Faith & Finance - Is Financial Independence Biblical?

Businessman and author T. Harv Eker once wrote, “Financial freedom is the ability to live the lifestyle you desire without having to work or rely on anyone else for money.”

It’s tempting to think that financial independence is the ultimate goal of life—but what does the Bible say? God’s Word points us toward a far better kind of freedom.

In recent years, financial independence has become a cultural ideal. People long to be self-sufficient, debt-free, and free to pursue their passions. While these desires can be wise, they also carry a subtle danger: believing we don’t need anyone—including God.

The Warning of the Rich Fool

This temptation isn’t new. In Luke 12, Jesus told a parable about a wealthy man who thought he had “made it”:

“I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘You have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, and be merry.’”

But God’s response was sobering:

“Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?”

The man’s sin wasn’t wealth itself—it was trusting in wealth instead of God. His independence became his idol. In contrast, Proverbs 30 records a prayer from Agur:

“Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”

Agur understood the heart of stewardship: daily dependence on God. Too little can lead to desperation; too much can lead to pride. The goal isn’t independence, but faithful reliance on the Lord.

Three Questions to Evaluate Your Goals

As you think about your own financial journey, consider these questions:

1. Am I placing my trust in money? Retirement savings and emergency funds are wise, but security must come from God, not a balance sheet.
2. Am I trying to eliminate work entirely? Work is part of God’s good design. Even in retirement, we’re called to meaningful contribution.
3. Am I paying off debt just for myself? Debt-free living is good, but its ultimate purpose is to gain the freedom to serve, give, and advance God’s Kingdom.

So, is financial independence biblical? It depends.

• If independence means replacing God with money, then no.
• If independence means freedom for generosity, stewardship, and dependence on God, then yes—it reflects something greater than wealth: a life rich toward God.

Scripture reminds us that “He richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17) and that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). But those gifts were never meant to replace the Giver.

A Resource for Going Deeper

If you’d like to explore this more, check out our 4-Week study, Rich Toward God. This study walks through Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12, helping you discover what truly drives your financial decisions and how to align your resources with God’s Kingdom purposes.

You can get your copy—or place a bulk order for your church or small group—by visiting FaithFi.com and clicking the Shop tab.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I’ve had multiple jobs with 401(k) benefits over the years, but I’ve struggled to stay organized with my finances. How can I get a handle on everything, and would it be wise to work with a financial advisor?
• My 16-year-old daughter received a $200,000 settlement after being hit by a car. Once she turns 18, she’ll gain full access to the money, and I’m very concerned she’ll misuse it. What options do I have to pro