Material possessions often hold a powerful grip on our lives. Join us as we Explore the Bible’s teachings on the value of material things and the pursuit of spiritual riches.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Judging Others Righteously
Bible Verses About Material Things
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions. Instead of placing our value and security in material things that can easily be destroyed or taken away, we are encouraged to invest in the eternal treasures of heaven. Our hearts should be focused on God and the things that truly matter in His kingdom.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
This verse highlights the importance of contentment in our pursuit of godliness. Material possessions should not be our ultimate goal but rather finding satisfaction and fulfillment in our relationship with God. We came into this world empty-handed and will leave with nothing, so it is far more valuable to be content with the basic necessities of life and focus on growing in godliness.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse emphasizes the impossibility of fully surrendering to God while also being captivated by the pursuit of wealth. We must make a choice to either prioritize and devote ourselves to God or to the pursuit of material things. Our allegiance cannot be divided, and our hearts cannot be fully committed to both.
Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
This verse warns against the dangers of tirelessly pursuing wealth and relying solely on our own abilities. Material possessions are fleeting and can vanish in an instant. It is wiser to not become consumed by the desire for earthly riches but to trust in God’s provision and focus on what truly matters in eternity.
Mark 8:36
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
This verse poses a thought-provoking question about the ultimate worth of material possessions. Even if someone were to accumulate great wealth and success in the world, it would mean nothing if they neglect their soul and eternal salvation. The pursuit of material things should never come at the expense of our spiritual well-being.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
This verse serves as a reminder that our choices and actions have consequences. If our focus and efforts are solely directed towards satisfying our worldly desires, we will reap destruction and emptiness. However, if we sow seeds that honor and please God, we will reap eternal life and blessings that far surpass material possessions.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
This verse cautions against the dangers of greed and the mistaken belief that our worth and happiness are determined by the abundance of our possessions. True life and fulfillment are found in our relationship with God and not in the accumulation of material things. It is important to guard our hearts and prioritize what truly matters in life.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
This verse encourages us to let go of the love of money and find contentment in God’s presence and provision. We can trust that God will never abandon us and that our true worth and security are found in Him. Contentment frees us from the constant desire for more and allows us to live a life marked by gratitude and trust in God’s faithfulness.
Proverbs 28:22
“A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.”
This verse warns against the folly of pursuing wealth at all costs and neglecting the consequences of a stingy and self-centered mindset. Hoarding wealth and focusing solely on personal gain can lead to poverty and a lack of true fulfillment. It is important to have a proper perspective on material things and to live with a spirit of generosity towards others.
Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse is a repeated reminder that our allegiance cannot be divided between God and money. To truly serve and follow God, we must let go of the pursuit and love of worldly wealth. Our hearts can only be fully devoted to one master, and that should be God.
Proverbs 11:28
“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.”
This verse highlights the contrast between placing our trust in material possessions and trusting in God’s righteousness. Relying on riches as a source of security and satisfaction will ultimately lead to disappointment and downfall. On the other hand, those who trust in God and live righteously will experience true flourishing and lasting fulfillment.
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
This verse encourages us to shift our focus from the temporary and visible things of this world to the eternal and unseen realities of God’s kingdom. Material things are fleeting and will eventually fade away, but the things of God and His eternal promises hold true and enduring value. It is important to keep an eternal perspective in all aspects of life.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
This verse exposes the emptiness and futility of chasing after money and wealth. Love for money will always lead to dissatisfaction and a never-ending desire for more. True contentment and satisfaction cannot be found in material possessions but can only be found in our relationship with God and His provision.
Psalm 62:10
“Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
This verse urges us not to rely on dishonest gain or put our hope in ill-gotten wealth. Even if our riches increase, our hearts should not be set on the accumulation of material things. Instead, we should trust in the Lord and find our security and fulfillment in Him alone.
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
This verse teaches us the principle of honoring God with our wealth and resources. When we prioritize giving back to God and His kingdom, we can trust that He will bless and provide for us abundantly. It is an invitation to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us and to use our material possessions for His glory.
1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not allowing our hearts to be consumed by worldly desires and pursuits. Our love and devotion should be directed towards God rather than the fleeting attractions and possessions of this world. By aligning ourselves with God’s will and purpose, we find lasting significance and eternal life.
Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of integrity and honest labor in our pursuit of wealth. Dishonest gain may bring temporary riches, but it will ultimately diminish and evaporate. On the other hand, when money is earned diligently and ethically, it has the potential to grow and be a blessing in the long run.
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
This verse serves as a reminder for those who possess wealth and abundance to keep their hearts humble and their hope firmly anchored in God rather than their material possessions. It is God who provides for all our needs and blesses us with everything for our enjoyment. Let us find our true security and joy in Him alone.
Proverbs 22:1
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
This verse highlights the value of a good name and reputation over the accumulation of great wealth. Material possessions can easily be lost or devalued, but a good name built on integrity and character is invaluable. It is far better to be held in high esteem than to possess any amount of silver or gold.
Proverbs 30:8-9
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
This verse offers a wise prayer that acknowledges the dangers of extreme wealth or poverty. It asks God to provide for our daily needs without the temptations of excessive richness or the desperation of poverty. The desire is to maintain a balanced perspective on material things and to avoid dishonoring God through our actions.
Luke 12:33-34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse challenges us to be generous and willing to sacrifice our material possessions for the benefit of others. By investing in acts of kindness and generosity, we store up treasures in heaven that cannot be destroyed or taken away. Our hearts should be focused on the eternal rather than the temporary accumulation of wealth.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
This verse provides a warning against the dangers of being consumed by the desire to become wealthy at all costs. It is important to prioritize faithfulness and integrity over the pursuit of riches. Those who are faithful in their dealings and content with what they have will experience rich blessings from God.
Luke 14:33
“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
This verse conveys the radical commitment required to be a true disciple of Jesus. It challenges us to be willing to let go of everything we possess if necessary, in order to fully follow Christ. While this does not mean that every believer must necessarily give up all material possessions, it does call for a heart posture of surrender and willingness to place God above everything else.
James 5:1-3
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.”
This verse issues a stern warning to those who place excessive trust and value in their wealth, particularly to those who hoard it for themselves. Earthly riches can provide a false sense of security and lead to ruin. It is a powerful reminder to steward our resources well and use them for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
What Does the Bible Say About Material Things?
As Christians, the Bible provides guidance on how we should view material things. The Bible acknowledges the necessity of material possessions for our daily living (Matthew 6:31-32), but it also warns us about the potential dangers of becoming too attached to them. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), indicating that our focus should not be on amassing wealth or possessions.
Jesus Himself taught about the fleeting nature of material possessions and urged us to seek first the Kingdom of God instead of being preoccupied with accumulating material wealth (Matthew 6:19-21, 33). We are encouraged to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, using them to bless others and advance His Kingdom (Luke 16:11).
The book of Ecclesiastes also offers valuable wisdom on the pursuit of material things, emphasizing that they ultimately do not bring lasting fulfillment or satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Instead, we are to prioritize spiritual treasures and invest in eternity rather than solely focusing on temporal possessions.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us to hold material things with an open hand, recognizing that our true treasure is found in our relationship with God and in storing up heavenly rewards through our faith and obedience (Matthew 6:19-20, Colossians 3:2).
As followers of Christ, we are called to maintain a proper perspective on material things, using them to honor God, meet the needs of others, and further His purposes while guarding against the dangers of greed, covetousness, and the love of money. This balanced approach ensures that our hearts remain devoted to God rather than to the temporary possessions of this world.