Research and the Bible seem to agree on the importance of hard work and diligence in accumulating wealth. Proverbs 10:4 states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This sentiment is echoed in research, which has shown that individuals who work hard and consistently tend to earn more money over time. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that there is a positive correlation between longer work hours and higher wages (source).
Both research and the Bible also promote the idea of delayed gratification and spending wisely as a means of accumulating wealth. Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” This idea is supported by research that has found that individuals who save and invest their money tend to have more financial stability and security over time. A study conducted by Pew Charitable Trusts found that individuals who save consistently and strategically tend to have higher levels of financial well-being (source).
Finally, both research and the Bible suggest that the accumulation of wealth should not be the sole focus of one’s life. Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” This idea is supported by research that has found that individuals who prioritize their relationships and personal well-being tend to report higher levels of overall happiness and life satisfaction. A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that individuals who prioritize their relationships, health, and personal growth tend to have higher levels of overall well-being (source).
