Some have asked whether it is permissible or advisable for a Christian to invest in the stock market. Romans 14:23 states that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” That principle should guide your decision-making perhaps more than anything. If you cannot invest in the stock market without violating your faith, then you should not do so. There are other types of investments, such as business ventures, real estate or commodities, that can provide safe havens for your money and returns for those looking for alternatives.
It can take years to acquire the capital needed to invest in real estate, and closing on a property can take at least a month. When buying commodities like gold and silver, it takes careful thought to plan for its storage and security. People should use this time to research and count the costs before making such an investment.
Buying and selling stocks is quite different. The reason questions arise about the stock market is because of the high risk and reward stocks carry, as well as the transactional ease. In a few minutes, and with meager commission costs, you can trade large sums of money in hopes of a quick return. On top of that, stock prices can rise in value much more quickly than the price of gold or the value of a property. This makes it easier to make spiritual mistakes on top of financial mistakes.
The most obvious is to fall into an attitude of getting rich quickly. Solomon warned, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him” (Proverbs 28:22). It is especially easy to be blinded with an evil eye for a big reward when it comes to the stock market. But this issue applies to any business venture or investment.
The lower barrier of entry for stocks can also be a problem. Since it is easy to do so, many people invest in the market and then freely give out advice while claiming to be experts. A whole industry has been built around investors giving out hot tips, opinions, investment methods and predictions, all seemingly guaranteed to work. It can be easy for someone to follow along or get into complicated investments or investment strategies that they have no understanding of, but falsely think they do.
Worse, people can be so sure of success that they borrow money to invest. Not only is this financially foolish, it can lead to spiritual destruction!
Heed Paul’s warning: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Whether it is stocks, cryptocurrencies or collectibles, any investing with an attitude of getting rich quickly, or with borrowed money, falling for the latest financial fad, or getting involved in schemes without understanding, is a sure sign of greed and covetousness. Any way of gaining wealth motivated by greed, covetousness, impatience or laziness is ungodly.
Even investing wisely, if it takes our focus and priority off our relationship with God, His Work and building His righteous character in us, becomes a serious problem. Solomon warned, “Labour not to be rich …” (Proverbs 23:4). Those in God’s Church who put their focus on themselves and their physical wealth are in danger of losing their eternal life! (Revelation 3:17-19). God says if we start putting our trust in getting rich, losing focus on what really matters, then we must repent. We cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).
That doesn’t mean investing is wrong—it just means it must be done wisely and in a way that does not turn your heart away from God.
God expects all of us to be wise stewards of what He blesses us with (Luke 16:9-12). Doing so helps build godly character and shows God that He can trust us with more, in this world and in the Kingdom: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (verse 10).
God does want us to prosper (3 John 2). Proverbs 10:4 states, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Investing in stocks with diligent research and patient planning is an appropriate way to accumulate wealth. God’s Work has benefited from members and co-workers who have wisely invested and given offerings or bequeathed those investments to the Church after death. They did not “lay up treasure for themselves,” but gave to God’s great Work (Luke 12:21; New International Version).
Whether we invest or not, we must always remember to keep our focus on the true riches: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).