Who and what do we consult for financial advice? Michelle Singletary? Yes. CNN? Yep! David Bach? Ok. The Wall Street Journal? Sure. Farrah Gray? Why Not!

The Bible? —What?

Yes, the Bible.

For Christians and members of other religious and spiritual faiths, the Bible is chiefly viewed as a moral and religious text.  The Bible, however, provides sound practical financial lessons for all of us, regardless of our religious denomination, and it pre-dates and parallels the conventional wisdom of some of The New York Times best-selling financial coaches.

Below are four key scripture verses that, like our most followed financial gurus, voice the importance of budgeting, avoiding debt, thinking for yourself, and goal setting.

Money Principle #1: Create a budget and stick to it!

 Bible Verse: St. Luke 14:28-29 “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him.”

Money Principle #2: Focus on Yourself, Not the Joneses.

Bible Verse: Galatians 3:4-5 “But let every man prove his own work and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man has his own burden to bear.”

Money Principle#3: Pay Off Debt in a Timely Manner/Avoid Predatory Lending.

Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 15:1-2 “At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother…”

Money Principle #4: Be Persistent and Follow Through to Reap the Benefits of Hard Work.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 12:11 “He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.”

The link between finance, discipline, and spirituality are inextricably linked in the Bible. The personal finance advice provided in the Bible will foster peace of mind, facilitate abundance, and a deep appreciation of hard work and mindful spending; we just have to internalize the messages and act accordingly.

BMWK: How are you using the Bible as a financial guide and blueprint? What other pieces of scripture should be on this list?