What other Scriptures emphasize wise management of God-given resources? Setting the scene in Luke 19:23 “ ‘Why then did you not deposit my money in the bank, and upon my return I could have collected it with interest?’ ” (Luke 19:23) Jesus’ words in the parable of the minas underscore accountability. God entrusts resources; He expects growth, not stagnation. Scripture echoes that expectation from Genesis to Revelation. Old Testament wisdom for stewardship • Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” • Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! … it prepares its food in summer; it gathers its provision at harvest.” • Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” • Proverbs 27:23-24 – “Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; for riches are not forever…” • Genesis 41:33-36 – Joseph’s God-given plan to store grain during abundance saved nations during famine, modeling foresight and disciplined management. • 1 Chronicles 29:14 – “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” Recognizing ownership fuels responsible use. New Testament calls to faithful management • Matthew 25:21 – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.’ ” • 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 – Paul insists on financial transparency “so that no one can discredit us,” showing integrity with offerings. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly… God loves a cheerful giver.” Wise management includes generous, Spirit-led giving. • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – The wealthy are “to do good, to be rich in good deeds… storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future.” • 1 Peter 4:10 – “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” Stewardship of time and talents, not just treasure • Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.” • Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” Wholehearted effort honors the Giver. • Romans 12:6-8 – Spiritual gifts are to be exercised diligently: giving generously, leading with zeal, showing mercy cheerfully. • James 1:5 – Asking God for wisdom acknowledges He directs resource management. • Luke 12:42-44 – “Who then is the faithful and wise manager…? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” Big-picture takeaways • God owns everything; we manage what He places in our hands. • Planning, diligence, and integrity mark wise stewardship. • Generosity is integral, not optional; giving multiplies kingdom impact. • Time, skills, opportunities, and the gospel itself are resources to steward. • Faithful management today prepares us for greater kingdom responsibility when Christ returns—exactly the point of Luke 19:23. |
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