It is true that we’re often worried about whether we’ll have enough money to make ends meet, pay bills, survive through the semester and every other thing we need money for. The truth of the matter is that finances affect where we live, what we do during our free times and on and on.

So, it’s not surprising that the Bible, our manual, has a lot to say about money and it gives us a few principles to safeguard our future.

1. Follow a budget.

How often have you found yourself in impulsive and unnecessary spending? Now, the bible doesn’t necessarily use the term budgeting but it gives clear directions on the importance of such planning. (proverbs 27:23) says “Be diligent to know the state of your flock, and attend to your herds. In modern terms I’ll be tempted to assume our flock will mean our income. We will often find ourselves broke and anticipating for that confirmation message because perhaps we didn’t carefully plan our finances. Remember, our expenditure should be less than our income.

2. Tithe faithfully.

Of course, the top priority of our income, before we do anything else, should be tithe. (Malachi 3:10) “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…”  when we do this, we show that we are putting God first in our lives and we then learn to trust God more fully and build a closer relationship with Him. By doing this also we are able to take him at His word when he says (Malachi 3:10) “… He will open the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will be no room enough to receive it.” Great, right?

3. Avoid unnecessary borrowing.

The Bible warns against the use of debt. (Proverbs 22:7) says, “The rich ruler over the poor, and the borrower is the servant to the lender.” Borrowing only means, you become a slave to your creditors and you no longer have the freedom to decide how to spend your income because you are obligated to meet those debts. Often needless expenses are constantly brought when you want to dress beyond your means or have somehow cultivated vain and habits beyond you. Your expenses should not exceed your income. Bind about your wants. Finances need to be handled in such a way that you do not put additional stress and anxiety on yourself.

4. Save! Save! Save!

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Saving money before making purchases is one of the smartest ways to keep out of financial trouble. How about keeping three different savings accounts? Short term savings account for major purchases (that household furnish…) a long-term savings account and an emergency funds account in case of an unexpected expense. It doesn’t matter how little you deposit in those accounts. (Proverbs 21:20) “There is desirable treasure and oil I the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) describes the ant, who saves during the time of plenty for the time when there will be need. We too should save for the future.

5. Put confidence in God.

The Bible puts it clear that true security can only be found in God (1 Timothy 6:17) and that trusting in riches will destroy us. (Proverbs 11:28). If we are struggling with finances, we must remember that God is our refuge and that He cares for those who trust in Him (Nahum 1:7) We shouldn’t be anxious about money problems. (Philippians4:6) as long as we do our part and the rest is in God’s hands. (Matthew 6:25-34) Finally, seek ye, first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto us.

By committing to these financial principles, we will have benefits from improved finance and financial peace of mind. More importantly, we will learn to develop a deeper appreciation for His purpose for us to build a closer relationship with Him.