Few things are as universally disliked as taxes, so it may surprise some that the Bible speaks to the subject plainly. Jesus Himself addressed it directly. Scripture calls believers to honesty and integrity in what we owe, treating the payment of taxes as part of living peaceably and submitting to the order God has established.
The short answer
The Bible tells us to pay our taxes honestly and in full. Jesus said to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God. Paying taxes is treated as a matter of conscience, integrity, and submission to the authorities God has ordained. It is part of being a faithful, honest citizen.
Render unto Caesar
When Jesus was tested about paying taxes to Rome, He gave an answer that has guided believers ever since.
"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."Matthew 22:21
Jesus even paid the temple tax to avoid giving needless offense, showing a spirit of humility rather than resistance.
"Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up... that take, and give unto them for me and thee."Matthew 17:27
Paying taxes is part of submission
The apostle Paul directly connects paying taxes to the God-given role of government and to a Christian's clear conscience.
"For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing."Romans 13:6
He goes on to say we should give everyone what is owed, including the taxes and customs due to the authorities.
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."Romans 13:7
Honesty in everything we owe
The Bible's call to pay taxes is really a call to honesty. God hates dishonest dealings and false measures, and that principle covers our finances.
"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."Proverbs 11:1
We are told to be honest not only before God but in a way others can plainly see.
"Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."2 Corinthians 8:21
A common misunderstanding
Some think that if a government is imperfect or misuses funds, Christians are free to cheat on their taxes. The Bible does not allow that. Jesus told people to pay taxes to Rome, a government far from godly, and Paul echoed the same command under that same empire. Our honesty is not conditioned on the government being worthy of it. At the same time, rendering to Caesar is only half of what Jesus said. We are also to render to God what is His, our worship, our love, and our very lives, which no government can claim.
You are welcome to talk with us
If questions about faith, money, and integrity are on your mind, we would be glad to open the Bible with you. There is peace in living honestly before God, and a warm welcome for you at our church in Greenwood. Please reach out any time, or come and visit us this Sunday.