Proverbs about money have given me great balance and wisdom. I’ve learned a ton from modern-day financial sages. However, I have learned the most from the ancient Hebrew wisdom contained in the Bible.
I make it a practice to read a Proverb each day. There are thirty-one Proverbs so that is one for each day. The wisdom contained in these power-packed encounters has served me well for many years.
Here are some of my favorite proverbs about money.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 17:6 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
Proverbs 21:17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
Proverbs 31:10-11 Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.
Debt
Debt is risky. My friend Dave states that debt is dumb. That’s a step too far. It is risky, though.
Proverbs 11:15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Proverbs 22:26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.
Generosity
Practicing radical generosity is vital. Here’s a short article that I wrote about radical generosity.
Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will be prosperous, And one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty.
Giving has a reciprocal quality.
Proverbs 14:31 The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors him.
Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
Generosity is always a good thing.
Proverbs 19:6 Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
Proverbs 22:9 A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Blessing is a reward for generosity.
Proverbs 28:8 Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor.
Proverbs About Money — Wisdom
Proverbs 3:13-14 Blessed is a person who finds wisdom, And one who obtains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver, And her produce better than gold.
Proverbs 3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor.
Proverbs 8:18 Riches and honor are with me, Enduring wealth and righteousness.
Proverbs 8:20-21 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
Proverbs 15:27 The one who profits dishonestly troubles his household, but the one who hates bribes will live.
Proverbs 21:20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
Proverbs About Money — Diligence
Hard work pays off! Laziness is an epidemic in our country.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it.
Proverbs 14:23 In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 18:9 One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.
Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.
Laziness
Ecclesiastes 10:18 Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.
Proverbs 12:27 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.
Proverbs About Money — Poverty
There is a vast difference between being broke and being poor. Poverty is a state of mind. Being broke is an event. Do not allow poverty into your heart.
Proverbs 6;10-11 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Poverty is no respecter of persons. It’s an equal opportunity thief and robber.
Proverbs 10:15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Don’t be lazy!
Proverbs 13:18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
Proverbs 22:16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
Oppressing the poor is not a good thing.
Proverbs 23:21 Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.
Proverbs 28:22 The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
Proverbs About Money — Patience
Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Growing wealth requires time and patience. Resist the urge to skip steps. Tortoise intensity will get you to the proper financial location.
Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance gained in a hurry at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
Proverbs 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.
Proverbs 28:20 A faithful person will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.
Wealth
Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Odds & Ends
Proverbs 11:4 Riches do not benefit on the day of wrath, but righteousness rescues from death.
Heaven is not a reward for our generosity.
Proverbs 16:8 Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.
Proverbs 21:17 The one who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.
I always found that scripture interesting. There’s a fine balance.
Proverbs 22:4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Humility, according to CS Lewis, is not thinking less of yourself but rather thinking of yourself less. Got it?
Proverbs 22:16 Oppressing the poor to get rich and giving to the wealthy lead only to poverty.
Proverbs 28:13 The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Conclusion
Wisdom is rare. There are many hustlers and scammers trying to take shortcuts to the good life. The quickest way to go broke is to attempt to get rich quick. I encourage you to read, digest, and apply Proverbs about money. There are dozens of simple financial strategies available for your reading pleasure.
I dare you to profit!
