Saving Money
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Introduction:
Saving money is a concept that, while not explicitly detailed in the Bible, is supported by numerous principles found throughout Scripture. The Bible encourages wise stewardship, prudent planning, and responsible management of resources, all of which align with the practice of saving money. This entry explores biblical teachings related to saving, the virtues of prudence and diligence, and the spiritual attitudes that should accompany financial stewardship.

Biblical Principles of Saving:

1. Prudence and Planning:
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of planning and foresight. Proverbs 21:5 states, "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." This verse highlights the value of careful planning and diligent work, which are foundational to saving money. Similarly, Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." The ant's example of preparing and storing resources is a model for saving.

2. Avoiding Debt:
While saving is encouraged, the Bible also warns against the dangers of debt. Proverbs 22:7 notes, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This verse underscores the importance of financial independence and the wisdom of saving to avoid the bondage of debt.

3. Contentment and Trust in God:
Saving money should not stem from a lack of trust in God's provision. Philippians 4:11-12 teaches, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need." Contentment is crucial, as it prevents the love of money from overshadowing trust in God.

4. Generosity and Stewardship:
While saving is wise, it should not lead to hoarding or neglecting generosity. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 instructs, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share." Saving should be balanced with a heart of generosity and a commitment to using resources for God's purposes.

Examples of Saving in Scripture:

1. Joseph in Egypt:
One of the most notable biblical examples of saving is found in the account of Joseph. In Genesis 41, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and advises storing surplus grain during seven years of abundance to prepare for seven years of famine. This strategic saving not only preserved Egypt but also provided for surrounding nations.

2. The Parable of the Talents:
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where servants are entrusted with their master's wealth. The servants who wisely invest and grow their master's money are commended, while the one who buries his talent is rebuked. This parable illustrates the importance of wisely managing and growing resources.

Conclusion:
The Bible provides a framework for understanding the importance of saving money through principles of prudence, planning, and stewardship. While saving is encouraged, it must be balanced with contentment, trust in God, and a spirit of generosity. By aligning financial practices with biblical teachings, believers can honor God with their resources and ensure provision for themselves and others.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 16:11
If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Topicalbible.org

Luke 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 9:6
But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Letter Xliii. To Marcella.
... but for display. Where there is a chance of saving money we quicken our
pace, speak promptly, and keep our ears open. If we hear ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xliii to marcella.htm

Jacob Jones; Or, the Man who Couldn't Get Along in the World.
... Instead of saving money during the third year of his receipt of one thousand dollars,
he spent the whole of his salary, without paying off a single old debt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/jacob jones or the man.htm

Whether Lies are Sufficiently Divided into Officious, Jocose, and ...
... of lying and deceiving"; the fifth is "told out of the desire to please"; the sixth
"injures no one, and profits /someone in saving his money"; the seventh ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether lies are sufficiently divided.htm

The Bible the Great Civilizer
... that they are not worth saving, and are no loss to heaven or earth, whatever loss
they may be to the man himself. One man thinks of nothing but money"how he ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon viii the bible the.htm

Saving Faith.
... He died for sinners, and for them, but as to the exercise of saving faith, they ... and
he would not have supposed the Holy Ghost could have been bought for money. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ii saving faith.htm

The Use of Money
... that he has done anything, barely by going thus far, by "gaining and saving all
he can ... You may as well throw your money into the sea, as bury it in the earth. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 50 the use of.htm

Chapter sixteen
... want you to look at your part in this plan for capturing and saving the Rectangle ...
the best of material in the way of organs and orchestras that money can provide ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter sixteen.htm

Extent of Atonement.
... And is this saving faith ... every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he
that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxvi extent of atonement.htm

God and Mammon.
... this money-making generation talks a great deal about religion and saving their
souls, being quite indifferent to the serious question"whether their souls ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvi god and mammon.htm

Quiet Talks with World Winners
... Death or Deep Water. Saved by Saving. The Past Failure. Some of God's Failures. ... Unseen
Changes Going On. Money. Limitations. The Best Partnership. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks with world winners/

Resources
What are some of the signs of genuine saving faith? | GotQuestions.org

What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org

Can a person believe in some sense but not be saved? | GotQuestions.org

Saving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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