What Does God Say About Saving?

Wise people prepare for the future

“In the house of the wise man are stores of choice food and oil, but the foolish man devours all he has” (Proverbs 21:20)

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its way and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8)

Saving is a stewardship issue

“If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of worldly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you” (Luke 16:11)

Wanting to get rich quick will sink any savings plan

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20)

“Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (Proverbs 13:11)

Parents leave an inheritance for their children

“Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.” (II Corinthians 12:14)

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22)

Sequential Accumulation Strategy (Ron Blue)

For this to work, you must have a positive cash flow margin!!!

1. Eliminate all credit card and consumer debt
2. Set aside one month’s living expense in the checking account (if you are disciplined!)
3. Save between two and six months living expenses in an interest bearing money market fund account for an Emergency Fund
4. Savings for major purchases
5. Accumulate to meet long term goals
6. Use investment dollars to speculate in higher risk investments

Again, I don’t know if God wants you/us to ever be rich. But I do know that He wants all of us to be wealthy…because wealthy is who you are, not what you own.  In order to be wealthy, you have to be wise!

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare, and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3-4)