Taxes have been around for centuries, and even in biblical times, people grappled with the responsibilities that come with paying them. The Bible offers insight on how we should approach paying taxes, emphasizing our duty as responsible citizens while also acknowledging the tension that can arise. It speaks about fairness, integrity, and honoring our obligations. Let’s explore what Scripture says about taxes and how these teachings can inform our modern-day responsibilities.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Disrespect
Bible Verses About Taxes
Matthew 22:21 – Jesus taught the importance of fulfilling civic duties.
“Jesus replied, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
Romans 13:6 – Authorities are established by God, and paying taxes honors them.
“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. – Romans 13:6
Luke 20:25 – A reminder that our responsibilities are dual, civil and spiritual.
“He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Luke 20:25
1 Peter 2:13-14 – Christians are called to submit to governmental laws.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. – 1 Peter 2:13-14
Matthew 17:27 – Jesus demonstrated provision for what was required.
“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” – Matthew 17:27
Mark 12:17 – Upholding responsibilities to both God and government.
“Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. – Mark 12:17
Romans 13:5 – Acknowledging that paying taxes is a matter of conscience.
“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. – Romans 13:5
Exodus 30:13 – A reminder of God’s requirement for the census tax.
“Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord.” – Exodus 30:13
Matthew 5:15 – The importance of being an example in our actions.
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:15
Proverbs 11:1 – God’s fairness is mirrored in our financial dealings.
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” – Proverbs 11:1
Luke 3:13 – John the Baptist instructed tax collectors on ethical practices.
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. – Luke 3:13
Isaiah 10:1-2 – A warning against unjust laws and oppressive practices.
“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights…” – Isaiah 10:1-2
Luke 19:8 – A transformative response to wrongful financial behaviors.
“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” – Luke 19:8
Matthew 6:21 – Our heart follows our treasure, reflecting priorities.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Philippians 4:19 – God promises to meet all needs, including financial obligations.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Deuteronomy 16:17 – Giving according to our ability reflects obedience.
“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” – Deuteronomy 16:17
Colossians 3:23 – Our work, including financial matters, should be done for the Lord.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Proverbs 21:5 – Planning and diligence can lead to financial success.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5
Galatians 6:7 – The principle of sowing and reaping applies to all aspects of life.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Proverbs 22:16 – Exploiting the poor for gain brings consequences.
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.” – Proverbs 22:16
Exodus 23:25 – The correlation between service to God and blessings in provisions.
“Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.” – Exodus 23:25
Leviticus 27:30 – God established the principle of giving a tithe of income.
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” – Leviticus 27:30
Proverbs 3:9-10 – Putting God first leads to blessings in all areas, including finances.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Finding contentment is essential to a fulfilling life.
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10
Matthew 19:24 – A caution about the dangers of wealth.
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” – Matthew 19:24
Proverbs 15:27 – Greed can lead to destruction, while generosity leads to life.
“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” – Proverbs 15:27
1 Timothy 6:10 – The love of money is a root of many evils.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
Luke 16:11 – Faithfulness in handling money reflects character.
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” – Luke 16:11
James 1:5 – Seeking wisdom in financial matters is vital.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5