When it comes to finances, do you sometimes feel a little schizophrenic? On the one hand, we in ministry are the primary teachers of financial wisdom and biblically responsible actions. We love to see God at work, and we cheer whenever we see people trust the Lord with their giving, spending, saving, and investing. We know the evil one is always at work, so we keep teaching and counseling people to stand for God in the tough times and trust him with their finances, just like they trust him with their salvation.

At the same time, we who teach often get tested, as well. We know these truths and principles are accurate, and we are committed to "take the journey" of lifelong, faith-filled stewardship. But the same pressures and worries that our people face can hit us, too. We often need a booster shot of wisdom and confidence, as well.

That's why it's always good to keep a few of the best Bible passages on money nearby. Not only can we invest our faith in these truths, but we can pass the wealth around, too! After all, there are only four things you can do with money – make it, give it, save it, and spend it – and the Bible speaks to all four. No matter what our specific role is in God's kingdom, we can't top the solid wisdom and reminders from "the wealth in the Word."

Here are a few of the many, many passages that will bless your heart, draw you closer to the Lord, increase your income, help you spend more wisely, increase your savings, reduce your debts, and expand your impact on the Kingdom.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

"So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
Luke 16:11 (NIV)   

"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."
Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)

"If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained…I would have been unfaithful to God on high."
Job 31:24-28 (NIV)   

"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously."
Psalm 37:21 (NIV)   

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income. Then your barns will be full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine."
Proverbs 3:9-10 (GW)   

"Don't withhold repayment of your debts. Don't say 'some other time,' if you can pay now."
Proverbs 3:27-28 (LB)   

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

"Plans succeed through good counsel..."
Proverbs 20:18 (NLT)   

"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)   

"He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich."
Proverbs 21:17 (NIV)   
 
"The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get."
Proverbs 21:20 (NLT)   

"Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don't last forever, and the crown might not be secure for the next generation."
Proverbs 27:23-24 (NLT)   

"Dreaming all the time instead of working is foolishness. And there is ruin in a flood of empty words..."
Eccles. 5:7 (NLT)   

"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless; it is like chasing the wind."
Eccles. 6:9 (NLT)  

"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?"
Isaiah 55:2 (NIV)   

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)   

"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."
1 Cor. 16:2 (NIV)   

"For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God."
2 Cor. 9:10-11 (NLT)   

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)  

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philip. 4:19 (NIV)   

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)   

Read and re-read them from time to time. You'll find these truths will make you "rich in every way" (2 Cor. 9:10-11).

Dr. Kregg Hood is a minister, author, speaker, and educator. He is also a senior vice president with AG Financial Solutions, www.agfinancial.org.