees danger on both extremes.
Too little, and he may be tempted to steal and dishonor God. Too much, and he may forget the Lord altogether.
So he prays a dangerous but wise prayer:
“Lord, give me what I need and only what I need.”
That kind of prayer only comes from someone who understands that dependence upon God is better than self-sufficiency.
A Wise Framework for Your Finances
The Book of Proverbs teaches us several foundational truths about money.
1. The Lord Is Maker of the Rich and the Poor
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.” (Proverbs 22:2)
God is sovereign over every dollar and every financial situation. Whether rich or poor, we are all dependent upon Him.
That means your financial situation is not outside of God’s knowledge or authority. He knows your needs. He knows your fears. He knows exactly what you have—and what you don’t.
2. Wisdom Is Greater Than Riches
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” (Proverbs 15:16)
Proverbs constantly reminds us that wisdom matters more than wealth.
Riches can disappear overnight. Wisdom, however, leads to stability, integrity, and life. The goal of a Christian should never be riches for riches’ sake. The goal is wisdom.
And when wisdom is applied over time, financial blessing often follows.
3. Not All Rich People Are Wise
“One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” (Proverbs 13:7)
That proverb feels especially relevant today.
We live in a culture built on appearances. People go into debt to look successful. Others quietly live beneath their means while building stability over time.
Proverbs warns us not to confuse image with wisdom.
It is far better to walk in integrity with little than to build a false image with nothing underneath it.
4. God Blesses Faithful Stewardship
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread.” (Proverbs 28:19)
Hard work matters. Faithfulness matters. Stewardship matters.
God blesses people who work diligently, spend carefully, give faithfully, and plan wisely. Not always with instant wealth, but often with slow, steady growth and stability over time.
That’s biblical wisdom for finances: not flashy, not rushed, not reckless—just faithful.
Six Wise Financial Tips from Proverbs
Once Proverbs gives us the framework, it also gives us practical guidance.
Honor the Lord First
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9)
Put God first in your finances. Give Him your first and your best, not your leftovers.
For Christians, generosity toward the local church is not just about keeping the lights on. It’s about advancing the Kingdom of God through ministry, missions, discipleship, and the gospel.
Avoid Debt
“The borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Debt limits freedom. Proverbs encourages wisdom, patience, and contentment instead of constantly borrowing for more.
If you are in debt, make paying it off a priority. Freedom is worth it.
Be Ethical
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor.” (Proverbs 21:6)
God cares about how wealth is gained.
Dishonesty, manipulation, and greed may bring temporary profit, but Proverbs warns that they eventually lead to ruin. Wisdom walks with integrity.
Avoid “Get Rich Quick” Thinking
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle.” (Proverbs 13:11)
Slow and steady is usually wiser than fast and flashy.
Be cautious with risky schemes, emotional financial decisions, and anything promising easy money overnight. Wisdom takes the long view.
Give Generously
“He who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31)
How we treat the poor says a great deal about our relationship with God.
Generosity reflects the character of the Lord. Proverbs teaches that God blesses those who open their hands to others instead of clenching everything tightly for themselves.
Enjoy God’s Gifts in Moderation
“There is nothing better…than to be joyful and to take pleasure in all his toil.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12–13)
God is not against enjoyment. He created good gifts to be received with gratitude.
But wisdom also understands moderation. A wise person enjoys blessings without being consumed by pleasure.
Final Word
At the end of the day, money is not the real issue. Worship is.
Jesus is Lord over every part of life—including our finances.
One day, riches will not matter at all. Proverbs 11:4 says, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
And that righteousness is found only in Jesus Christ.
He is the true treasure greater than riches. He is the wisdom of God. He is the Savior who gave everything for us.
So stay dependent upon the Lord. Steward wisely what He gives you. Honor Him with your finances. Give generously. Live faithfully.
And when it’s all said and done, leave behind a legacy that points people not to your wealth—but to Jesus Christ, Lord of all.
You can watch this sermon in its entirety on our YouTube page.