Ramsey corrected the bachelor’s theology directly, citing Proverbs to argue that frugality is biblically mandated and that giving to the point of domestic danger is reckless, not Godly.
A family earning $6,000 a month can tithe $600 and build an emergency fund of $15,000 in about 3 years, proving that giving and saving are not mutually exclusive.
Ramsey and Rachel Cruze argue that the line between saving and hoarding comes down to attitude rather than value. In their view, a funded emergency fund represents stewardship and not selfishness.
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A bride from Philadelphia named Nicole on The Ramsey Show has a problem that most couples never talk about before the wedding. “I’m about to marry my fiance, we’re looking at our budget because we want to be together financially, and I see that he prioritized giving more and that’s something I agree with, but it’s gotten to the point where he doesn’t want to put anything into savings because he wants to rely on Jehovah’s provision in our lives. He asked how he would decide what to tithe versus thrift, and when generosity results in recklessness.
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The poles are concrete. A frugal family with a generous habit of giving is one transfer, one ER copy, or one job gap away from credit card debt at 22% or 24% APR. That dollar given on Sunday becomes a financial charge on Friday. Nicole tries to see this trap before signing the marriage license.
Verdict: Ramsey is right, and the numbers agree
Dave Ramsey praised the heart of the boyfriend, and then corrected the theology directly. “He just needs to correct his understanding of the teachings a little because he is out of line with the Bible.” He pointed to Proverbs: “In the house of the wise there are stores of food and oil; Then the hard line: The bible also says that if you don’t take care of your own first, you are worse than an unbeliever. So if you are giving until your own is in danger, that is not biblical.
And the most striking line: “Don’t be a fool and call yourself a Christian. That’s dumb. God gave you a mind, use it. And don’t put your stupidity on Christianity. It makes those of us who use our minds as Christians be ashamed of you.” Ramsey was clear that the boyfriend had not crossed that line, but said he would reconsider that idea if that happened.
Run the numbers for a family that earns $6,000 a month after taxes. A 10% tithe is $600. The first $1,000 emergency fund (Ramsey’s First Baby Step) takes less than two months at $500 a month. A fully funded emergency fund for three months at $5,000 in monthly expenses is $15,000. With $500 a month set aside, that goal can be reached in about two and a half years while giving away $600 every month. Giving and saving are not in competition.
Now run in the opposite direction. Same family, zero saving, full giving. One $4,000 auto repair is available on a 24% APR credit card. You pay $200 a month, the family carries that balance for more than two years and pays more than $1,000 in interest. Savings skips are bank-sponsored.
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The variable that determines everything: attitude, not value
Ramsey borrowed Larry Burkett’s outline to describe the real test: “The only difference between saving and saving is attitude. It’s not money. Why do you do that?” A $15,000 emergency fund set aside for medical bills, auto repairs, and job losses is a boon. A pile of $250,000 sitting untouched while the donor refused to help anyone raise. Same dollars, different stance.
Working version: “Of course we have to make ends meet, and that includes saving. We don’t spend a million dollars and my mom drives a ’93 Camry.” Host Rachel Cruze added a regular check: “Living on the edge of a cliff month after month is probably not the smartest thing to do when it comes to our stress and anxiety levels. God gives us sanity, Nicole.” Also: “When it doesn’t make sense, it’s okay to connect your common sense and your reason to say, ‘Hey, that makes a little bit of sense.’
What Nicole and any couple should do in this area
Write a budget together before the wedding. Put giving, saving, and organized debt on the same page. If the numbers don’t add up, the disagreement is data, not drama.
Set up an initial emergency fund as a non-negotiable item. $1,000 in a separate savings account, funded before any discretionary spending. Save tithe while building.
Explain what is meant by “at risk” in writing. Agree to the minimum cash cushion below when giving is suspended, not cancelled. Three months of essential expenses is the usual minimum.
Revisit quarterly. Giving levels can increase as income and savings increase. The program is not static.
You can be generous and prepared at the same time. Rejecting savings is a budget choice attached to the bill.
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