Biblical View of Saving

Saving Is a Mark of Wisdom

Scripture consistently presents saving as an act of wisdom, not selfishness. Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” The wise person doesn’t consume all they have today—they think ahead, setting aside a portion for tomorrow.

This principle is illustrated beautifully in Proverbs 6, where the ant is praised for preparing its food in summer and gathering its provision at harvest. It doesn’t wait until the need is urgent; it stores up in advance.

In modern terms, this is the essence of an emergency fund—money set aside during times of plenty for unexpected moments of need. Saving is not about fear but about foresight, recognizing that storms do come, and wisdom lies in being ready.

Joseph: A Model for Strategic Saving

The clearest example of biblical saving strategy comes from the story of Joseph in Genesis 41. Interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph advises Egypt to store up grain during seven years of abundance in preparation for seven years of famine.

“Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance… They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain… This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine.” (Genesis 41:34–36)

Joseph’s plan was to save 20% of the country’s produce each year for seven years. While this isn’t a universal formula, it does offer a biblical example of purposeful, proportional saving. The principle isn’t about an exact percentage but about disciplined and strategic preparation when times are good.

For Christians today, this may look like setting aside a regular portion of income for emergencies, future needs, or even seasons of lower income—such as retirement or career changes.

Planning Ahead Reflects Godly Stewardship

Jesus encourages intentional planning in Luke 14:28: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” This isn’t a teaching about money alone, but the principle is directly applicable.

When we plan for future expenses, whether a home repair, education, or retirement, we reflect God’s character of order, wisdom, and provision. Planning is not the opposite of faith—it’s a form of faithful stewardship.

Similarly, Proverbs 13:22 reminds us: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” Planning for long-term goals such as retirement is not self-indulgent; it can also be a way of caring for future generations.

Saving Should Never Crowd Out Generosity

While saving is wise, it must be balanced with generosity. The Bible never commends saving for saving’s sake or as a path to personal power or comfort. In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul encourages believers to give cheerfully and abundantly, trusting God to provide:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly… And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:6, 8)

This passage affirms that God provides not so we can endlessly store up, but so we can give, serve, and bless others. If our savings goals make us stingy or inward-focused, we’ve missed the heart of biblical stewardship.

Ultimately, Our Security Comes from God, Not Savings

Perhaps the most important biblical reminder about saving is that it must never become a substitute for trust in God. Wealth is not evil, but it is uncertain. As 1 Timothy 6:17 warns, “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…”

Likewise, Proverbs 11:28 says, “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Saving wisely is good. But if our confidence shifts from the Giver to the gift, we are building on sand.

Check out the other articles on God’s view of money here: What the Bible Says about Money – Gilbert Wealth