What Does the Bible Say About Money

October 21st, 2025
by Dr. James Johnson-Hill

What Does the Bible Say About Money

Your heart follows your treasure. Make sure it’s going somewhere eternal.

Money Touches Everything—So Let’s Talk About It

Money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about trust, priorities, and worship.

At Agape, we believe how we handle our finances says a lot about where our hope is. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the topic—Jesus talked about money more than almost anything else. Not because He needed our cash, but because He cares about our hearts.

So what does the Bible say about money? A lot, actually. Let’s walk through what Scripture teaches—and how we can live it out with purpose, joy, and generosity.

Money Is a Tool, Not a Master

Money Itself Isn’t Evil

“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...” — 1 Timothy 6:10

Money isn’t the problem. It’s our attachment to it that can lead us off course.

Money Reveals What We Value

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

Want to know what you really care about? Look at your spending. Money is like a spotlight on the soul.

Money Should Never Be Your God

“You cannot serve both God and money.” — Matthew 6:24

Money makes a terrible master. But in God’s hands—and through yours—it can do incredible good.

The Bible Calls Us to Radical Generosity

God Is Generous—So We Should Be Too

“A generous person will prosper… whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25

Generosity isn’t about how much you have—it’s about how open your hands are.

Jesus Taught Open-Handed Giving

“Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Luke 6:38

You can’t out-give God. Try—and you’ll find joy in the process.

Give From the Heart, Not from Pressure

“God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

Generosity flows from gratitude, not guilt. Give because you love God and want to bless others.

Tithing: Honoring God With the First Portion

Tithing is giving 10% of your income to God—not out of obligation, but as a joyful act of worship.

Tithing Is an Invitation to Trust

“Bring the whole tithe... and see if I will not... pour out so much blessing...” — Malachi 3:10

God doesn’t need your tithe—but you need to trust Him with it.

Everything Belongs to God

“A tithe of everything... belongs to the Lord.” — Leviticus 27:30

We don’t give to God because He needs it. We give because He gave us everything first.

Jesus Affirms Tithing—With the Right Heart

“You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” — Matthew 23:23

Tithing matters—but it’s not a substitute for mercy, justice, and faithfulness.

God Cares Deeply for the Poor

Generosity isn’t just about church giving—it’s about loving the least of these.

When You Give to the Poor, You Lend to God

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord...” — Proverbs 19:17

The Early Church Shared Everything

“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” — Acts 2:44–45

We’re not just called to believe in Jesus. We’re called to live like Him—radically generous and full of compassion.

Jesus Says Giving to the Needy Is Giving to Him

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for Me.” — Matthew 25:40

Stewardship: Managing What God Entrusts to You

Everything we have is a gift, and we’re called to manage it well—for His glory.

It All Belongs to God

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1

Be Faithful With What You’ve Been Given

“It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Use What You Have for Kingdom Impact

Parable of the Talents — Matthew 25:14–30

You’re not called to compare what you’ve been given—just to be faithful with it.

What Does the Bible Say About Giving?

Giving is worship, not just a transaction.

Giving Brings Glory to God

“Your generosity... overflows in many expressions of thanks to God.” — 2 Corinthians 9:12

Give Sacrificially, Not Just Comfortably

“This poor widow... put in everything—all she had to live on.” — Mark 12:44

It’s not about the amount—it’s about the heart.

Giving Is an Act of Faith

“Do not forget to do good and to share... for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” — Hebrews 13:16

Practical Ways to Honor God with Your Finances

Let’s get super practical. Here are a few steps you can take:

Build a Budget

Know what’s coming in and where it’s going. Stewardship starts with intentionality.

Prioritize the Tithe

Make giving your first move, not your leftover.

Set Aside for the Poor

Be intentional about giving beyond the tithe—especially to those in need.

Avoid Unnecessary Debt

“The borrower is slave to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7

Live within your means and invite God into your spending habits.

Pray Over Your Finances

Ask God to shape your heart—and direct your generosity.

Final Encouragement

So what does the Bible say about money?

It says:

Use it wisely.
Give it freely.
Don’t let it own you.
Let it glorify God.

Your money is one of the most tangible ways you can reflect your trust in Jesus. So, whether you’re budgeting for the first time, wrestling with tithing, or wondering how to help those in need—start with prayer, move with purpose, and give with joy.

God’s economy is upside-down—and in it, generosity always leads to joy.