MEMORY VERSE: “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise: but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 41:33-37.
INTRODUCTION
An investment refers to the act of allocating money or resources to an asset, project, or venture with the expectation of generating
income or profit over time. It is simply the commitment of resources to achieve later benefits. Proverbs 21:20; Ecclesiastes 11:12. Practically, your investment can work for you while sleeping and at a time when you can no longer run up and down Ecclesiastes 11:4-6. A wise investment usually leads to wealth accumulation, income generation, diversification, economic growth, and good retirement benefits Matthew 25:14-30; 2
Corinthians 9:6. However, we need a thorough knowledge of investment opportunities and God’s leading to invest wisely in profitable ventures Ecclesiastes 10:10; Proverbs 21:5.
OUTLINES
- INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF WISE INVESTING
- INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Christians can invest in various ways that align with godly values and principles. Below are some examples of investments that can be both financially sound and ethically right:
- Stocks: Buying shares of a company gives you partial ownership. Investors earn through price appreciation and dividends. Christians can invest in companies with strong ethical practices and values that align with biblical principles.
- Real Estate: Purchasing property or building with the aim of earning rental income or selling it at a higher price.
- Bonds: Lending money to governments or corporations for a set period in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount of maturity.
- Mutual Funds: Pooling money with other investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets.
- Commodities: Investing in physical goods like gold, oil, renewable energy projects (solar, wind, etc.), or agriculture (crop production, animal rearing, fishery, snail farming, honey production, etc), which can be traded or stored for future sale.
- Cryptocurrency: Purchasing digital or virtual currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, where investors hope to benefit from price appreciation.
- Import and Export of goods and services. Charcoal business, wood, dry fish, animal skin, clothing material, etc. Acts 16:14.
- Businesses. Entrepreneurial ventures or partnerships: small or medium scale businesses like printing, fashion and design, confectionery, restaurant business, fuel station, transportation, raw- food business, etc Acts 16:14.
- Education: School business, writing and publishing of books.
- Retirement plans and insurance policies.
2. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF WISE INVESTING
- Divine guidance: It is important to start with God Genesis 26:1-5.Pray for direction and leading Psalms 23:2-3; Proverbs 3:5-6.
- Good Planning: Wise investing involves careful planning, research, and due diligence to ensure profitable outcomes Proverbs 21:5, 10:4-5; Genesis 41:34-36.
- Consistent steps of faith: Take necessary and calculated risk by faith and invest consistently. Do not allow discouragement Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.
- Honest and Ethical Investment: Christians should invest in ways that are honest and ethical, avoiding ventures that exploit or harm others Proverbs 13:11, 20:21,23; Luke 19:8-9.
- Kingdom-Focused Investments: Investing should not be for personal gain alone but also to further God’s kingdom and support others Matthew 6:19- 21.
- Knowledge: One of the golden rules of investment is that you should have some requisite knowledge of the investment intended Hosea 4:6 or get trusted people who are knowledgeable in those areas to manage it for you to avoid great loss Genesis 41:38-40; Isaiah 5:13.
- Funding: Money for investment can be from personal savings Proverbs 21:20, retirement benefits, or loans (banks or friends). However, do not take loans that could overwhelm and make you go bankrupt Luke 14:28-30.
CONCLUSION
Research and prayerfully select investments, considering both the financial returns and spiritual consequences.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Proverbs 13:11.
Mon: Proverbs 22:7.
Tues: John 3:17.
Wed: John 2:15- 17.
Thurs: Matthew 6:19-20.
Fri: 1 Timothy 6:17.
Sat: 2 Corinthians 9:6.