When it’s not good to give
Should We Give When We Can’t Pay Our Bills? What the Bible Says about Giving
Generosity is at the heart of Christian living. Over and over again, Scripture encourages us to give, share, and bless others with the resources God has entrusted to us. But what about those times when money is tight—when we can’t even meet our own needs or pay our bills? Does the Bible ever suggest that it’s wrong to give in those circumstances?
Surprisingly, yes. The Bible offers wisdom that helps us understand when giving is good—and when it can actually be harmful or irresponsible. Let’s look at the key passages that guide us on this important issue.
1. Providing for Your Household Comes First
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Paul does not mince words here. Meeting the needs of your family is not optional—it is a core expression of faith. If giving money away means neglecting your spouse, children, or other dependents, Scripture says that’s not just unwise, it’s a denial of faith.
2. Giving Without Burden or Compulsion
2 Corinthians 8:12–13 – “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness…”
Paul reassures believers that God never expects us to give what we don’t have. Giving should be proportionate to our means, not beyond them.
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Here, Paul adds that giving should spring from joy and willingness, not guilt or external pressure. If giving would make you resentful—or push you into debt—it’s not the kind of cheerful giving God desires.
3. Responsible Stewardship of God’s Resources
Proverbs 27:23–24 – “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever…”
In ancient times, flocks and herds were wealth. This proverb reminds us that wise management—knowing what you have and planning carefully—is part of honoring God. Giving recklessly without considering your actual resources is poor stewardship.
Luke 14:28 – “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
Although this passage is about discipleship, the principle holds true for finances: count the cost before committing. Giving beyond your means may feel spiritual in the moment, but Jesus encourages foresight and planning.
4. Balancing Generosity and Responsibility
Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
Notice the order: work first to meet your own needs, then share from the overflow. God’s design is that generosity flows from stability, not from neglect of responsibilities.
Proverbs 21:20 – “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”
This contrast shows that wisdom preserves and plans, while foolishness consumes without thought. Giving away money you truly need for survival can be just as foolish as wasteful spending.
5. Family Obligations Before Religious Offerings
Mark 7:9–13 – “And he said to them, ‘You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, “Honor your father and your mother”; and, “Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.” But you say, “If a man tells his father or his mother, ‘Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban’ (that is, given to God)”—then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.’”
In Jesus’ day, people could declare money or property as Corban, meaning “given to God.” While it sounded spiritual, the Pharisees allowed people to use this as a loophole to avoid supporting their parents.
Jesus condemned this practice, because it directly violated the command to “Honor your father and mother.” Giving to God while neglecting family obligations was not obedience at all—it was hypocrisy.
This ties directly to another rebuke in Matthew 23:23 (and Luke 11:42), where Jesus said the Pharisees tithed herbs but neglected the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Both passages point to the same truth: God never accepts religious giving as a substitute for real obedience. If giving prevents us from meeting clear responsibilities—whether justice, mercy, or caring for family—it is not pleasing to Him.
6. Giving to Caesar and Giving to God
Matthew 22:21 – “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
When Jesus was questioned about paying taxes, He affirmed that obligations to the government and obligations to God are not in conflict. This passage highlights that meeting our earthly responsibilities (like paying taxes, bills, and debts) goes hand-in-hand with honoring God. To give to God while neglecting what we rightfully owe elsewhere is not obedience but imbalance.
7. Don’t Neglect Your Obligations
If we can’t pay our bills or have fallen behind, we should be drawing near to God during those times—asking for wisdom, strength, and opportunities to get back on track. These are seasons where we must dig deep and audit our expenses, trimming “wants” and focusing only on needs.
It’s in times like these that God may call us to make hard sacrifices so we can meet our existing obligations, even if it’s something as simple as paying our water bill. Don’t take your obligations lightly. Your rent, your mortgage, your phone bill, and any financial promise or contract you have made—whether with large companies or small businesses—are commitments that honor God when fulfilled.
The Big Picture
When we look at all these passages together, a consistent principle emerges:
- Give generously—when you are able.
- Provide for your household first.
- Never give under compulsion or in a way that causes harm.
- Steward your resources wisely.
- Honor family and earthly obligations before religious offerings.
Conclusion: Wise and Joyful Giving
Is it likely that God will ask you to give when it feels hard? Absolutely. Sacrificial giving stretches our faith and reminds us to trust Him as our provider.
But will God ask you to give away the money you need to pay your rent, buy groceries for your kids, or keep the lights on? Unlikely. Scripture shows that God values faithfulness in meeting obligations and caring for family just as much as He values generosity.
True biblical giving comes from a place of both faith and wisdom. God calls us to give joyfully, responsibly, and in proportion to what we have—not what we don’t. When we align generosity with stewardship, we reflect His heart and honor both Caesar and God in the right measure.
Practical Guide: How to Know if It’s Wise to Give Right Now
Before you give, ask yourself these questions:
- Have I met my basic obligations?
- Are my rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, and essential bills covered this month? If not, my first priority is catching up (1 Timothy 5:8).
- Am I giving from what I have, or what I don’t have?
- Scripture calls us to give according to our means, not beyond them (2 Corinthians 8:12).
- Am I cheerful about this gift?
- If giving feels forced, resentful, or reckless, it may not be the kind of giving God desires (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Will this gift cause me to neglect another responsibility?
- Would giving mean failing to honor a financial promise, skipping a bill, or putting my family in hardship? If so, it’s wiser to wait (Mark 7:11–13, Matthew 22:21).
- Is my heart open to sacrificial giving in the future?
- Even if today I must hold back to meet obligations, am I still cultivating a spirit of generosity, so that when I have overflow, I’m ready to give joyfully (Ephesians 4:28)
Bottom line: If giving right now would mean breaking promises, neglecting your household, or going further into debt, the wisest and most biblical choice is to pause, get stable, and then give with joy when you are able.