Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in marriage. Disagreements over spending, saving, debt, and financial priorities can strain even the strongest relationships. However, the Bible provides clear principles for how Christian couples should approach money management. By following God’s wisdom, you can avoid many financial pitfalls and use money to strengthen your marriage.
God Owns It All
The starting point is recognizing that God is the true owner of everything. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). As His stewards, we are responsible for managing the resources He has entrusted to us according to His purposes. This means our money and possessions are not our own to do with as we please, but tools to be used for God’s glory and to serve others. Embracing this principle of stewardship is crucial for married couples. It shifts the focus from “my money” and “your money” to “our money” that belongs to God. It frees us from the burden of trying to accumulate wealth for ourselves and instead motivates us to use what we must to further God’s kingdom. Couples who see themselves as stewards rather than owners are less likely to fight over money and more likely to make decisions that honor God.
Communicate Openly
Open and honest communication is essential for managing money well in marriage. Couples should regularly discuss their financial situation, goals, and concerns. This includes sharing information about income, expenses, debts, savings, and investments. Hiding financial information from your spouse, even if well-intentioned, will only breed mistrust and resentment. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Married couples should seek counsel from each other and from other trusted advisers like financial planners, pastors, and mature Christian friends. Bouncing ideas off others can provide valuable perspective and wisdom. Regular money talks don’t have to be stressful. Make them a positive time to get on the same page, celebrate progress, and pray together about your finances. Approach discussions with patience, humility, and a spirit of teamwork. Remember, you’re in this together.
Avoid Debt
The Bible has a lot to say about the dangers of debt. Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Debt puts us in bondage to others and limits our freedom to use our resources for God’s purposes. It can also strain marriages as couples argue over bills and struggle to make ends meet. While the Bible doesn’t prohibit all borrowing, it does caution against the misuse of debt. Couples should avoid going into debt for depreciating assets like vacations, cars, and consumer goods. They should also be very careful about taking on long-term debt like mortgages and student loans. Proverbs 22:26-27 advises, “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. “Instead of relying on debt, Christian couples should strive to live within their means and save up to pay cash for major purchases. This may require making sacrifices and delaying gratification, but it will pay off in the long run with greater financial freedom and marital harmony.
Budget Wisely
Budgeting is a practical way to manage money according to biblical principles. A budget allows you to be intentional about how you spend, save, and give. It helps you avoid impulse purchases, overspending, and financial surprises. Proverbs 27:23-24 advises, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever. “Couples should create a budget together, taking into account both spouses’ input and priorities. The budget should include categories for tithing, saving, and spending on necessities and discretionary items. Periodically review and adjust the budget as circumstances change. Budgeting takes discipline, but it’s a powerful tool for aligning your finances with your values.
Tithe Faithfully
Tithing, or giving 10% of your income to the Lord’s work, is a biblical principle that applies to married couples as well as singles. Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. “Tithing is an act of faith that acknowledges God as the source of our provision. It’s also a way to support the ministry of the local church and further God’s kingdom. Couples who tithe faithfully are less likely to worry about money and more likely to experience God’s blessing. Proverbs 3:9-10 promises, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. “Tithing should be a joyful expression of gratitude, not a burdensome obligation. Couples should pray about how much to give and give cheerfully, not reluctantly (2 Corinthians 9:7). Tithing is a great way for married couples to put God first in their finances and experience the unity and blessing that comes from obeying Him together.
Save for the Future
Saving for the future is another important biblical principle. Proverbs 21:20 says, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Saving allows you to be prepared for unexpected expenses, provide for your family, and support God’s work. It’s a way to exercise good stewardship and avoid being a burden to others. Couples should set aside money each month for an emergency fund, retirement, and other long-term goals. They should also save up for major purchases rather than going into debt. Proverbs 13:11 warns, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Consistent, disciplined saving over time is the key to building wealth. Saving doesn’t mean hoarding money for selfish reasons. Proverbs 11:24-25 says, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Couples should save with an attitude of generosity, knowing that God will provide for their needs and enable them to be a blessing to others.
Seek Contentment
In a culture that constantly tells us we need more stuff, it’s easy for married couples to get caught up in the comparison game and always want the latest and greatest. However, the Bible teaches that true contentment comes from within, not from material possessions. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. “Couples who learn to be content with what they have are less likely to fight over money and more likely to enjoy the blessings God has given them. Hebrews 13:5 commands, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” When we trust God to meet our needs, we can be generous with what we have and find joy in serving others rather than always wanting more for ourselves.
Managing money in marriage is not easy, but by following biblical principles, Christian couples can avoid many financial pitfalls and use money to strengthen their relationship. Recognizing God’s ownership, communicating openly, avoiding debt, budgeting wisely, tithing faithfully, saving for the future, and seeking contentment are all key to handling money God’s way. When couples put these principles into practice, they will experience greater unity, less stress, and more freedom to serve God together.