Written by the Christian Financial Advisors® Team
Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio & Don VandeVanter
Next in our twelve-part series, A Biblical Worldview of Money and Wealth
Proverbs 6:6-8 — Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest.
Are you prepared for life’s unexpected financial storms? Saving is a topic that generates both confusion and anxiety for many Christians—yet God speaks to it with remarkable clarity. In Proverbs 6, He points us to one of His smallest creatures to teach a profound lesson: the ant stores provisions during abundance to prepare for seasons of need. Saving during the good times is not fear-driven—it is faithful stewardship.
Six Biblical Purposes for Saving
- Emergency buffer — Handle life’s curveballs without a financial crisis (Proverbs 21:20)
- Avoid unnecessary debt — Stay free from bondage to lenders (Proverbs 22:7)
- Investment opportunities — Capital available when opportunities arise (Proverbs 31:16)
- Provide for family — Reduce stress when tough seasons inevitably come (1 Timothy 5:8)
- Help others — Adequate savings enables generosity (Proverbs 19:17)
- Retirement — Provide for our needs when we can no longer work (Luke 14:28-30)
How Much Is Enough?
In Genesis 41, Joseph advised Pharaoh to set aside a fifth of Egypt’s harvest across seven years of abundance to prepare for seven lean years ahead. In practice, aim for at least six months of expenses in a stable savings or money market account, with additional accessible reserves beyond that.
When Does Saving Become Hoarding?
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” — Luke 12:20-21
The rich fool’s problem was not his wealth—it was his heart. Saving crosses into hoarding when accumulation becomes obsessive and our accounts quietly replace God as our source of security.
What Happens Without Savings?
Scripture is direct: without savings, debt becomes unavoidable in a crisis, financial stress compounds, and families are left unprepared for hardships that are not a matter of if but when.
A Practical Starting Point
Proverbs 13:11 — Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it.
Start small. Set aside even a few dollars a week and build the habit over time—diligence and consistency matter more than the starting amount.
If your savings have grown beyond your needs and you are uncertain how to steward the excess for God’s glory, our team at Christian Financial Advisors® would be glad to help. Call or text us at (830) 609-6986 or visit christianfa.com.
About This Communication
This communication will provide some of the highlights of the Christian Financial Perspectives show in an accessible ‘postcard type format’ each month that can be read in less than 3 minutes.
The views expressed represent the opinion of Christian Financial Advisors®®. The views are subject to change and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Stated information is derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources that have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness. While Christian Financial Advisors®® believes the information to be accurate and reliable, we do not claim or have responsibility for its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative as they are based on assumptions that may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investing in equity securities involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. Past performance is not indicative of future results.