What Is Biblical Money? All You Need To Know

When we think about money today, we picture colorful bills, shiny coins, and digital numbers in our bank accounts.

But have you ever wondered how money is portrayed in the Bible?

What did people use for transactions, and what teachings can we draw from those ancient practices to apply to our financial lives today?

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of biblical money, explore its significance, and understand its principles.

The Currency of the Bible

In biblical times, money wasn’t the paper or digital currency we’re familiar with today.

Here’s a look at what they used:

Barter System: Early on, people traded goods and services directly.

For example, Genesis 47:17 shows Egyptians trading livestock for food during a famine: “They brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their flocks, their herds, and donkeys.”

Shekels and Talents: As societies evolved, they needed a standardized form of money.

The shekel and talent became the principal units of currency.

In Exodus 38:24, we read about the use of gold shekels: “All the gold that was used for the work, in all the work of the sanctuary, the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary.”

Silver and Gold Coins: By New Testament times, coins became common.

Jesus referred to coins in His teachings, such as in the story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:42: “But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.”

Biblical Principles About Money

Money in the Bible is more than just a means of exchange; it carries deep moral and ethical lessons.

Here are key principles you can learn from biblical teachings about money:

Money Is Not Evil, But the Love of Money Is:

1 Timothy 6:10 teaches, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

The Bible doesn’t condemn money itself; instead, it warns against making money your ultimate goal or idol.

Stewardship:

Luke 16:10 emphasizes the importance of being a good steward: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

This means managing your resources wisely and responsibly.

Generosity:

Proverbs 11:24-25 highlights the virtue of generosity: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

The Bible encourages us to share our wealth with those in need.

Contentment:

Hebrews 13:5 advises, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

Contentment is about finding peace and satisfaction with what you have, rather than constantly yearning for more.

Avoiding Debt:

Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

Debt can lead to financial bondage, so the Bible advises living within your means.

Parables and Teachings About Money

Jesus often used parables to teach profound truths about money and how it relates to our lives and faith.

Here are a couple of notable examples:

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30):

This story tells of a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money (talents) before going on a journey.

The servants who invest and grow their money are rewarded, while the one who hides his talent out of fear is reprimanded.

This parable underscores the importance of using and multiplying the resources entrusted to us.

The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21):

In this parable, a rich man plans to store up his abundant crops and live a life of ease.

However, God calls him a fool because he’s not rich towards God.

This parable teaches the folly of hoarding wealth without considering the eternal perspective and the needs of others.

Practical Lessons for Today

Understanding biblical principles about money can guide us in modern financial practices.

Here’s how you can apply these timeless lessons:

Budget and Plan:

Just as Joseph in Genesis 41:34-36 advised Pharaoh to store up grain during the seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine, planning and budgeting can help you manage your resources effectively.

Give Generously:

Follow the example of the early Christians in Acts 2:45, who sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Regularly set aside a portion of your income for charitable giving and helping others.

Avoid Unnecessary Debt:

Live within your means and be cautious about borrowing.

If you must take on debt, plan carefully to ensure you can repay it without jeopardizing your financial stability.

Seek Contentment:

Cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment.

Focus on what you have and trust in God’s provision, rather than constantly seeking more wealth.

Be Faithful Stewards:

Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, strive to use your skills, time, and money effectively.

Invest wisely and consider how your financial decisions align with your values and faith.

Conclusion

Biblical money goes beyond just the ancient coins and barter systems of old.

It encompasses a profound set of principles and teachings that remain relevant today.

By applying these timeless lessons, you can manage your finances wisely, live generously, and find true contentment.

Remember, it’s not about how much money you have, but how you use it that counts.

As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Embrace these teachings, and you’ll find that your financial journey is not just about accumulating wealth, but about living a life of purpose and generosity.

FAQs: What Is Biblical Money?

1. What forms of money were used in biblical times?

Barter System: Initially, goods and services were exchanged directly.
Shekels and Talents: These were standardized units of currency used in trade.
Silver and Gold Coins: By the New Testament period, coins became common for everyday transactions.

2. Does the Bible say that money is evil?

No, the Bible doesn’t say that money itself is evil.

1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

The problem arises when money becomes the focus or idol, rather than being a tool for stewardship and generosity.

3. What does the Bible teach about managing money?

The Bible emphasizes:

Stewardship: Managing resources responsibly (Luke 16:10).
Generosity: Sharing with those in need (Proverbs 11:24-25).
Contentment: Being satisfied with what you have (Hebrews 13:5).
Avoiding Debt: Living within your means (Proverbs 22:7).

4. What is the significance of the Parable of the Talents?

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) highlights the importance of using and multiplying the resources God has entrusted to you.

It teaches that faithfulness and wise management of what we have, whether little or much, is valued by God.

5. How can I apply biblical principles to my finances today?

Budget and Plan: Prepare and manage your resources effectively, much like Joseph’s preparation for the famine (Genesis 41:34-36).
Give Generously: Set aside a portion of your income for charity and helping others, as the early Christians did (Acts 2:45).
Avoid Unnecessary Debt: Live within your means and be cautious about borrowing (Proverbs 22:7).
Seek Contentment: Focus on gratitude and trust in God’s provision (Hebrews 13:5).
Be Faithful Stewards: Use your resources wisely and in alignment with your values and faith (Matthew 25:14-30).

6. Why is contentment important according to the Bible?

Contentment is crucial because it helps you focus on God’s provision and the blessings you already have, rather than constantly seeking more.

Hebrews 13:5 advises to “keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

7. How does generosity play a role in biblical teachings on money?

Generosity is a recurring theme in the Bible.

Proverbs 11:24-25 states, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Giving helps you cultivate a spirit of compassion and connects you to the needs of others, reflecting God’s love.

8. What does the Bible say about debt?

The Bible advises caution with debt, emphasizing the potential for financial bondage.

Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

It encourages living within your means and being prudent with financial obligations.

9. How did Jesus view money in His teachings?

Jesus often used money to illustrate deeper spiritual truths.

He warned against the dangers of hoarding wealth and placing it above God.

In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), He highlighted the folly of accumulating wealth without considering the eternal perspective and the needs of others.

10. What is the overall message about money in the Bible?

The Bible teaches that money is a tool to be used wisely, not an end in itself.

It emphasizes stewardship, generosity, and contentment.

It warns against the love of money and encourages using resources to honor God and serve others.