Five Currencies Every Entrepreneur Needs
In the journey of life, God has entrusted us with remarkable resources—currencies, if you will—that shape who we are and how we impact the world. The Bible reveals that we are stewards of divine gifts, called to invest them wisely for His glory and the good of others. I believe we each possess five distinct currencies: wisdom, knowledge, time, talent, and money. When you find yourself lacking in one, the secret lies in leveraging the other four. I wrote two books that dig deep into the concept of the currencies of God — God’s Currency and TITHE — both would be good resources if you want to dive deeper into this subject of entrepreneurship.
Let’s explore this truth through a biblical lens and see how it applies to us as men of purpose.
1. Every Entrepreneur Needs Wisdom: The Foundation of Wealth
Proverbs 4:7 declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and act accordingly. It’s the currency that guides every decision. When money runs dry or time feels short, wisdom helps you discern the next step. King Solomon, gifted with unparalleled wisdom, didn’t just amass wealth—he used his insight to build a kingdom that honored God. Wisdom is your compass when other currencies falter. The Bible is clear: Wisdom is the Principal Thing. The Principal Thing means explicitly it is the beginning, or even considered the TITHE. Imagine that, God actually TITHED to you before He offered the opportunity for you to TITHE to Him.
2. Every Entrepreneur Needs Knowledge: The Power to Build
Daniel 1:17 tells us, “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.” Knowledge is the accumulation of truth and understanding, often gained through study, experience, or revelation. It equips you to solve problems and create opportunities. When talent alone isn’t enough, knowledge sharpens your skills. Think of Joseph in Egypt—his knowledge of stewardship and economics turned a prison sentence into a position of power. Use knowledge to bridge the gaps in your life.
3. Every Entrepreneur Needs Time: The Currency of Eternity
Ephesians 5:16 urges us, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Time is the one currency we all receive in equal measure each day, yet it’s the most squandered. When money is tight or wisdom seems elusive, time invested in prayer, reflection, or serving others can yield eternal dividends. Jesus Himself modeled this—spending hours in communion with the Father, even amidst a packed ministry. Don’t waste time; wield it as a tool to unlock the other currencies.
4. Every Entrepreneur Needs Talent: The Gift Within
In Matthew 25:15, the parable of the talents reminds us that God distributes abilities “to every man according to his several ability.” Your talent—whether it’s leadership, creativity, or a trade—is a currency uniquely yours. When knowledge feels out of reach or money is scarce, lean into your God-given gifts. David’s skill with a sling, honed over years, brought down Goliath. Your talent, when stewarded well and sharpened with experience, can open doors no amount of cash can buy.
5. Every Entrepreneur Needs Money: The Tool, Not the Master
Ecclesiastes 10:19 says, “A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.” Money is a practical currency, but it’s not the ultimate one. It’s a servant to the others—funding the pursuit of wisdom, buying time for rest, or amplifying your talents. When money runs low, don’t despair; tap into wisdom to strategize, knowledge to innovate, time to plan, and talent to create. The widow with two mites gave all she had, and Jesus called it greater than the rich man’s surplus (Mark 12:42-44). It’s not about the amount, but how you use it.
The Exchange Rate of Faith
Here’s the key: these currencies aren’t meant to sit idle. They’re designed to work together, like the body of Christ described in 1 Corinthians 12. When one currency is depleted, the others rise to meet the need. Lacking money? Use wisdom to budget and talent to earn. Short on time? Apply knowledge to prioritize and wisdom to delegate. This is stewardship—multiplying what God has given you, as the faithful servants did in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:20-23).
Scripture shows us this principle in action. Moses lacked eloquence (Exodus 4:10), but his wisdom, time spent with God, and talent for leadership delivered a nation. Paul, often without money, used his knowledge of the law and talent for writing to spread the Gospel. When one currency wanes, the others, fueled by faith, fill the void.
Living the Fivefold Currency Life
As men, we’re called to be providers, protectors, and pioneers—not just in material terms but in spirit and purpose. Too often, we fixate on money as the sole measure of success, neglecting the wealth of wisdom, knowledge, time, and talent within us. God didn’t create you to scrape by; He equipped you to thrive. The question is: Are you spending your currencies intentionally?
Imagine a man low on funds but rich in time. He invests it in learning a new skill (knowledge), guided by prayerful wisdom, and soon, his talent blossoms into a business. Or imagine a man stretched thin on time who uses his talent to delegate wisely, freeing up moments to seek God’s knowledge. These are the exchanges that build a life of significance.
Action Step: Take the 45-Day Challenge
Gentlemen, it’s time to stop coasting and start investing. I challenge you to discover your entrepreneurial drive—your God-given ability to create, lead, and multiply. Join the 45-Day Challenge at FivestarMan.com. Over six weeks, you’ll uncover how to harness wisdom, knowledge, time, talent, and money to live as the man God designed you to be. This isn’t about chasing wealth for its own sake; it’s about stewarding your currencies to reflect His kingdom. Sign up today, and let’s build something eternal together.
Neil Kennedy is the founder of FivestarMan, a movement dedicated to awakening men’s entrepreneurial spirit and raising a movement of men pursuing Biblical/Authentic Manhood.
