The Word of God is filled with wisdom guiding us on the various aspects of life, which include finances. One thing is for sure, you can never be wealthy off a paycheck alone. This is why God gives us these amazing kingdom principles from the book of Ecclesiastes, that can help individuals achieve prosperity. In this post, we will explore these financial principles in the bible that are hidden in Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.
Biblical financial principles for wealth and abundanceFinancial Principle 1: SavingFinancial Principle 2: InvestingFinancial Principle 3: UpskillingFinancial Principle 4: Leaving a legacyFinancial Principle 5: Taking risksFinancial Principle 6: Trusting in GodFinancial Principle 7: Working hard
Financial Principle 1: Saving
‘Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:1.
This bible verse teaches us the power of saving. Whilst bread is made for eating, similarly with money, sometimes sacrifices can be made to store it up for it to be available for later use. In this century, with many people in some developed countries plagued with debt, this may seem like an insourmantble endevour. However, getting into debt is slavery, as the bible says in Proverbs 22:7.
Financial Principle 2: Investing
‘Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:2.
The economies of this world are unpredictable. However, it is wise to invest in multiple sources of income so that you have a fallback in times of crisis. Yes, having multiple sources of income is a biblical principle of wealth, not just a trend. When we understand and apply our God-given gifts in the areas of finances, we are setting ourselves up for wealth and abundance as the bible explains in Proverbs 18.21 A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
Take the parable of the talents for example. Their master went on a journey and entrusts his property to his servants. He gives five talents to one servant, two talents to another, and one talent to a third, each according to their ability. Upon the master’s return, the servants who received five and two talents have doubled their amounts through trading and are rewarded. The servant who received one talent, however, buried it out of fear and returned only what he was given. The master rebukes this servant for his laziness and takes away the one talent, giving it to the servant who has ten.
This is the same expectation that God has for us even with our gifts. There was a reward for each of those who invested and got double for their investment. A great place to start is undersatnding time-tested biblical principles of investing.
Financial Principle 3: Upskilling
‘If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth’ Ecclesiastes 11:3a.
Seek to become a person of value in whatever pursuit you endeavor in. That way when you offer that value and solutions to people`s problems, your income will increase. Many unbelievers understand this. When you strive for mastery in an area of passion and gifting, the value you have built is sought after, and highly priced.
Financial Principle 4: Leaving a legacy
‘And if the tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:3b
Wealth acquired through get-rich schemes will soon fade. Instead, a man who seeks to leave a legacy living out god’s purpose for His life will prosper. “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,” as stated in Proverbs 13:22. This verse emphasizes the virtue of providing and planning for future generations, ensuring that one’s legacy benefits not just their immediate offspring but also generations to come. With this instruction in mind, one can start to build systems and business that are bigger themselves. Implementing God sized ideas, that are backed up by the Holy Spirit.
Financial Principle 5: Taking risks
‘He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:4
This is a very interesting financial principle that very few people really action on. As you may have observed, no man ever made substantial progress or great exploits by staying in their comfort zone. If you want to make great strides in life, you have to take risks. Every great man I have known that ever lived has taken a risk, one way or the other.
Financial Principle 6: Trusting in God
‘As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:5
This verse highlights the mystery and incomprehensibility of God’s works and the natural processes He orchestrates, emphasizing human limitations in understanding the intricacies of life. Whilst this is a rare but simple principle, that many do not seem to understand, trusting God in your financial decisions can make or break you. At the core of trusting God is an understanding of the limitations of man. The Bible tells us to ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5. Our own understanding can be skewed, corrupt, and lead to death Proverbs 14:12.
Financial Principle 7: Working hard
‘In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:6
Whilst this verse encourages continuous effort and productivity throughout the day, it is also very symbolic. The terms “morning” and “evening” symbolize different times and opportunities in life, suggesting that one should take advantage of every moment to work towards their God-given vision. Again, verse 6 highlights the uncertainty of outcomes and seasons and acknowledges how unpredictable the outcome of our efforts will be.
In conclusion, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 offers some invaluable financial prosperity secrets that help individuals achieve financial success. By taking calculated risks, being diligent and industrious, and cultivating a generous spirit, you will attain financial prosperity and find greater fulfillment in life. These teachings are relevant for believers and anyone else seeking financial wisdom that transcends time and culture. May we all learn from these timeless principles and apply them to our lives, for the betterment of ourselves and those around us.
