Wealth is a topic of great interest and concern for many. Today, we’ll look into Bible verses that offer insights into the pursuit and management of wealth.
Whether you seek financial wisdom or aspire to use your resources for good, these verses provide valuable guidance and perspective on the role of wealth in our lives.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Treasure In Heaven
Bible Verses About Wealth
Psalm 37:16-17
“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.”
This verse emphasizes that true wealth is not found in material possessions but in righteousness. It reminds us that even though the wicked may seemingly have great wealth and power, it is temporary and will eventually be broken. On the other hand, the little that the righteous have is of greater value because it is upheld by the Lord.
Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”
This verse highlights that wealth obtained through the blessing of the Lord is given freely and without the need for excessive toil. It reminds us that God is the ultimate provider and that He can bless us with material abundance without us having to exhaust ourselves in pursuit of it.
Proverbs 11:28
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
Trusting in riches and wealth is futile because they are insecure and fleeting. This verse emphasizes the importance of placing our trust in the Lord, for He is the true source of thriving and flourishing. While the wealth of the world may crumble, the righteous will continue to flourish like a green leaf, sustained and nourished by their trust in God.
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 fruitless pursuit of riches and the reliance on one’s own cleverness to acquire wealth. It emphasizes the transient nature of riches, highlighting that they can easily disappear and fly away like an eagle. Instead of wearing ourselves out in the pursuit of wealth, we are called to trust in the Lord and focus on eternal treasures.
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. It points out that those who are driven by a love for money are never satisfied, no matter how much they accumulate. It serves as a reminder that true contentment and fulfillment cannot be found in material possessions, but rather in a relationship with God.
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 challenges our perspective on wealth and encourages us to set our minds on eternal treasures rather than temporary ones. It serves as a reminder that earthly possessions are vulnerable to destruction and theft, whereas treasures in heaven are secure and everlasting. It also emphasizes the connection between our hearts and our treasures, reminding us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
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 serves as a cautionary reminder against the dangers of greed and an excessive pursuit of material possessions. It urges us to prioritize the true meaning of life, which is not found in the abundance of possessions but in our relationship with God and the pursuit of righteousness.
Luke 16:11
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
This verse highlights the importance of being faithful and responsible stewards of the wealth and resources that God has entrusted to us. It draws a connection between our faithfulness in handling worldly wealth and our capacity to be entrusted with true riches. It reminds us that how we handle material possessions can reflect our trustworthiness and readiness for spiritual blessings.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Here, the apostle Paul warns against the love of money, which can lead to various forms of evil and spiritual downfall. It emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and priorities, as the pursuit of wealth can easily distract us from our faith and cause us to experience unnecessary grief and pain.
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 contentment and trust in God’s provision, rather than the love of money. It assures us that God will always be with us, and therefore we can find fulfillment and satisfaction in Him rather than in the accumulation of material possessions.
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”
This verse presents a radical challenge from Jesus to a rich young man, urging him to let go of his earthly possessions and follow Him. It emphasizes that true wealth and perfection are found in sacrificial giving and prioritizing a relationship with Jesus above material wealth.
Mark 10:25
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
This verse highlights the difficulty for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God. It does not imply that wealth is inherently evil or that salvation is impossible for the wealthy, but rather emphasizes the temptations and challenges that riches can bring, which can hinder one’s spiritual journey.
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.”
Similar to Matthew 19:21, this verse calls us to sacrificially give to the poor and invest in eternal treasures rather than earthly possessions. It reminds us that our hearts are tied to our treasures, and therefore, it is important to prioritize heavenly treasures, which are secure and enduring.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
This passage offers practical instructions to the wealthy, encouraging them not to place their hope in their riches but to trust in God. It calls them to be generous, to do good deeds, and to share their blessings. By doing so, they will invest in eternal treasures and experience the abundant and fulfilling life that God desires for His children.
James 1:9-11
“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wildflower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.”
This passage offers a perspective shift on wealth, reminding both the poor and the rich of their temporary nature. It encourages those in humble circumstances to take pride in their high position as children of God, while cautioning the rich against pride and arrogance, as their wealth will ultimately fade away.
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 incompatibility of serving both God and money. It challenges us to choose our ultimate allegiance and to prioritize our relationship with God over our pursuit of wealth. It reminds us that our hearts can only have one true master.
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 passage warns against the love and attachment to the world and the things it offers. It reminds us that the pursuit of worldly desires and wealth is temporary and deceptive. Instead, we are called to love the Father and seek to do His will, knowing that these spiritual investments yield eternal rewards.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse focuses on the blessing that comes from generosity and caring for the needs of the poor. It highlights the importance of sharing with others and demonstrates that true wealth is found in a heart that is willing to give and bless others.
Proverbs 28:22
“A stingy person is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits them.”
This verse warns against the dangers of a stingy and greedy mindset. It highlights that those who are focused solely on getting rich fail to realize that poverty, in various forms, may be the result. It serves as a reminder to prioritize generosity and seek contentment rather than constantly chasing after wealth.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This passage emphasizes the principle of generosity and its connection to prosperity. It suggests that when we give freely and refresh others, we ourselves will be refreshed and experience abundance. It challenges us to trust in God’s provision and to cultivate a generous heart.
Deuteronomy 8:18
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
This verse reminds us that it is God who empowers us to produce wealth and prosper. It underscores the importance of gratitude and acknowledgement of God’s role in our financial success. It also emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people, as He fulfills His promises throughout the generations.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
This verse offers a comforting promise that God will meet all of our needs according to His abundant riches. It reassures us of God’s provision and encourages us to trust in Him rather than in our own abilities or wealth. It offers a sense of peace and security, knowing that God is faithful to provide for His children.
What Does the Bible Say About Wealth?
The Bible speaks extensively about wealth and money, addressing both its potential blessings and dangers. On one hand, we are encouraged to work hard and be diligent in our labor to provide for ourselves and our families (Proverbs 10:4, 1 Timothy 5:8). However, the Bible also warns about the dangers of placing too much importance on wealth and material possessions. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve both God and money, highlighting the potential for wealth to become an idol in our lives.
Moreover, 1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns about the love of money being a root of all kinds of evil and the potential to lead people away from their faith. This doesn’t mean that wealth in itself is evil, but the love of money and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of our faith and relationships can be detrimental.
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of being generous with our wealth. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, we are reminded that God loves a cheerful giver. We are encouraged to use our resources to help those in need and to support the work of the church and ministry (Proverbs 19:17, Malachi 3:10).
Overall, the Bible teaches us to be good stewards of the wealth and resources we have been given, to avoid the love of money, and to be generous and willing to share with others. Our focus should always be on seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33).