07/10/2025
Core principles for diversifying earnings
1. Spread your resources to mitigate risk
The most direct reference to diversification comes from Ecclesiastes: "Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land". This is ancient advice for modern investing—don't put all your "eggs in one basket." By dividing your assets, you can prevent a single economic downturn or business failure from leading to total ruin.
2. Cultivate multiple sources of income
The Bible illustrates the wisdom of having multiple streams of income through both practical examples and teachings.
• Abraham's example: The patriarch Abraham was rich not from a single source, but from a diversified portfolio of livestock, silver, gold, and land, multiplying what God had given him.
• Paul's vocation: The Apostle Paul supported his ministry through his trade as a tentmaker, demonstrating the stability that can come from having multiple skills and vocations.
3. Practice diligent stewardship
A key biblical theme is that believers are stewards, or managers, of the resources God has provided. Diversification is a natural extension of this responsibility.
• Parable of the talents: In Matthew 25, the servants who invested and multiplied their master's money were rewarded, while the one who buried his talent was condemned for being fearful and lazy.
• The transient nature of riches: Proverbs 27:23–24 warns that "riches are not forever," urging a diligent oversight of one's assets. This includes monitoring and diversifying to sustain wealth across generations.
4. Trust in God, not in wealth
While diversifying is a wise strategy, the Bible cautions against placing ultimate hope and security in wealth itself, which is inherently uncertain.
• God as the provider: First Timothy 6:17 instructs the rich "not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment".
• Contentment: Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'".
