Wealth is a common topic in the Bible. While money itself isn’t labeled as bad, the Bible warns against loving it too much. Riches can bring comfort, but they also come with responsibility. The Bible teaches us to use wealth wisely and not to let it control our lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About Getting Rich
Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence in attaining wealth. It teaches us that laziness leads to poverty, while dedicated effort and perseverance lead to financial prosperity.
Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
This verse warns against gaining wealth through dishonest means, as ill-gotten money is fleeting. Instead, it encourages us to accumulate wealth gradually and honestly, recognizing the value of patience and integrity in financial success.
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
This verse reminds us of the potential pitfalls of indebtedness. It highlights the importance of financial independence, cautioning against becoming enslaved to lenders or living under the control of others due to financial obligations.
Proverbs 28:19
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”
Here, we are reminded of the rewards of diligent labor. The verse encourages us to focus on realistic goals and endeavors, rather than being consumed by empty dreams, as hard work and responsible stewardship lead to prosperity.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
This verse urges us to prioritize faithfulness and integrity over the desire for quick riches. It cautions against greed and reminds us that seeking wealth at any cost can have negative consequences.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
Here, we are warned about the emptiness of pursuing wealth for its own sake. The verse teaches us that a fixation on money will always leave us wanting more, highlighting the futility of an endless cycle of accumulation without finding contentment outside of material possessions.
Proverbs 11:28
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
This verse acts as a cautionary reminder that placing our trust solely in wealth and material possessions is misguided. It assures us that true prosperity and flourishing come from a righteous and upright life, rooted in faith and trust in God.
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.”
This verse highlights the dangers of greed and the love of money. It reminds us that when wealth becomes our sole focus, it can lead us away from our faith and result in negative consequences and emotional turmoil.
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.”
Here, Jesus teaches us that we must choose between serving God or pursuing wealth. It emphasizes that our priorities should align with our faith, warning against the dangers of being consumed by the pursuit of material possessions.
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.”
Jesus reminds us of the impermanence of earthly treasures and encourages us to invest in eternal values. The verse urges us to prioritize heavenly treasures, aligning our hearts and desires with God’s kingdom rather than placing excessive importance on material wealth.
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 encourages us to honor God with our wealth and possessions. It teaches us the principle of giving back to God as an act of worship and trust. In doing so, we can experience the blessings of abundance that come from living with a generous and grateful heart.
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.””
Jesus warns against the dangers of greed and reminds us that true life and fulfillment do not come from the accumulation of possessions. The verse calls us to cultivate contentment and to guard against the constant desire for more.
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.”
Jesus uses vivid imagery to convey the difficulty of placing our trust in wealth instead of God. He highlights that wealth can distract and hinder our spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a heart posture that acknowledges God as our ultimate source of provision.
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.”
Similar to Matthew 6:24, Jesus reiterates the impossibility of serving both God and money. The verse serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize our devotion to God, recognizing that financial pursuits should never take precedence over our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 28:22
“The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.”
This verse unveils the consequences of stinginess and an insatiable desire to accumulate wealth. It serves as a cautionary reminder that such pursuits can lead to insecurity and ultimately poverty, highlighting the importance of maintaining a generous and open-hearted approach towards others.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This verse presents the principle of sowing and reaping. It teaches us that our generosity will determine the measure of blessings we receive. By embracing a mindset of abundance and giving freely, we can expect to experience God’s gracious provision in our lives.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse reminds us that when our delight is in the Lord, He is faithful to fulfill the desires of our hearts. It encourages us to seek God first and trust in His provision, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with Him rather than material wealth alone.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Here, we are reminded of the importance of showing compassion and generosity to those in need. The verse highlights that when we extend kindness to the less fortunate, we are lending to the Lord Himself, and He promises to reward our acts of benevolence.
Luke 12:33
“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.”
Jesus challenges us to examine our attachment to worldly possessions. He encourages us to be willing to let go of material wealth and instead invest in eternal treasures by giving to the poor and those in need, assuring us that such acts will reap eternal rewards.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of generosity and kindness. It assures us that when we bless and refresh others through our giving, we too will experience abundance and refreshment in our own lives as a result of God’s faithfulness.
Psalm 112:1-3
“Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.”
This passage reveals the blessings that come to those who fear and delight in the Lord. It acknowledges that wealth and riches can be a manifestation of God’s favor upon the righteous, affirming that righteousness and integrity are of lasting value and significance.
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.””
Jesus challenges us to examine our priorities and to consider the eternal impact of our possessions. He invites us to release our attachment to wealth and instead pursue a life devoted to Him, assuring us that true treasure is found in following Him and investing in heavenly pursuits.
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.”
The apostle Paul encourages those who possess wealth to avoid arrogance and reliance on material riches. He directs them to place their hope in God, who provides abundantly for our enjoyment. He further urges them to use their wealth to do good, to be generous, and to invest in acts of kindness, assuring them that such actions lay a foundation for a truly meaningful and fulfilling life.