The Bible does not explicitly state that a couple must be financially stable before getting married. However, it does offer principles and wisdom that are applicable to this question. Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific circumstances and calling of each couple, as they seek to honor God in their relationship.
Biblical Principles Related to Finances and Marriage
Here are some biblical principles that relate to finances and marriage:
- God calls most people to marriage (Genesis 2:18, 24; 1 Corinthians 7:2). Therefore, believers should not avoid marriage simply due to financial reasons.
- Couples should seek wisdom and counsel about major life decisions like marriage (Proverbs 15:22; 19:20; 20:18).
- Husbands should provide for their families (1 Timothy 5:8). Wives should respect and support their husbands’ leadership (Ephesians 5:22-24).
- Married couples become “one flesh” and should serve one another selflessly (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:21, 28-30).
- God is sovereign and faithful to provide for His children (Matthew 6:25-34). Couples must ultimately trust in Him.
- Debt should be avoided when possible (Proverbs 22:7; Romans 13:8). Financial integrity and contentment are virtues (Luke 16:10-11; Philippians 4:11-12).
- Partners should be equally yoked in their faith and values (2 Corinthians 6:14). This includes wise stewardship of money.
In summary, while the Bible does not mandate a certain income level before marriage, it does teach principles of wisdom, provision, hard work, contentment, sacrifice, counsel, and faith. Couples must seek to apply these diligently.
Considerations for Each Couple’s Situation
Biblical principles should be applied with wisdom to each couple’s unique situation. Here are some factors couples should consider:
- Earning potential and debt levels: A couple with strong earning potential and minimal debt may be in a better financial position than those with lower incomes and lots of debt.
- Cost of living: Getting married in a low cost-of-living area requires less income than a high cost area.
- Support systems: Having family who can help with housing, childcare etc. can ease financial strain.
- Spending habits: Couples must honestly assess their spending and agree on biblical stewardship values.
- Occupations and job markets: Some careers offer more potential than others. The job market can also impact opportunities.
- Willingness to sacrifice: Are both partners prepared to live frugally and make financial sacrifices if needed?
- Ministry calling: Some couples may feel called to ministry roles that require financial sacrifice.
- Age and stage of life: Younger couples have more time to progress in careers. Older couples may have more savings.
- Educational goals: Student loan debt and time requirements can impact finances for couples in school.
Couples should have open and wise discussions about how these factors apply to them. They may need to wait, make adjustments, or trust God in less than ideal circumstances.
Practical Steps Toward Financial Stability
These practical steps can help couples work toward greater financial stability before and during marriage:
- Avoid taking on unnecessary debt like car loans or credit cards.
- Build savings; having an emergency fund is wise stewardship.
- Pay off student loans and other debts.
- Gain job experience and continuously develop careers.
- Live within means by creating a budget and sticking to it.
- Consider inexpensive wedding options; prioritize marriage over a lavish ceremony.
- Discuss financial goals openly and make plans together.
- If needed, take advantage of career development, job training, or continuing education.
- Develop skills in cooking, home maintenance, and smart shopping.
- Communicate clearly about any financial baggage like debt or spending habits.
With planning, wise counsel, and God’s help, couples can make progress toward financial stability over time. But letting finances alone delay marriage indefinitely may not be prudent either.
Trusting God Amidst Financial Challenges
Couples who move forward in marriage despite financial challenges must trust God to sustain them. Here are some ways to have faith:
- Pray together for provision and stewardship wisdom.
- Make decisions prayerfully and consult others for advice.
- Believe that God has good plans to prosper you (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Meditate on God’s promises to provide for His children.
- Lay your anxieties before God and abide in Christ (1 Peter 5:7, John 15:4-5).
- Give generously to church and others as acts of faith.
- Avoid fretting over money; instead seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:24-34).
- Thank God for His blessings and past provisions.
- Trust that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
With hearts anchored in Christ, couples can weather financial storms. While being wise stewards, they can also rest in God’s sovereignty.
Marriage Is a Journey of Faith
The Bible does not command couples to reach a certain financial standard before marrying. Rather, marriage is a God-ordained institution that requires faith and selflessness from both partners as they walk life’s journey together. With wisdom and endurance, couples can honor God whether in prosperity or poverty, in sickness and health. Though starting marriage with some financial stability may be ideal, ultimately couples must trust the Lord to sustain them.
The church should provide encouragement, counsel and support for couples discerning marriage. And married couples must uphold one another in love, offering grace when financial trials come. Just as Christ provided eternally for His bride, the church, so husbands and wives can faithfully steward resources in serving one another.
Let married couples heed Paul’s instructions:
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him” (1 Corinthians 7:17).
And may all believers pray as Christ taught us:
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).
