There’s a famous song by The Notorious B.I.G. called “Mo Money Mo Problems.”
The chorus goes:
“I don’t know what they want from me /
It’s like the more money we come across /
The more problems we see.”
It’s catchy, for sure. But it also raises an important question:
Does having more money really lead to more problems?
Or… is there something deeper going on?
Proverbs 10:16 says:
“The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.”
This verse isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about what your money produces in your life.
According to this Scripture, there are two financial outcomes:
1. Life
2. Sin and death
It doesn’t say one outcome comes from having a little and the other from having a lot. Instead, it draws a line between righteous and wicked behavior with money.
So naturally, the goal is to handle money righteously. But what does that look like?
From a biblical standpoint, especially in Proverbs, righteousness isn’t just about being “good.” It’s about being aligned with God in every area of life: how you speak, how you work, how you treat others, and yes, how you manage what He’s entrusted to you.
Here’s what Proverbs says it looks like to be righteous with money:
1. Live in Alignment with God’s Wisdom
“The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight…” Proverbs 11:5
Righteous people don’t spend impulsively. They walk in integrity, make wise decisions, and use Scripture, not culture, as their financial compass.
2. Treat Others Justly and Compassionately
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Proverbs 29:7
Righteousness shows up in generosity, fairness, and compassion. It’s about lifting others up, not just building yourself up.
3. Use Words to Build Up, Not Tear Down
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life…” Proverbs 10:11
Your words matter in financial conversations, whether you’re negotiating, teaching, or encouraging your friends. A righteous person speaks life, not lack.
4. Handle Money with Integrity
“The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.” Proverbs 15:6
Righteous people don’t cut corners. They earn honestly, give consistently, and steward wisely. Not to show off, but to serve.
What’s the main takeaway here? In a world that often idolizes wealth or fears it, Proverbs gives us a better goal: righteousness – with money, with words, and with our lives.
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