This interview with Ryan Tolan explores how Biblical principles can guide modern financial decisions, from budgeting and saving to generosity and debt management. By seeking God first in our earning, spending, saving, and investing, we can pursue financial stability while also growing spiritually and honoring Him through our resources.
- Biblical financial literacy focuses on the heart behind money decisions, not just budgeting or investing strategies.
- Scripture encourages wise habits like saving, avoiding unnecessary debt, giving generously, and planning for the future.
- Christians are called to view themselves as stewards of God’s resources and to align their spending, saving, and earning with Biblical values.
Biblical Principles for Managing Money
The Bible contains more than 2,000 verses on money, with the Book of Proverbs referencing wealth more than 100 times. Our financial habits are often a direct reflection of our hearts toward God.
To help us apply these Biblical principles for managing money to our everyday lives, we interviewed Ryan Tolan, M. Div. Ryan answers questions on money management, contentment, giving, and more to teach us how we can align our finances with the Word of God.
Table of Contents
- How does God want us to manage money?
- Why is contentment emphasized in Scripture?
- What is the most important investment a Christian can make?
- What does “generous giving” look like today?
- Is there a “Biblical” way to earn a living?
- Is Debt a Sin According to the Bible?
- What does God say about Generational Wealth?
- Is it okay to spend money on things that bring us joy?
- Why is saving considered a mark of wisdom?
- How can Christians keep God at the center of their finances?
- The Bottom Line
- Ask the Expert
1. How Does God Want Us to Manage Money?
Ryan Tolan: God values order. From creation to the early Church, we see that God operates systematically. When we order our finances, we guard against mistakes and allow God to establish our path.
Two practical examples of keeping your finances in order are 1) following a budget and 2) having short-term and long-term financial goals. Goals can include ‘paying yourself first,’ which implies investing for your own future.
The Little CPA: Paying yourself first is an excellent example of practical financial stewardship. For those who aren’t familiar, this is a personal finance strategy where you treat your savings and investment goals as your “most important bill.” Instead of paying for your lifestyle first and saving whatever is left over at the end of the month, you set aside a predetermined amount of money as soon as your paycheck hits your account. In essence, you prioritize your future self over your current impulse to spend.
2. Why is contentment emphasized in Scripture?
Tolan: 1 Timothy 6:6 tells us that “godliness with contentment is of great gain.” Without it, the love of money can become a root of evil.
Also, Ecclesiastes 5:10 states that those who love money are never satisfied with their abundance. We must view money as a tool, not the prize.
The Little CPA: One of the clearest Biblical examples of contentment is found in Philippians 4:13. While facing financial hardship, imprisonment, and suffering, the Apostle Paul declared,
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This is an important reminder for Believers as we manage our finances today. Whether we have much or little, our ultimate security is not found in money, but in God’s provision and strength. Living with that perspective helps us honor God’s sovereignty while guarding our hearts against the temptation to idolize wealth or place our identity in financial success.
3. What is the most important investment a Christian can make?
Tolan: Matthew 6:33 explains that seeking the Kingdom of God first provides “passive returns” on the things we actually need.
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
While we can invest in the stock market or real estate to provide for our families and enjoy life, our primary investment must be the things of God.
4. What does “generous giving” look like today?
Tolan: We are stewards, not owners. God cares about the Church, the poor, missionaries, the oppressed, and the vulnerable. 1 Timothy 6:18 specifically reminds those with means to be generous, laying a solid foundation for the future.
5. Is there a “Biblical” way to earn a living?
Tolan: It starts with the Eighth Commandment: “Do not steal.” This goes beyond bank robbery; it includes paying fair wages, respecting intellectual property, and not using your employer’s resources for your side hustle. Proverbs 14:2 reminds us that by living right, we show respect for the Lord.
Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him.
The Little CPA: In addition to living right, the New Testament encourages Christians to approach work with integrity, diligence, and humility.
Work Unto the Lord
Scripture teaches that our work is ultimately done in service to God, not simply to impress employers, clients, or other people.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This is an important principle for both underachievers and overachievers. Some may need encouragement to work diligently and pursue excellence, while others may need the reminder that their worth is not tied to overworking or seeking constant approval from others. God cares deeply about the posture of our hearts.
Live Quiet Lives
The Bible also encourages Believers to live “quiet lives” marked by responsibility and honest work.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul instructs Christians to “aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands.” The goal is not laziness or isolation, but a life of diligence, humility, and independence that reflects Christ well to others.
6. Is Debt a Sin According to the Bible?
Tolan: The Bible does not condemn debt, but it strongly discourages it. Proverbs 22:7 warns that the borrower is a “slave to the lender.” Debt limits your opportunity to be generous. However, if you are in debt, Romans 13:7 charges you to pay what you owe, including taxes.
→ Related: Is Debt a Sin? What the Bible Really Says About Borrowing Money.
7. What does the Bible say about “Generational Wealth”?
Tolan: Providing for your “children’s children” is identified as “good” in Proverbs 13:22.
However, generational wealth without a relationship with God is eternally nullified. For the Christian, building wealth must include a commitment to practicing righteousness.
The Little CPA: One powerful Biblical example of generational wealth being used for lasting impact is found in Abraham. God blessed Abraham materially with livestock, land, servants, silver, and gold, but the true purpose of that wealth extended beyond personal comfort. Abraham’s resources allowed him to care for his household, support future generations, and ultimately become the father of a nation through which God’s covenant blessings would spread to the world.
His story reminds us that Biblical generational wealth is not simply about leaving behind money — it is about passing down faith, wisdom, stewardship, and obedience to God alongside financial provision.
8. Is it okay to spend money on things that bring us joy?
Tolan: Yes! God wants us to enjoy His provision. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 makes it clear that finding enjoyment in our toil is a gift from God. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a family trip, finding gratitude in what He has provided is a form of worship.
Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.
9. Why is saving considered a mark of wisdom?
Tolan: Proverbs 30:25 points to the ant as a model of wisdom because it stores food for the future. Saving allows us to prepare for the unexpected. While only God knows the future, saving is our way of doing our part to ensure our needs are met during uncertain times.
The ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer.
→ Related: How to Invest Biblically: 10 Bible Verses About Investing
10. How Can Christians Keep God at the Center of Their Finances?
Tolan: We must seek the Kingdom of God first in our saving, spending, and investing. Since it is His money, we must make His priorities our own. As an educator, I always suggest investing in your own financial education so you can make informed decisions that honor Him.
The Little CPA: Seeking the Kingdom of God first is crucial advice. One practical way we can do this is through consistent prayer, generosity, and seeking wisdom before making financial decisions.
Wisdom
James 1:5 reminds us that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask, and Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages Believers to trust in the Lord rather than lean solely on their own understanding.
Prayer
Praying over major purchases, career decisions, investments, and financial struggles helps shift our mindset from ownership to stewardship.
Giving
Generous giving also keeps our hearts aligned with God’s priorities. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:21 that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Giving to the Church, supporting those in need, and helping advance God’s Kingdom reminds us that money is a tool entrusted to us by God, not our ultimate source of security or identity.
Need some help narrowing down your charitable interests? Take The Little CPA’s Giving Persona Quiz to find out!
The Bottom Line: 10 Biblical Principles for Managing Money
Biblical principles for managing money are rooted more in the posture of our hearts than in following a rigid set of financial rules.
Ryan Tolan leaves readers with this reminder: “Pray, trust in the Lord’s guidance, and remember that your income does not equal your life’s worth. Keep hope.”
Scripture reminds us that money is ultimately a tool for stewardship, generosity, and serving God. It is not a measure of our value or success. Whether you are paying off debt, building savings, giving generously, or planning for future generations, financial decisions become more meaningful when rooted in faith and wisdom.
About the Expert
Ryan Tolan is “The Engineering M.Div. in Education.” He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.Div., and an M.A. in Education. He is the Principal Educator at Glad Academics, which develops resources for educators and businesses. Learn more at www.rytolan.com.
Disclaimer
Please note that the financial advice and information presented on this blog are not personalized to your specific financial circumstances. This post is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, accounting, or investment advice. The Little CPA does not create a professional-client relationship by publishing this content. Please consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this information. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.
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