Top 10 tips to achieve financial freedom–from the Bible
When we talk about financial freedom, many people immediately think of having millions in the bank, retiring early, or being able to buy whatever they want.
While there’s nothing wrong with prosperity or success, real financial freedom goes much deeper. It’s not just about accumulation; it’s about alignment—specifically, aligning our financial life with God’s will and principles.
In my decades of teaching personal finance, I’ve seen that the Bible offers timeless, practical and powerful wisdom on money. These principles go beyond trends—they are foundational truths.
So here are my top 10 tips to achieve financial freedom based on biblical principles that continue to guide me and many others.
1. Put God first through tithing.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” —Proverbs 3:9 (ESV)
Tithing isn’t just about money—it’s about worship and trust. Over the years, I’ve learned that when we honor God with our finances, He honors our obedience. Financial freedom starts with putting God at the center of everything, including our money.
2. Live below your means.
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” —Proverbs 21:20 (ESV)
It’s tempting to spend every peso we earn, especially in today’s culture of consumerism. Financial stress often comes from trying to maintain a lifestyle we can’t really afford. Simplicity is underrated but powerful. Discipline today leads to freedom tomorrow.
3. Avoid debt whenever possible.
“The borrower is the slave of the lender.” —Proverbs 22:7 (ESV)
Not all debt is evil, but most of it is unwise—especially consumer debt. As much as possible, avoid borrowing for things that depreciate.
If you must take on debt, like for a business or a modest home, do so with caution, planning, and a clear repayment strategy.
4. Build a diligent and honest work ethic.
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” —Proverbs 14:23 (ESV)
Financial freedom isn’t achieved through get-rich-quick schemes or shortcuts. Excellence attracts favor and opportunities. When we are diligent with little, God entrusts us with more.
5. Save and invest for the future.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.”
—Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)
The Bible doesn’t just encourage generosity—it also teaches prudence. Joseph saved during Egypt’s years of abundance to prepare for the famine. In the same way, we need to set aside part of our income for emergencies, future needs and investments.
6. Practice contentment.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” —1 Timothy 6:6 (ESV)
One of the biggest enemies of financial freedom is comparison. We often feel poor not because we lack—but because someone else has more. But biblical contentment doesn’t mean settling—it means being grateful and grounded.
7. Embrace Kingdom principles over worldly wealth.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
The world tells us to chase riches. The Kingdom of God tells us to chase righteousness. The difference is profound. If money is your master, you’ll never have enough.
8. Be generous and cheerful in giving.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” —2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
Generosity isn’t about how much you have—it’s about how willing you are to share. When we give cheerfully, we participate in God’s work. Generosity also protects our hearts from greed and selfishness. I’ve met people with very modest incomes who live free and fulfilled because they give with joy.
9. Involve God in your planning.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” —Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
Financial freedom requires planning, but it also requires surrender.
Invite God into your financial decisions—big and small. Ask for wisdom before investing, starting a business or switching careers.
When we submit our plans to God, we experience peace even when things don’t go as expected—because we trust the One who provides.
10. Trust God as your ultimate provider.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
Even with all the right principles and strategies, there will still be seasons of lack or uncertainty. That’s when we must cling to the truth that God is our provider. Not our job, not our bank account, not the economy—God. He is faithful, and He knows exactly what we need, when we need it.
Financial freedom is more than numbers. It’s a journey of faith, discipline and purpose. When we align our financial lives with God’s Word, we not only experience provision—we also experience peace. I encourage you to embrace these principles, not just as techniques, but as a lifestyle of honoring God.
At the end of the day, true freedom is found not in how much we have, but in whom we trust.
Randell Tiongson is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 112th RFP program this July 2025.
