Jun. 29, 2005 - Is Financial Planning Biblical?

Good question!

Over the years of working with clients and leading numerous financial workshops, I have noticed most people fall into two distinct camps when it comes to the issue of planning with their money.

At one end of the spectrum is a small group of those who believe God is virtually obligated to fulfill whatever we can dream or imagine.  If we plan it then God will surely bring it to pass.  At the other end of the spectrum is a much larger group of those who believe planning is a presumptuous exercise of the flesh.  We should just "let go and trust God.”

The truth is somewhere in between.

The Bible has quite a bit to say about establishing plans.  Here are some key verses from Proverbs to guide our thinking:

• “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
• "A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out." Proverbs 20:5
• "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty." Proverbs 21:5

These Scriptures reveal that proper planning is an assumed activity that is wise.  Clearly we just don’t stick our heads in the sand and assume life will take care of itself.  Through prayer, reading the Scripture, and seeking godly counsel, we can confidently establish plans as the Holy Spirit guides us.

On the other hand we should not trust in our plans or presume that our goals will come to pass.  We place our trust in God and His leading step-by-step.   

• "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." Proverbs 16:1
• "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
• “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord it will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

Our plans are not a guarantee just because we dream them up.  God does not promise our plans will come to pass even when He initiates them.  He is free to alter them as time moves forward according to His purposes.  He ultimately determines the actual steps we will take.  God expects, however, that we are considering and planning our future in consultation with Him.  This includes our money.

Jesus challenged the multitudes in Luke 14:28 with this question:

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?”