Money is a significant topic in marriage that can lead to conflict if not handled biblically. The Bible provides principles and practical guidance for married couples on managing finances together in a God-honoring way.
Acknowledge that God Owns Everything
The starting point is recognizing that God owns everything we have. King David prayed, “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all…For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you” (1 Chronicles 29:12,14). As stewards, we are to use what God entrusts to us for His purposes and glory.
Be Open and Transparent
Hiding or deceiving about money breeds mistrust. Ananias and Sapphira’s deception regarding finances displeased God (Acts 5:1-11). Couples should have mutual transparency about income, expenses, debts, assets, and financial habits. This provides a basis for unified planning and stewardship.
Agree on Biblical Priorities
Couples should consult scripture together about financial priorities. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13). Paul instructed Timothy to pursue “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” rather than loving money (1 Timothy 6:6-11). Biblical financial goals elevate spiritual investments over materialism.
Budget and Plan Together
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance” (Proverbs 21:5). Couples should create an agreed upon budget that directs money toward needs, gives reasonably to wants, accounts for saving/investing, and allows for generosity. Working together on budgeting and financial plans unifies spouses around stewardship.
Practice Contentment and Avoid Debt
The lure of “more” can lead to dissatisfaction and poor decisions. “Godliness with contentment is great gain…But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation” (1 Timothy 6:6,9). “Owe no one anything, except to love each other” (Romans 13:8). Living within means, avoiding debt, and being content honors God through financial stewardship.
Give Generously
“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Couples should make giving a priority. “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Generosity blesses others, laying up eternal rewards. Giving also loosens money’s hold on our hearts.
Pursue Unity, Not Division
Since money can divide, couples should exhibit patience, forgiveness, and compromise. Paul said “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29). Handling money with grace and understanding preserves marital unity.
Seek Godly Counsel If Needed
Money conflicts can benefit from outside biblical guidance. The counsel of the wise offers objectivity (Proverbs 11:14). Pastors or godly mentors can provide scriptural perspectives. Marriage counseling centered on biblical principles may facilitate healthy financial partnership.
Work Diligently
The Bible emphasizes diligent work and warns against laziness regarding finances (Proverbs 6:6-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12). Spouses should contribute through diligent labor. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Working hard and wisely honors God’s provision.
Trust God, Not Money
Couples should remember that money does not provide security – God does. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…In all your ways acknowledge him” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). He promises to meet needs as we follow Him.
Make Financial Decisions Together
Since couples are one flesh, major financial decisions should be made jointly after prayerful consideration. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Making decisions together provides protection, accountability, and shared stewardship.
Be Willing to Compromise
Spouses may have different money personalities or ideas. Biblical financial management requires compromise. Paul instructed Christians to “agree with one another” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Couples should listen, discuss, pray, find common ground, and compromise for unity’s sake.
Manage Well Despite Differences
Spouses need not agree on everything financially. Godly management is still possible despite differences. The key is open communication, transparency, joint planning, sticking to agreed upon budgets, and extending grace. This maintains oneness while respecting individual perspectives.
Pray Together About Finances
Couples should regularly pray together about managing God’s provision. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). Ask Him for guidance, principles, wisdom, contentment, generosity, discipline, and unity regarding money. Seek His blessings over finances.
Keep Eternity in Mind
Spouses should remember that earthly wealth is temporary. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God” (1 Timothy 6:17). Managing money should factor in eternal rewards.
Rely on God, Not Spouse
Looking to a spouse as a financial savior or provider breeds resentment. God is the ultimate Provider. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Relying on God over spouse for provision diffuses money conflicts.
Be Fair With Inheritances
Inheritances can cause marital money issues. Biblical wisdom promotes fairness, such as equal distribution between children (Deuteronomy 21:15-17) and providing for one’s relatives (1 Timothy 5:8). Spouses should prayerfully determine together how to steward unexpected funds.
Commit to Biblical Stewardship
couples are called to manage God’s resources according to scriptural principles. This includes working diligently, avoiding debt, giving generously, and seeking contentment. “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33). Biblical stewardship blesses marriages financially.
In summary, God’s word provides abundant guidance for handling money in a Christ-honoring way as a married couple. Seeking to apply biblical principles through open communication, prayer, compromise, and faithfulness to steward God’s provision promotes harmony and joy even amidst financial challenges and differences.
