What Does The Bible Say About Planning Ahead?
The Bible does not use the term budgeting (Spending Plan) but has a lot to say about managing our resources. The scriptures repeat the wisdom of planning and managing our resources so that we can live a blessed life:
Plan because it’s a smart thing to do
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” Luke 14:28-30
Jesus was addressing the cost to be a disciple and wanted his followers to know what it would mean to follow him. They would need to consider all costs and commit to him 100% but, this was also taught as a proper approach to take before you commit to spend money or you may look foolish.
“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 passed to the next generation. After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in, your sheep will provide wool for clothing, and your goats will provide the price of a field And you will have enough goats’ milk for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.” Proverbs 27:23-27
Notice it doesn’t say “it would be good if you plan ahead” or “if you find it convenient, plan ahead with your resources.” It sets a clear expectation that we should manage our spending and watch our resources carefully.
It’s both smart and wise to plan ahead and manage to a budget.
Plan So You Can Prosper yourself and bless others
“Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3: 9-10
“Give and it will be given to you. They (people) will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6: 38
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
This is the most critical thing to understand about God’s blessings, He wants to prosper us as we use our resources to bless others.
Manage your finances to be a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to you
All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. John 1: 3
The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. Psalms 24:1
For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. "To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. ”Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. "In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. ”But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. "Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. “The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, `Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.' "His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' "Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, `Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.' "His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' "And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. `And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.' "But his master answered and said to him, `you wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. `Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. `Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. “Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:14-30
Not only should we invest and grow what God has given to us, these scriptures also say that it is dangerous not to. In fact God will give more to those who are realizing gain through their investments and will take away even the principal from those who are not investing to realize a gain.
Reality Check: When it comes to home finances in the USA today only 40% of the people follow a budget (60% don't!), and only 37% of the people can handle a $500 to $1000 emergency (63% can't!)