The Bible does offer wisdom on prepping. Image by labyrinthx
There’s a lot of argument and controversy when it comes to using Biblical scripture to justify the preparedness movement. One side argues that preparedness is clearly directed in the Bible. Others say that by preparing, we aren’t trusting in the Lord to provide for our needs.
As for me, I’m not convinced that either side is right. I believe that we are charged with taking care of our family, and that is the approach I take to preparing. I believe that simple preparing and planning will help minimize impacts on my family during leaner times (we have them each year based on the ebb and flow of work) and also keeps us focused on what’s important to us.
I do find so much wisdom to be gleaned from the Scripture, however, and some verses speak more to me regarding prepping than others. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite verses with you here today.
Those who work their land will have abundant food but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
Proverbs 28:19
The directive behind this is simple. You should work your land to raise your own food. Our society has gotten so far away from simple, basic meals that many don’t even know how to prepare something as simple as a pot of dried beans! Our demand for “easy and now” has led our society down a treacherous path. It is time for our country to return to our roots. Teach our children how to grow and then preserve their own food, to “make do” and to save their money so that they aren’t shackled by debt.
The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.
Proverbs 21:20
Putting away during the harvest should be a priority of every family. Image by Wheat Initiative
Store up the choice food so that you will not be hungry when that choice food is gone. Canning, freezing, drying food… forms of all of these have been around since Biblical times for a reason. I can’t image having to tell my hungry and crying child that there is no more food for them. I never, ever want to be in that place nor do I want any of my family members, friends or neighbors to experience that. It’s why I prepare.
Carrie,
I appreciate your views, and don’t get me wrong here, I’m absolutely a Christian prepper as well. However, your interpretation of Proverbs 28:19 is a little off. The topic and point of this verse is NOT that we should all work our land (although mini farming is an excellent idea), it is addressing the topic of laziness and misdirection. The verse is advising us not to chase after fool hearty whims and shirk our true responsibilities regardless of what they are. The author has chosen food production as an example because it is seen as a very grounded and necessary duty as opposed to the very much so unnecessary act of chasing fantasies. It’s a metaphor advising us not to waste our time and rather to spend our time on fruitful activities.
A much better Proverb to site for the Christian Prepper is Prov 22:3 which says: “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
Or the words of Jesus Christ himself in Revelation 16:15 in which he says: “Look! I come as a thief! Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
David, I appreciate your thoughts! I disagree with you a bit because I believe that this verse can be directly applicable to our society today. If we all took the time to learn and grow even a small amount of the food that we consume (and if that isn’t possible, to search out local sources), we reduce our reliance on others and other countries for our basic necessities. I am all for the farmer (if you couldn’t tell from my former handle) but it is our responsibility to take care of ourselves and our families and then to share our bounty with others in their time of need.
Thank you for the additional verses!
I just stumbled upon you site, searching for a crock pot yogurt recipe! We’re Christian preppers too; I can’t wait to share your site with others…we’re kind of surrounded by other believers “trusting God” and not doing anything. So some of our prepping will be for them I’m sure. We always say that Noah was the original prepper..and Joseph was the first food hoarder!
Thank you for such a grate topic. I have been searching for scripture to show what I fill God has lead me to do prepare for hard times ahead.