According to the Bible, a true Christian must provide for the material needs of his or her dependent family members. Circumstances, such as unemployment or health problems, can sometimes make this difficult. On the other hand, a Christian who willfully neglects to provide for his family “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.”—1 Timothy 5:8.
In some rural communities, people live off the land by growing their own food and raising livestock. Some make little use of money, obtaining the necessities of life by bartering for goods and services. However, the most common way breadwinners provide for their families is by engaging in some sort of employment in return for wages. They use money earned to buy food and other items that contribute to the welfare of their family. In addition, money wisely saved can provide a measure of protection in times of hardship or calamity. For instance, it may be used to cover medical expenses or to make vital repairs to one’s home. That is why the Bible realistically states that “money is for a protection” and that it “meets a response in all things.”—Ecclesiastes 7:12; 10:19.
Because money accomplishes so much, there is danger of developing an unrealistic view of its power. A Christian needs to be aware of its limitations in comparison with other more important things. For example, the Bible compares the value of money with godly wisdom, saying: “Wisdom is for a protection the same as money is for a protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom itself preserves alive its owners.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12)
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