Wealth Creation, Part 2: Principles of Wealth

What Does the Bible Say About Generating Wealth?

It is all really quite simple. According to the scriptures, wealth is generated through labor, skill/wisdom, sacrifice, generosity and faith. (Proverbs 3:15; 6:6-11; 8:21; 11:25; Deuteronomy 8; Joshua 1: 8)

While inheritance is a legitimate means of securing wealth, the normal avenue is hard work. Like the commandment says, "Six days, shall you labor…" And, if you wish to accumulate wealth, the labor cannot be hit and miss: you must be consistently diligent. (Proverbs 10:4)

You need something to trade for the wealth you desire. Whether it is knowledge, a skill, a product or a service you must acquire it and then market it. Furthermore, what you have to offer must be as good as or better than what the competition is offering. (Proverbs 22:29) This requires wisdom, a never-ending pursuit of increased excellence and a long-term mentality. Wealth rarely shows up the day after you throw your hat in the ring.

One of the great enemies of wealth is a short-term perspective. People who want it now, and go into debt to get it, will rarely accumulate any wealth. Read the biographies of the successful and wealthy: with few exceptions you will discover great sacrifices early in their lives.

The Bible says that the "generous soul will be made rich." (Proverbs 11:25) In giving to our churches, to needy family members, to charity, to the poor and less fortunate we make way for greater blessings from God. Their closed wallets expose people whose hearts are closed to the needs of others. Such people will not experience the blessings of God.

Of course, all of the above must flow from faith in God. Without His blessing, our labor is worthless. Without his blessing the riches that we accumulate will not come with peace and joy but with turmoil and trouble. Our energy must be that of someone who loves and trusts in God not the frenetic and fearful energy that comes from lack of faith.

Faith is also central to risk. Where there is no faith, there will be no innovation. The imagination of the entrepreneur comes from his willingness to leap into the dark of the "its-never-been-done-that-way."

John Wesley said of money, "Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can." This pithy comment sums up the biblical avenue to wealth. Christians should not look down on money or run away from it. The more we have the more good we can do for others. The more we have the more we can experience of God's creation.

Part 3: Goal Setting--How do I get there?