Solomon is the wisest man that has ever lived and his wisdom came straight from the Lord. Let’s get his advice on finances.
Tithe
Tithe off your first fruits. Tithe off your gross not your net. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Get Financial Wisdom
Money is a tool, not an end. It is a help, not a salvation. We should never base final decision upon finances, but rather, on wisdom. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:13-17)
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” (Proverbs 8:17-21)
“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” (Proverbs 13:18)
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.” (Proverbs 24:1-5)
Be Diligent and Scrupulous In All Business Transactions
Scrupulous—meaning moral integrity
Keep in mind that God knows what clients don’t. “The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” (Proverbs 10:3-4)
Work Hard
It does not matter how small the task is or how much the job pays God has promised that in all labor there is profit. “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” (Proverbs 14:23)
Pay Your Bills On Time
After your tithe, your bills are your first financial priority. You should never make a purchase when you have bills you should be paying with that money. “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.” (Proverbs 3:27-29)
Refuse To Go Into Debt
Servant leadership is a great principle but choose who you are willing to serve—Don’t serve Visa or MasterCard! “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Always Spend Less Than You Earn
This is a very basic principle to help you stay out of debt and yet it can be difficult to follow. “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” (Proverbs 21:20)
Avoid Making Money Void of God’s Blessings
Making money the wrong way displeases God. “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” (Proverbs 13:11)
Avoid Get Rich Schemes
God is against get rich schemes, and He always blesses hard work. “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” (Proverbs 28:22)
Never Co-sign A Loan
Co-signing is taking full responsibility for someone else’s bill. The only reason that they need a co-signer is that they have not proven themselves stable financially. “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.” (Proverbs 11:15)
“Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?” (Proverbs 22:26-27)
Do Not Have A Goal To Be Rich
The Christian’s goal should be to gain eternal riches rather than to live for the temporary riches of this world. “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)
Live A Pure and Holy Life
God promises to honor those who obey Him and His Word. “Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.” (Proverbs 28:10)
Live By A Budget
We all have good intentions but in order to have financial success, we must discipline ourselves to live by a budget. “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?” (Proverbs 27:23-24)
