Money has an uncanny power both for good and for evil. In part one of this two-part series, we noted men whose handling of money matters revealed corrupted, evil character. Gehazi, Judas, and even some men in ministry who used a show of godliness for gain had their evil character exposed by money’s powerful appeal. The consequences of their hypocrisy and greed were disastrous, even deadly. In this contrasting article, we will note the bright side of the truth that one’s attitude toward and handling of money reveals a person’s true character.

The Apostle Paul often rebuked evil attitudes and consequent practices related to the use of money. As noted in the previous article, he warned that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10¹). He commanded the rich “not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches” (1 Timothy 6:17). These and other words of warning are strong and demand the highest integrity. We might wonder if Paul practiced what he preached. Did Paul’s management of money demonstrate good character?

Generous Character: Revealed from One’s Work Ethic

All evidence suggests that the Apostle Paul had a blameless testimony regarding handling finances. A key test is one’s generosity. Evil character wants more; good character gives more. In Paul’s case, he not only worked hard to provide his own needs, but he shared what he earned with others—and all this amid a dangerous, busy, all-consuming missionary effort. The inspired account confirms his right thinking and practice about money:

“I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:33-35).

Such selfless generosity happened not only in Ephesus but also in Thessalonica. Furthermore, Paul’s aim was not simply to be generous but to set an example. He had a purpose in willingly foregoing the “right” to be supported by those he helped spiritually.

“We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate” (2 Thessalonians 3:7b-9).

Accountable Character: Revealed by the Administration of Charitable Giving

Another test of character is one’s use of other people’s money. Here too, Paul was scrupulously careful. As he collected money from Gentile churches to aid the Christian Jews in Jerusalem who were suffering from persecution, Paul made sure that a team of honorable men, and not he himself, oversaw those funds (see 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 and Acts 20:4 for those who accompanied). After exhorting the Corinthians to be generous, Paul explained the plan to oversee the funds: “When I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem” (1 Corinthians 16:3). 

Proven Character: Revealed by Faithfulness

Accountability is a good thing since it requires oversight and protects one’s reputation. However, in some situations those overseeing finances have established such a blameless testimony that oversight is deemed unnecessary. These people have shown themselves to be honest and, therefore, trustworthy. During the prosperous time of King Jehoash, as he was guided by the godly priest Jehoida, the “keepers” of the temple were just such men. They were trusted by the king and his overseers: “And they did not ask for an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to pay out to the workmen, for they dealt honestly “(2 Kings 12:15). The word for “honestly” suggests faithfulness [KJV renders it “faithfully”], moral firmness, fidelity, acting in keeping with truth. These men had over time proven their fiscal integrity and did not need the strict oversight normally required. This kind of established probity was not unique to that era, for over a century later, in the reign of Josiah, the same testimony to other temple keepers is given: “But no accounting shall be asked from them [the workmen overseeing the temple refurbishing] for the money that is delivered into their hand, for they deal honestly” (2 Kings 22:7). Their reputation of trustworthiness had been revealed and established over time.

Delightful Character: Revealed in Simple Business Dealings

The evidence of good character is not hard to discover. The simplest economic transactions can categorize a person as either an abomination or a delight to the Lord. Solomon takes us to the local store, where the test is given: “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight” (Proverbs 11:1). The seller of goods is either honest or crooked. If he cheats his customer by giving less of the product than the customer paid for, his character is an abomination to God. On the other hand, if he gives an accurate amount, his character delights the Lord. The contrast could hardly be more stark—the seller is the object of either God’s abhorrence and disgust or of his pleasure and approval.

Examined Character

We must examine our character in light of these Scriptural examples.

Ask the question, “In my financial dealings, am I … ”

• Generous?
• Accountable?
• Proven faithful?
• Delightful to the Lord?

Positive answers are so critical that the LORD told the Israelites that their entrance and enjoyment of the Promised Land depended on good character in handling money. He could have stressed their need for faithfulness in worship, good family life, moral purity, etc., but He put his finger on their handling of money issues. Note the repeated emphasis in these verses:

“You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house two kinds of measures, a large and a small. A full and fair weight you shall have, a full and fair measure you shall have, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 25:13-15).

Do you want to enjoy a long and blessed life in the place of God’s leading?  Be exemplary in your handling of money!