10 Money Principles From the Book of Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is packed with practical wisdom, including a surprising amount about money. Here are ten timeless money principles from Proverbs, and how to apply them today.

1. Honor God first

Proverbs 3:9–10: "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty."

Apply it: Give first, not from leftovers. Trust God as your provider. (This is a principle of God's faithfulness, not a guarantee of riches.)

2. Work diligently

Proverbs 21:5: "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want."

Apply it: Plan carefully and work faithfully. Avoid rushed decisions.

3. Know your finances

Proverbs 27:23: "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."

Apply it: Track your income, spending, and debts.

4. Build slowly

Proverbs 13:11: "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."

Apply it: Steady saving beats get-rich-quick schemes.

5. Be careful with debt

Proverbs 22:7: "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

Apply it: Avoid unnecessary debt, and work to pay off what you owe.

6. Don't guarantee others' debts

Proverbs 22:26: "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts."

Apply it: Think very carefully before co-signing.

7. Save for the future

Proverbs 6:6–8 points to the ant, who "provideth her meat in the summer."

Apply it: Build an emergency fund and plan ahead.

8. Be generous

Proverbs 11:24–25: "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth… The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

Apply it: Generosity blesses others, and shapes your own heart.

9. Value integrity over income

Proverbs 16:8: "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right."

Apply it: Never compromise honesty for money.

10. Don't make riches your goal

Proverbs 23:4–5: "Labour not to be rich… For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."

Proverbs 15:16: "Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith."

Apply it: Pursue God and contentment, not wealth.

Read a chapter a day

Proverbs has 31 chapters, one for each day of the month. Read along and jot down financial wisdom in a journal.

A prayer

Lord, give me wisdom with money. Help me honor You first, work diligently, avoid foolish debt, give generously, and find my contentment in You. Amen.