Many college students face difficulties regarding their personal finances, either during college or after their student loans come due. While it is seldom possible to complete college without some level of debt, the Bible offers useful guidance for handling your finances skillfully.
Although some expenses remain unavoidable, students should be careful not to put themselves in debt for things which aren't truly necessary - cellphones, new computers, expensive clothing, luxury items, and so on. Many times, the Bible warns against excessive materialism...
"Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have." (Hebrews 13:5)
"Then [Jesus] said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" (Luke 12:15)
Especially when using credit and debit cards, it becomes easy to spend money without adequately keeping track of it. Even small purchases like a bottle of soda or medium coffee every day can add up to large credit card bills or student loan debts. The Bible points to the importance of recordkeeping and planning your finances:
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?" (Luke 14:28)
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." (Proverbs 30:25)
Regardless of the type of debt - credit cards, loans, retailer financing - fees and interest cause college students to end up paying far more for products and services they purchase. Beyond finances, large debts can also restrict a person's choices in
life. The Bible strongly discourages the accumulation of excess debt...
"Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)
"The rich ruleth over the
Overall, the Bible's advice regarding your finances is to live frugally and plan ahead. It also encourages generosity when there is money to spare, and urges people to give away their unneeded possessions. As in many situations, the Bible offers guidance which remains relevant even today.
