The Bible and your investments (2)

The Bible teaches two things about getting ahead financially. (1) You must be wise when you invest. When someone offers you a return on your money that’s too good to be true – it usually is! (2) Don’t just work for money; make your money work for you. “There is desirable treasure…in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it” (v. 20 NKJV). And there is more than one way to squander your money. If inflation is running at 3 percent annually, but the interest on your savings is only earning 1 percent, you’re losing 2 percent of your purchasing power. So your fear of investing can actually cause the very loss you dread. Job said, “What I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes” (Job 3:25-26 NKJV). If that’s how you feel about investing, read this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths…Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of…trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:5-6, 23-26 NKJV). Not only does God want to meet your needs, He wants to meet the needs of others through you. And for that to happen, you must have wise investment strategies.