Topical Bible: Economics: Household

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In the biblical context, the concept of household economics encompasses the management, stewardship, and distribution of resources within a family unit. The Bible provides numerous insights into how households should operate financially, emphasizing principles such as stewardship, generosity, and diligence.

Stewardship and Management

The Bible underscores the importance of wise stewardship in household economics. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the necessity of managing resources wisely. The servants who invest and multiply their master's money are commended, while the one who hides his talent is rebuked. This parable highlights the expectation that individuals should use their resources productively and responsibly.

Proverbs 31:10-31 provides a portrait of the virtuous woman, who is industrious and manages her household with skill and foresight. She "considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard" (Proverbs 31:16), demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and financial acumen. Her example serves as a model for effective household management.

Provision and Diligence

Scripture emphasizes the responsibility of providing for one's household. In 1 Timothy 5:8 , Paul writes, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This verse underscores the duty of family members, particularly heads of households, to ensure the well-being and financial stability of their families.

Diligence is another key principle in household economics. Proverbs 10:4 states, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." The Bible encourages hard work and perseverance as means to achieve economic stability and prosperity within the household.

Generosity and Sharing

Generosity is a recurring theme in biblical teachings on household economics. The early church exemplified communal sharing and support, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This practice reflects the biblical principle of caring for others and using household resources to bless those in need.

The concept of tithing, as instructed in Malachi 3:10 , "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house," also illustrates the importance of setting aside a portion of one's resources for the work of God and the support of the community.

Contentment and Trust in God

The Bible teaches contentment as a vital aspect of household economics. In Philippians 4:11-12 , Paul writes, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound." Contentment involves trusting in God's provision and being satisfied with what one has, rather than constantly striving for more.

Trust in God is foundational to biblical household economics. Matthew 6:31-33 encourages believers not to worry about material needs: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage reminds believers that God is the ultimate provider and that faithfulness to Him should be the priority in managing household resources.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 24:27
Prepare your work without, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house.
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Proverbs 31:10-31
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
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Ecclesiastes 11:4-6
He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that regards the clouds shall not reap.
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John 6:12,13
When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
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Library

The Leaven.
... an ephah, were the understood quantity of an ordinary batch in the economics of
a ... Baking the bread of the household was accounted women's work; as men ploughed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

Comenius and the Hidden Seed, 1627-1672.
... this book is scarcely known at all: in Bohemia it is a household treasure ... his little
toy-house; some dialectics by asking questions; some economics by observing ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xvi comenius and the.htm

The Mustard Seed: a Sermon for the Sabbath-School Teacher
... Surely it would be better to discourse upon morals, social economics, and the sciences?"
Ah ... to the workroom; as a father he was a guide to his household; as a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mustard seed a sermon.htm