What Does the Bible Say About Finances in Marriage

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A biblical approach to money in marriage can make the perfect sense for many couples. Old-school  wisdom found in the Bible has lasted for centuries as it proposes universal values that surpass social changes and shifts in opinions. 

A biblical approach to money in marriage can be highly useful as it emphasizes shared values, financial responsibility, and effective communication. 

According to a Licensed Professional Counselor, Relationship Coach, and Marriage Mentor, Christiana Njoku,

Your understanding of finance in marriage is key to unlocking financial harmony, and a prosperous future together.

By following biblical principles, couples can avoid common financial pitfalls and strengthen their relationship through shared stewardship. It can also provide a solid foundation for long-term financial stability and God-honoring decision-making.

The question is what does the Bible say about finances in marriage? Keep reading to learn more.

What does the Bible say about finances in marriage?

Marriage and finances in the Bible are interlinked for a wholesome survival.

So, when uncertain about how to approach your finances in a marriage, or just in need of inspiration, whether you’re a believer or not, the Bible scriptures on money might help.

“The who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf (Proverbs 11:28)”

The review of what the Bible says about finances in marriage necessarily begins with what the Bible has to say about money in general. And it’s no surprise—it’s nothing flattering. 

What the Proverbs warn us about is that money and riches pave the road to the fall. In other words, money is the temptation that could leave you without the inner compass to guide your path. To fulfill this idea, we continue with another passage of similar intention.

But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 

Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:6-10, NIV).

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)”

One of the sins associated with an orientation towards money is selfishness. When a person is driven by the need to accumulate wealth, as the Bible teaches, they become consumed by this urge. 

And, as a consequence, they might be tempted to keep the money for themselves, to hoard money for the sake of money.

Here are a few more biblical sayings about finance in marriage:

Luke 14:28

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Hebrews 13:4

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 13:22

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Related Reading: 3 Steps to Financial Success in Marriage

Luke 16:11

If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?

Ephesians 5:33

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; …

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 

Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

1 Thessalonians 4:4

That each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,

Proverbs 21:20 

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Related Reading: Money and Marriage – What is God’s Way of Doing Things?

What is God’s purpose for finances?

However, the purpose of money is to be able to exchange it for things in life. But, as we will see in the following passage, the things in life are passing and void of meaning. 

Therefore, the true purpose of having money is to use it for greater and far more important goals – to provide for one’s family.

The Bible reveals how important the family is. In the terms relevant to the Scriptures, we learn that a person who does not provide for their family has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

In other words, there is faith in Christianity, and that is the importance of family. And money is to serve this primary value in Christianity.

“A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree. (Proverbs 11:28)”

As we mentioned already, the Bible warns us about the emptiness of a life that is focused on material things. If we spend it seeking to collect wealth and possessions, we are bound to lead a life that is entirely void of any meaning. 

We will spend our days running around to gather something we will probably find pointless ourselves, if at no other time than surely on our deathbed. In other words, it is a dead life, a stump.

Related Reading: 6 Tips for Financial Planning for Married Couples

Instead, the Scriptures explain that we should devote our lives to what God teaches us is right. As we discussed in our previous quote, what is right by God is surely devoting oneself to being a dedicated family man or woman. 

Leading such a life in which our actions will be concentrated on contributing to the well-being of our loved ones and to contemplating the ways of Christian love is a “flourishing tree”.

“What is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:25)”

Finally, the Bible warns about what happens if we chase wealth and forget about our core values, about the love and care for our family, for our spouses. 

If we do so, we lose ourselves. And such life isn’t truly worth living, as all the riches in the world couldn’t replace a lost soul.

Related Reading: How to Strike the Right Balance Between Marriage and Money?

The only way in which we can live a fulfilling life and be dedicated to our families is if we are the best versions of ourselves. Only in such a scenario, we will be a deserving husband or a wife. 

Coach Christiana Njoku points out,

Financial intelligence in marriage fosters a love that’s financially fearless and prosperously strong.

And this is far more valuable than having collected riches, to the extent of gaining the whole world. Because marriage is the place where we are supposed to be who we truly are and develop all our potential.

How should husband and wife do finances as per the Bible?

According to the Bible, husband and wife should approach finances as a team, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God and should be used wisely and in accordance with His principles. Here are some key principles for managing finances in marriage as per the Bible:

Prioritize Giving

God wishes utilization of finances in Christian marriages in the interest of the masses and the greater good. 

The Bible teaches us to be generous and prioritize giving to the Lord and to others in need. Couples should establish a shared commitment to tithing and charitable giving as a reflection of their gratitude and obedience to God.

Related Reading: 15 Ways to Prioritize Your Spouse

Save for the Future

The Bible also encourages us to save for the future and be prepared for unexpected events. Couples should establish a budget and savings plan that includes an emergency fund, retirement savings, and other long-term goals.

Avoid Debt

The Bible warns against the dangers of debt and encourages us to live within our means. Couples should avoid taking on unnecessary debt and work together to pay off any existing debt as quickly as possible. Try to manage money and marriage God’s way by being judicious.

Watch this insightful video on how a couple avoided debt on their really long vacation:

Communicate Openly

Talk effectively to manage your money in marriage as per the Biblical approach.

Effective communication is crucial to managing finances in marriage. Couples should regularly discuss their financial goals, concerns, and decisions with each other and seek to understand each other’s perspectives and priorities.

Be Accountable

Couples should hold each other accountable for their financial decisions and actions. This includes being transparent about spending habits, avoiding financial manipulation or control, and seeking outside help if needed.

Seek Wisdom

The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance from God and from others who have knowledge and experience in managing Christian marriage finances. 

Couples should be open to learning and seeking counsel when making important financial decisions. Marriage counseling can also provide you with the right support to make more informed decisions as a couple.

Christiana Njoku highlights,

Marriage is a union of love, trust, commitment, and finances; understanding the last unlocks a stronger bond between couples.

Related Reading: 20 Pearls of Wisdom for After I do: What They Didn’t Tell You

Let the lord guide you financially

Now that we know what the Bible says about finances in marriage, those crucial money matters might be sorted out for you. 

Finances can be a source of stress and conflict in marriage, but by following a biblical approach, husband and wife can experience financial peace and unity. The Bible provides a clear framework for responsible stewardship, prioritizing giving, saving, and avoiding debt. 

Communication and accountability are also crucial for managing finances effectively. While it may require discipline and sacrifice, the rewards of financial stability and a stronger relationship are worth the effort. 

By trusting in God’s provision and following His principles, husband and wife can experience the abundant life that Jesus promised in all areas, including their finances.