Many Christians wonder whether investing is consistent with their faith. Is it wise to put money to work in the markets, or does that reflect a love of money? Scripture does not provide an investment guide, but it does offer principles about stewardship, wisdom, and risk. One of the best-known passages is the parable of the talents.
A note before we begin: this article is educational and not personalized investment advice. Please consult a qualified professional about your own situation.
The parable
Jesus told a story about a master who went on a journey and entrusted his property to three servants.
“And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” (Matthew 25:15, KJV)
A talent was a large sum of money in the ancient world, not the skill we mean by the word today. The first two servants put their money to work and doubled it. The third buried his in the ground out of fear. When the master returned, he praised the first two.
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21, KJV)
What the parable is really about
It is important to remember that this is a parable, and Jesus told it to teach about the kingdom of God and faithful use of what he has entrusted to us, including our gifts, opportunities, and resources. It is not a financial guide. At the same time, the story assumes that putting resources to productive use is normal and good, and that burying them out of fear is a failure of stewardship.
Notice a few details. The master gave according to each servant’s ability, so no one was asked to do more than they could. The servants who were praised were commended for faithfulness, not for the size of the returns, since both received the same words of praise. And the third servant’s problem was not that he lost money but that he did nothing because he was afraid.
Principles for wise stewardship
Several principles from Scripture help frame any thoughtful approach to investing. First, everything we have belongs to God, and we are its managers. Second, wisdom involves planning and diversification. Third, we should be wary of get-rich-quick thinking. Fourth, a love of money is dangerous, whether we have a lot or a little.
On planning and diversification, Ecclesiastes gives a notable piece of advice.
“Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2, KJV)
Many readers see in this verse a principle of spreading risk: do not put everything in one place, because you cannot predict what will happen.
On the danger of haste, Proverbs warns:
“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” (Proverbs 28:20, KJV)
and elsewhere, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase” (Proverbs 13:11, KJV). Both passages caution against shortcuts, speculation, and schemes that promise quick fortunes.
Investing with a steward’s mindset
To illustrate the idea of risk spreading, imagine someone with $10,000 to set aside for the long term. Putting all of it into a single company or a single idea means that one disappointment could wipe out the whole amount. Dividing the money into eight equal portions would put $1,250 in each ($10,000 divided by 8). This is only an illustration of the principle, not a recommendation for how to invest. In practice, many people use broadly diversified funds for this purpose, and the right choices depend on your goals, timeline, and comfort with risk.
Before you invest
Wise stewardship usually follows an order. Start with an emergency fund so that you are not forced to sell investments in a crisis. Pay off high-interest debt, since the interest you pay on it often outweighs what you might expect to earn. Continue giving, so that your priorities remain clear. Then invest for long-term goals such as retirement, with a diversified, patient approach and no promises of fast returns.
The heart behind the money
Perhaps the most important question is not “Should I invest?” but “What is my heart doing with my money?” Investing for the purpose of providing for your family, supporting future generosity, and being a good steward is very different from investing out of greed, fear, or a desire for status. Scripture’s warnings about the love of money are aimed at the heart, not at any particular financial tool.
What you were given
Is fear keeping you from making a wise financial move, or is impatience pushing you toward a risky one? What would faithful stewardship look like in your situation?
Lord, you have entrusted me with so much. Help me to be a faithful steward, neither burying what you have given me in fear nor chasing quick riches out of greed. Give me wisdom, patience, and a generous heart. Amen.
If this topic is on your mind: Lessons From the Ant: What Proverbs Teaches About Saving, Why Proverbs Says to Seek Wise Financial Counsel, What Does “The Love of Money Is the Root of All Evil” Really Mean?, and Treasures in Heaven: What Jesus Meant About Where Your Heart Is.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). This article is for education and inspiration and is not personalized financial advice.