Bible verses on wealth: was God against the wealthy?
“But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10 MSG)
It’s common to hear money is the root of all evil. Is it actually the money or our relationship with that money that can bring trouble? The Bible shows us it’s the relationship we hold with money that can make its purpose be for good or for evil.
Money adds meaning to life, but it shouldn’t be the meaning of life. Money is necessary to have. It gives us the ability to pay for things in life we both need and want. It also allows us to have the opportunity to be generous.
For the love of money — Greed’s corruption
“The one who loves money is never satisfied with money, Nor the one who loves wealth with big profits. More smoke.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 MSG)
Jesus spoke about money in 16 parables. He shows us the cost of greed in the parable of The Rich Man. Money is an important but dangerous tool. Wealth has the ability to lure us away from God. (Luke 18:24-25)
Greed is an ugly reality, especially in America, one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Greed is the insatiable desire to accumulate power and wealth for the wrong reasons.
Wealth can make life easier, but we must remember life is about more than money. This is the complete opposite thought of today’s cultural goals. The Bible also reminds us that our earthly possessions don’t last forever. (James 5:1-6)
Greed has both earthly and spiritual costs. It can cost you your integrity (Proverbs 13:11), your family (Proverbs 15:27), your reputation (Proverbs 22:1), and friendships (Proverbs 28:25). Greed keeps us from God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 13:5). God will always provide what is needed for today. God provided manna for the Israelites (Exodus 16:4), and He will take care of you too.
Wealth for good and the reward of generosity
Wealth and greed are bad and pull us away from God. Wealth and generosity, however, will be rewarded with blessings.
You can be a good Christian, a good person, and be wealthy. You must grow your wealth in grace. Joseph of Arimathea was a very wealthy man in Jesus’s time who was also full of grace (Luke 23:50).
The wealthy can also learn an important lesson from the poor. The poor often show the most generosity (Luke 21:1-4). True wealth can be found in helping others. We can also be reminded that the smallest blessings can have the largest impact when helping others.
It is important to ensure our own needs are met before we give. If our own needs aren’t met, we can easily lose the ability to help others. We will go through seasons of suffering and prosperity. Even in times of struggle, if we are able, we should give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
We can always be rich in good works and generosity. As we give, it can also inspire others to give too. We are called to love one another and to care for one another (John 15:13).
Our lives are not defined by the material wealth we may amass. Our lives are defined by the love God has for us.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. And every journey needs a Starting Point.
Starting Point groups are in-person, stress-free and judgment-free groups that meet periodically at Centerpoint Church. Here, you can spend some time getting to know fellow group members, reading and having an open conversation about topics like God, the Scriptures, faith, and Jesus. Completely new to the teachings of Jesus? Returning to church after a long break? Questioning the teachings you were brought up with or just unsure what you believe? Our Starting Point groups are here to help you navigate your faith journey. Get in touch with us to learn when the next Starting Point group is meeting or to join a Starting Point group.