What does the Bible say about investing?

          In today's fast-paced financial world, investing has become an important part of life. Whether it’s saving for retirement, buying shares, or starting a business, many believers ask: What does the Bible say about investing? Is it biblical to invest? Does God approve of it? The answer is a resounding yes—but with principles that guard our hearts, prioritize stewardship, and keep eternity in view.

          This teaching is to know what the Bible teaches about investing, with clear examples.

God Supports Wise Investment

          The Bible promotes the wise use of resources. God expects His children to be faithful stewards who multiply what they are given. This is clearly illustrated in the Parable of the Talents.

    Matthew 25:14-30 – "To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one... The one who had received five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five more."

          But the servant who buried his talent was rebuked:

    "You wicked and slothful servant!" (v. 26)

Note:

● God blesses diligent investors who take risks with faith and responsibility.

● Failure to invest wisely is equated with laziness and fear.

Diversify Your Investments

          Long before modern investment theories, the Bible already encouraged diversification as a way of managing risk.

    Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NIV) – "Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land."

          This verse implies:

● Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

● Wise investing involves preparing for the unknown.

Plan and Count the Cost

          Jesus taught that before undertaking any venture, including investing, you must calculate the risk and plan ahead.

    Luke 14:28 (NIV) – "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?"

          A faithful investor:

● Does research and risk assessment.

● Prepares for both profits and setbacks.

Avoid Get-Rich-Quick Schemes

          The Bible strongly warns against hasty wealth and dishonest gains.

    Proverbs 13:11 (ESV) – "Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it."

    Proverbs 21:5 – "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."

          Many fall into traps because of impatience. God’s path to wealth involves diligence, time, and integrity.

Trust God, Not Money

          One of the greatest temptations in investing is the idolization of money. The Bible is clear that wealth must never replace our trust in God.

    1 Timothy 6:10 – "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."

    Matthew 6:24 – "You cannot serve both God and money."

          While investing is biblical, it must be done with a heart surrendered to God, not chasing materialism.

Be Generous and Kingdom-Minded

          Biblical investing isn't just for personal gain—it should also bless others and advance God’s kingdom.

    Proverbs 11:25 – "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."

    2 Corinthians 9:10 – "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed..."

           A good investor:

● Gives to the poor.

● Supports church missions.

● Helps build God's kingdom on earth.

Invest in Eternal Treasures

          Jesus reminds us that the greatest investment is not in earthly riches, but in heavenly ones.

    Matthew 6:19-21 – "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

          Earthly wealth fades, but:

● Souls won to Christ,

● Lives changed,

● Churches built— These are eternal dividends.

Biblical Examples of Investment

● Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41)

          Joseph stored grain during the years of plenty and invested in national security during the famine. His foresight preserved Egypt and Israel.

● Proverbs 31 Woman

    “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” (Proverbs 31:16)

          This virtuous woman was a wise investor—entrepreneurial, strategic, and generous.

Life Applications: Biblical Principles for Modern Investing

1. Start small and stay consistent – Build wealth gradually through wise decisions.

2. Diversify your income – Don’t rely on one stream of income.

3. Seek godly counsel – Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

4. Avoid debt traps – Proverbs 22:7 says the borrower is a slave to the lender.

5. Invest in your spiritual life – Your relationship with God is your most important asset.

          God is not against investing—He actually calls us to it. But He calls us to invest differently than the world does. Biblical investing means using God-given wisdom, staying humble, being generous, and keeping eternity in mind.

          It’s not about how much you start with—it’s about faithful stewardship, wise decision-making, and a heart that glorifies God in every financial move.

    “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2