THE WISDOM OF SAVING: WHAT PROVERBS SAYS ABOUT FINANCES
ЁЯТ░ THE WISDOM OF SAVING: WHAT PROVERBS SAYS ABOUT FINANCES
ЁЯУЦ SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:
Proverbs 21:20 (NIV):
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
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ЁЯкФ INTRODUCTION
We live in a culture driven by instant gratification. From sales ads to social media, we are encouraged to spend all we have and worry later. But God’s Word—especially the book of Proverbs—calls us to wisdom, self-control, and stewardship.
Saving is more than good money management; it’s a spiritual act of faith. It shows that we are thinking ahead, living wisely, and trusting in God’s daily and future provision.
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ЁЯза WHAT PROVERBS TEACHES US ABOUT SAVING
ЁЯФ╣ 1. SAVING IS A SIGN OF WISDOM
Proverbs 21:20:
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil...”
Wise people don’t spend everything they have. They think about the future. They prepare in the present so they don’t panic tomorrow.
Proverbs 6:6–8:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard... it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
Like the ant, we are called to plan, prepare, and store what God has provided us.
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ЁЯФ╣ 2. FOOLISHNESS CONSUMES WITHOUT THINKING
Proverbs 21:20:
“...but fools gulp theirs down.”
The foolish spend without restraint. There’s no savings, no planning—only consumption. This kind of lifestyle leads to stress, debt, and dependence on others in times of need.
Proverbs 13:16:
“Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.”
A wise person asks, "What will I do if an emergency comes?" The fool says, "I’ll figure it out when it happens."
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ЁЯФ╣ 3. SAVING REFLECTS TRUST IN GOD’S PROVISION
Saving doesn’t mean we don’t trust God. It means we trust Him enough to wisely manage what He gives us. We recognize that He provides, and He wants us to be faithful stewards.
Luke 14:28:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?”
Planning, saving, and preparing are biblical acts of obedience, not fear.
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ЁЯТ╝ REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE:
EMERGENCY FUND PREVENTS CRISIS
Sarah, a teacher and single mom, used to live paycheck to paycheck. After studying Proverbs 21:20, she began setting aside just $20 a week in savings. Months later, her car broke down—an emergency.
Because she saved, she handled the repair without debt or panic. That decision gave her peace, independence, and greater trust in God’s wisdom.
> “Saving wasn’t about having a lot. It was about starting with a little and trusting God.”
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ЁЯФН REFLECTION:
APPLY THIS TO YOUR LIFE
✅ 1. DO I CONSUME EVERYTHING I EARN?
ЁЯУМ Reflection: “Am I living wisely or foolishly when it comes to saving?”
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✅ 2. CAN I START SAVING SMALL?
ЁЯУМ Challenge: Save 5–10% of your income starting today. Even small steps lead to lasting change.
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✅ 3. AM I TRUSTING GOD AS MY PROVIDER?
ЁЯУМ Prayer: “Lord, help me honor You with how I handle my money.”
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✅ 4. HOW CAN I BE A BLESSING IN CRISIS?
ЁЯУМ Reflection: “What if my savings became someone else’s miracle?”
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✅ 5. AM I SEEKING GODLY FINANCIAL WISDOM?
ЁЯУЦ James 1:5:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God...”
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ЁЯУК PRACTICAL TIPS:
CULTIVATING THE HABIT OF SAVING
TIP ACTION
✴️MAKE A BUDGET Know your income, track your expenses.
✴️ЁЯТ╡ FOLLOW 10–10–80 RULE
Tithe 10%, Save 10%, Live on 80%.
✴️ЁЯПж OPEN SAVINGS ACCOUNT Keep it separate from daily use.
✴️ЁЯУЙ CUT UNNECESSARY COSTS Reduce spending on extras: coffee, streaming, take-out.
✴️ЁЯОп SET GOALS Build an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses) or long-term fund.
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✝️ CONCLUSION
Proverbs 21:20 teaches us that saving is not just about finance—it’s about faith and wisdom.
> A wise person saves because they trust God.
A foolish person spends because they trust only what they see.
Saving gives you peace in the storm, freedom to give, and honor to God. It helps you grow spiritually, not just financially.
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ЁЯУЭ FINAL REFLECTION QUESTION
What small saving habit can I begin this week that honors God and prepares me for the future?
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Thank you for reading.
May God bless you with wisdom, provision, and peace in your financial journey.
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