5 Lies We Believe About Money (And What the Bible Really Says)

Money is a frequent topic in the Bible, with over 2,300 verses related to wealth, possessions, and stewardship. From Genesis to Revelation, God provides us with guidance on how to view and manage our resources, warning us of the potential pitfalls of wealth and highlighting the blessings of wise stewardship. But despite this wealth of biblical wisdom, some common myths and misconceptions about money still persist, even among believers. These unbiblical beliefs can lead us away from God's design, causing anxiety, fostering greed, and promoting a scarcity mindset instead of the abundance found in a relationship with Christ.

Let’s examine five common myths about money and discover what Scripture actually says about how we’re called to handle the resources God entrusts to us. By dispelling these beliefs, we can better align our hearts with God’s truth and embrace a healthy, godly perspective on wealth.

1. The “I Win, You Lose” Belief

A pervasive myth in society is that wealth is a zero-sum game—if one person has more, it means someone else has less. This view treats money as if it’s always scarce, creating a mindset of fear and anxiety. However, this assumption overlooks the character and power of God.

Scripture reminds us that God is a generous Father, the “owner of cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). His provision is limitless. When Jesus feeds the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish, not only is there enough but there are 12 baskets left over (Matthew 14:13-21)! God’s economy is one of abundance, not scarcity. By trusting His provision, we can break free from the fear that others’ gain means our loss. 2. “Building Wealth is Selfish” Many believe that accumulating wealth is inherently selfish, but the Bible tells a different story. God encourages wise stewardship and building wealth—not for hoarding, but to bless others and further His Kingdom. Proverbs 13:11 highlights the value of careful financial growth: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”

God wants us to manage our finances wisely, which enables us to be generous. With God’s guidance, we can earn, save, and invest, allowing us to share with those in need. In God’s hands, wealth becomes a tool for blessing, not a measure of personal worth.

3. “More Money Equals More Happiness” It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing money will bring contentment or happiness. Yet, as Dave Ramsey puts it, “More money will not make you happier; it will only make you more of what you already are.” Ecclesiastes 5:10 drives this point home: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” The truth is contentment isn’t tied to our bank account but to our relationship with God. Paul expresses this in Philippians 4: “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation... I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Fulfillment comes not from what we have but from Who we belong to. 4. “Ten Percent Belongs to God” Many Christians live by the idea that only ten percent of their income belongs to God. While the subject of the tithe is a matter of debate among Christians today, what matters most is the heart behind it. The mindset that says, “Ten percent is God’s, and the rest is mine,” is dangerous because it assumes that what we have and what we earn belongs to us in the first place. It turns our generosity into a matter of pride. We think, “The more I give, the better Christian I am.” However, when we see things in their proper perspective, we understand that God owns it all, and our living and giving become a humble response to His generosity. As Deuteronomy 10:14 states, “Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.” When this truth guides our worldview, our giving becomes a joyful response to His generosity. Like David, we can pray, “Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you” (1 Chronicles 29:14). 5. “If I Give More, God Will Give Me More”

One last dangerous belief is the idea that giving more will directly lead to receiving more money from God. While it’s true that God blesses obedience, His blessings aren’t limited to financial gain. They come in various forms—wisdom, opportunity, deeper relationships, discernment, peace, and more.

The notion that giving equates to getting is a form of spiritual manipulation. Instead, the Bible calls us to give out of love and gratitude, not for gain. Jesus taught that true treasure is found not in earthly riches but in spiritual abundance (Matthew 6:19-21).

Embracing Biblical Wisdom About Money

The world is filled with lies about money, but God’s Word provides us with truth that leads to freedom and peace. When we allow Scripture to shape our understanding, we learn that money is a tool—not a master or a measure of our worth. God calls us to approach our resources with humility, gratitude, and a generous heart, seeing every blessing as an opportunity to reflect His love and character.

By rejecting these common myths and following biblical principles, we can handle our finances with confidence and wisdom, knowing that God ultimately provides for us. Instead of being enslaved by a desire for more or held back by fear, we find freedom in using our resources to honor God’s purpose for our lives. As we steward what He’s entrusted to us, we are positioned to bless others, impact our communities, and participate in God’s Kingdom work.

Ultimately, true wealth isn’t about accumulating possessions but investing in what lasts for eternity. You can also listen to a related podcast on this topic.