How Should A Christian View Economic Crisis?

The Bible has a lot to say about managing finances. Concerning borrowing, the Bible generally advises against it. See Proverbs 6:1-5; 20:16; 22:7, 26-27 ("The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.... Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you"). As for taking bribes, Proverbs 17:23 says: "A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice". (See also Proverbs 17:8; 18:16; 21:14; 28:21). Over and over again, the Bible warns against the accumulation of wealth, but encourages us to seek spiritual riches instead. Proverbs 28:20: "A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished." See also Proverbs 10:15; 11:4; 18:11; 23:5.

Proverbs 6:6-11 offers this wisdom concerning laziness and financial ruin: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Ecclesiastes 5:10 addresses the futility of grasping at riches: "Whoever has money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income"). First Timothy 6:6-11 also warns against the foolish trap of desiring wealth.

Rather than desiring to heap riches upon ourselves, the biblical model is one of giving, not getting. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). We are also encouraged to be good stewards of what God has given us. In Luke 16:1-13, Jesus told the parable of the dishonest steward as a way of warning us against poor stewardship. The moral of the story is "So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" (v. 11). We are also responsible to provide for our own household, as 1 Timothy 5:8 reminds us: "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

In summary, what does the Bible say about managing money? The answer can be summarized with a single word—wisdom. We are to be wise with our money. We are to save money, but not hoard it. We are to spend money, but with discretion and control. We are to give back to the Lord, joyfully and sacrificially. We are to use our money to help others, but with discernment and the guidance of God’s Spirit. It is not wrong to be rich, but it is wrong to love money. It is not wrong to be poor, but it is wrong to waste money on trivial things. The Bible’s consistent message on managing money is to be wise.