"Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches" (Proverbs 24:3-4, King James Version).

For many people, this passage provides not only guidance on wise decisions in life, but also in wise decisions in money. In Christian finances, being a good steward is paramount to the proper use of your money. For some Christians, this simply means doing one's best to provide for his or her family, and for the future. It also includes charitable donations as well. For others, though, being a good steward of one's financial resources also means making money in an ethical way that is compatible with Christian values.

Christian finances and ethical investing

For many Christians, ethical investing, investing with Christian finances in mind, means that only companies that comply with Christian values are considered. To many Christians, finances are an outgrowth of the rest of their lives. Indeed, it is important to carefully consider your motives for investing. Many Christians find that as they desire to help worthy companies and causes, they feel better about investing as part of a Christian financial paln.

Your definition of ethical investing is your own, but many Christians wish to learn more about the companies they invest in, in order to ensure that their "pleasant riches" are coming through understanding of how a company accomplishes the building of its house.

There are many companies and investment options that focus on ethical investing. You can usually find from Christian financial ministries which companies support practices that you might not be in line with. There are also Christian investment advisors that can help you find companies and mutual funds that only invest in companies whose practices are ethical and in keeping with your personal Christian values.

Avoiding unethical companies

If you are interested in ethical investing, it is important that you do your research into various companies. First, though, you need to establish what you feel is ethical. Do you want to support companies that make efforts to protect the environment that God has blessed us with? Is it important to you that companies you invest in follow ethical and humane practices with its workers? Do you want to avoid companies that support research that can lead to the taking of life? There are many issues to consider in ethical investing, and that means that you need to first establish your own priorities and desires.

After you have decided what types of companies you consider unethical, it is time to do research on your current investment portfolio. Do you need to re-allocate some investments? Make sure that the investments you hold reflect your ideas of ethical investing. Next, consider companies for new investments. Research their practices, and their company goals. And turn to Christian finances advisors, as well as prayer, to help you identify appropriate ethical choices for investing.

You will find as you pursue ethical investing that you will be blessed in your efforts. And that God will help you as you search for companies to help your money (see James 1:5 and Proverbs 15:22).