What Does the Bible Teach About Insurance?

I’ve heard it taught that the truly spiritual don’t need insurance.

I read the request in a church bulletin.  An old man – a preacher for most of his life – was collecting funds to pay for thousands of dollars in medical bills.  He did not have insurance.

I immediately thought to myself that if this man had insurance he would have saved himself and the church a lot of resources that could have been used for other necessary ministries in the church. 

Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? (Ecclesiastes 8:7 NIV)

Insurance is not a lack of faith

Insurance would be a lack of faith if Jesus said nothing bad or unfortunate would ever happen to Christians.  However, Jesus seems to indicate that we will not fully taste the goodness of God until we are reunited in heaven. 

The common argument is that if we trust God we will not need insurance. I think this assumption is flawed because:

1. Trusting in God does not exempt us from hardship, struggle, and sickness.

   In fact, we should not be surprised by hardship (1 Peter 4:12).  If we are to anticipate it, surely we are to prepare for hardship.  Faith is not the ability to control the outcome of our lives, but rather the attitude necessary to submit to whatever God brings our way.

2. Trusting in God does not excuse us from living lives of wisdom.

   Proverbs teaches that in times of surplus we should prepare for an unknown future.  (Proverbs 6:6-8)

3. Trusting in God does not encourage us to embrace foolish decisions.

   There is no Bible verse that specifically addresses insurance, but I believe after reading through Proverbs not getting insurance would not be described as virtuous.

Insurance Honors God

1. Insurance allows us to protect our family and the church.  If we have a financial need, surely that burden would be placed on the church (1 Timothy 5:8).  If I am financially able to prepare for an unplanned future I should save the burden from my family and church by purchasing insurance.
2. Insurance honors the biblical principle of reimbursing with compensation those who have been wronged.  The biblical principle throughout Exodus 21:12-36 shows that people who are harmed should be compensated.  Auto insurance provides us a way to care for our neighbor in case we are at fault in an auto accident.  Health insurance ensures we have a way to pay medical bills we owe.  We might not be able to personally handle the financial obligation, but insurance will provide the needed resources.
3. In many instances insurance is required as a part of government submission (Romans 13:1).
4. Insurance can be a loving action towards a spouse or family.  Life insurance, for example, is a way for a husband to love his wife (Ephesians 5:25).  If one spouse is left behind, they and the children will have the necessary provisions.
5. Insurance helps to ensure you will have something to leave to your children (Proverbs 13:22).
6. Insurance provides us with a way to ensure our debts are paid.  Major illnesses are the number one cause of bankruptcy.  Insurance not only protects us, but also those who choose to serve us in our times of great need (Romans 4:4).

This post has been slightly edited and updated from a previous post called Is Insurance Biblical?
Photo by zappowbang
Do you have any additional thoughts or comments?

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