The Bible is full of wisdom on managing money and possessions, yet there are common beliefs about wealth that are simply unbiblical. These misconceptions can lead people away from God’s truth about finances, creating confusion and stress. Let’s examine five of these myths and explore what the Bible actually teaches.

1. The “I Win, You Lose” Mentality

One widespread belief is that money is a zero-sum game: for someone to have more, someone else must have less. This scarcity mindset fuels anxiety and fear, making people view wealth as something limited.

Scripture, however, reveals God’s generosity and ability to provide abundantly. In Psalm 50:10, God reminds us that He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” Jesus also demonstrated abundance in Matthew 14:13-21 when He fed five thousand with just five loaves and two fish, leaving behind twelve baskets of leftovers. God is not restricted by human limitations; His resources are limitless, allowing us to live with trust rather than fear.

2. Building Wealth Is Selfish

Some believe building wealth is inherently selfish and contrary to a life of faith. However, the Bible encourages us to grow wealth wisely for God’s Kingdom. In Proverbs 13:11, we learn, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Wealth can be a tool for godly stewardship, enabling us to bless others.

Building wealth isn’t about hoarding; it’s about using resources to serve others and accomplish God’s purposes. We can earn, save, and give generously with careful stewardship to impact lives and glorify God.

3. More Money Equals More Happiness

Another myth is that more money will bring more happiness. Many pursue wealth, believing it will lead to contentment and fulfillment, yet Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns us, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied.”

True joy comes not from wealth but from a relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul beautifully illustrates this in Philippians 4:12-13, “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” True contentment comes from God, not from financial abundance.

4. Only 10 Percent Belongs to God

Tithing often stirs debate, but the heart behind our giving matters most. Viewing only ten percent as God’s and the rest as ours is misleading; everything we have belongs to God. This mindset risks making generosity about pride, as if giving more makes us better Christians.

When we recognize God’s ownership of all things, our giving becomes a humble response to His generosity. As Deuteronomy 10:14 says, “To the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.” Like David prayed, “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

5. Giving More Money Means Receiving More Money

The final myth is that if we give generously, God will always respond by giving us more money. While God blesses obedience and faithfulness, His blessings are not limited to financial gain. Blessings from God come in many forms—wisdom, peace, relationships, and spiritual growth.

The Bible cautions against trying to “bargain” with God for financial returns. Giving should come from a heart of worship and gratitude, not from an expectation of receiving. God’s blessings often transcend wealth, fulfilling our deeper needs beyond money.

These common myths about money can lead us away from God’s wisdom, yet by staying rooted in Scripture, we can find true financial peace. Understanding what the Bible really says helps us manage our resources faithfully, focusing on generosity, trust, and purpose. As we reject these unbiblical beliefs, we can steward God’s resources wisely, with an eternal perspective that honors Him.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I'm about to lose our house with a big mortgage company. They had me do a forbearance and then a modification, but I couldn't afford the modified payments. Now, they're telling me to wait until it's denied and apply for another modification, but I'm worried they're trying to get me to wait so they can foreclose since we have a lot of equity. Is there help available to work with the mortgage company?
• I worked at a company with an ESOP and got fired for sharing my faith. About a month before, my wife felt strongly that we should pay off our house. Now, I'll have access to the ESOP money this fourth quarter. Should we use that to pay off the house this year, even though it will impact our taxes? Or should we wait until next year for tax reasons?
• I'm retiring in 6 months and have $520,000 in retirement accounts. An investment firm has offered an annuity that would add 30% to my balance and provide an 8% annual increase if I delay withdrawals. If I start withdrawals in the first year, they will pay me $42,925 per year for life. Is this annuity option beneficial for my situation?
• My husband plans to retire at age 55. Can he work part-time and still withdraw money from his 401(k) without penalty? And if he returns to work full-time, can he still withdraw from that 401(k) without the 10% penalty?

Resources Mentioned:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.gov)
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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