Modern households often treat finances as a matter of preference. Whoever’s better at math or spreadsheets takes charge. However, Scripture places the weight of provision and stewardship on the husband.
“For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church.” (Ephesians 5:23)
The man is called to lead the home as Christ leads the Church, to provide for his household (1 Timothy 5:8), and to exercise dominion over the resources God entrusts to him (Genesis 2:15). Though this calling doesn’t exclude his wife’s industriousness and wisdom as a helper. Proverbs 31 praises a woman who “considers a field and buys it,” whose hands “hold the distaff” and “reach out to the needy.” Her work strengthens the home, but it does not replace her husband’s responsibility to direct it.
Biblical manhood embraces financial leadership as covenantal accountability. The husband guides the household’s resources toward faithfulness, fruitfulness, and the glory of Christ. When men abdicate this duty, their homes often drift toward worldly priorities instead of covenantal faithfulness.
“If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
The biblical pattern of provision and leadership was established from the beginning. Adam was charged “to work and to keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15). His calling was faithful stewardship. Every husband today bears that same responsibility.
Semper Reformanda
Objection: “Finances should go to whoever’s more gifted, regardless of gender.”
Response: God’s order is not built on efficiency but on covenant roles. Skills may be shared but authority may not. The husband is answerable before God for how his household is governed, including its economic direction.
“The head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)
Truth That Withstands
Financial leadership in the home is not about control but covenant. The man’s headship is sacrificial, accountable, and purposeful. When husbands lead well, homes are ordered toward faithfulness and equipped for fruitfulness.