The topic of prosperity preaching is a controversial one among Christians. On one side, there are those who believe that God wants all believers to be materially prosperous and that prosperity is a sign of God’s blessing. On the other side are those who argue that a focus on material wealth is unbiblical and that prosperity preachers are peddling a false gospel.
So what does the Bible actually teach about prosperity and wealth? And are all prosperity preachers necessarily false teachers? This article will examine what Scripture says about money, greed, generosity, and trusting in wealth versus trusting in God. We’ll look at both Old and New Testament perspectives on prosperity. And we’ll analyze some of the common teachings and practices of prosperity preachers to see if they align with biblical truth.
Old Testament Teachings on Wealth and Prosperity
The Old Testament contains many verses that extol the benefits of prosperity and material blessings. Passages like Deuteronomy 28 promise earthly rewards like financial increase for obedience to God. Yet the Old Testament also contains warnings against treating wealth as an idol and putting trust in riches rather than God.
For example, Proverbs 11:28 says, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” Passages like this caution against greed and dependence on money rather than God as the true source of security and blessing (see also Psalm 49:6-20).
The Old Testament portrays wealth as something that requires great wisdom in stewardship. For instance, the book of Proverbs contains many exhortations to use money generously and avoid the temptation of hoarding wealth only for oneself (Prov 11:24-26; 22:9).
The prophets frequently railed against corrupt leaders who accrued massive wealth at the expense of the poor and powerless (Isaiah 1:21-23; Amos 5:11-12). So while the Old Testament shows material prosperity can be a blessing, it also warns against the spiritual dangers of pursuing wealth or trusting in it over God.
New Testament Warnings about Wealth and False Teachers
The New Testament contains even stronger warnings about the love of money and dangers of false teachers exploiting greed. Jesus himself said, “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). And he warned against storing up earthly treasures, saying, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Paul wrote frequently about the temptation of greed and the importance of contentment, saying, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). And the author of Hebrews countered love of money by saying, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5).
In his letter to Timothy, Paul says that false teachers exploit greed, that “godliness is a means of gain” for them (1 Timothy 6:5). Peter gives a similar warning about false teachers who “in their greed … will exploit you with false words” (2 Peter 2:3). So the New Testament strongly cautions believers not to be led astray by teachings that promote wealth or approve of greed.
What the Bible Says about Wealth and Prosperity
While Scripture does not condemn money itself, it consistently warns against greed and putting trust in riches. Wealth is portrayed as a blessing to be stewarded generously, not hoarded selfishly. The Bible’s focus is relational – loving God and loving neighbor – rather than material. Yet many prosperity preachers emphasize earthly wealth, promoting it as a guaranteed return for offerings given to their ministry.
So what are some key biblical principles about wealth and prosperity?
- Material wealth has spiritual dangers like greed and pride (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
- Earthly wealth is temporary, but spiritual wealth has eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21).
- God cares how wealth is acquired – dishonest gain is condemned (Proverbs 10:2).
- Hoarding wealth is portrayed negatively while generosity is praised (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
- Our security is to be in God, not riches (Psalm 62:10, Proverbs 11:28).
- Material provision comes from God’s hand ultimately (Ecclesiastes 5:19, James 1:17).
- God’s plan is caring for the needy from our resources (1 John 3:17-18).
- Coveting wealth leads to spiritual decay (Luke 12:15).
In light of these principles, prosperity preachers who equate financial wealth with God’s blessing and spiritual maturity are proclaiming a skewed message. Their focus on obtaining riches lacks biblical support.
Assessing Prosperity Preachers by the Biblical Evidence
Given what Scripture teaches about wealth and greed, how do popular prosperity preachers measure up biblically? Let’s examine some common traits against the biblical evidence:
Wealth as Guaranteed Blessing for Giving
Many prosperity preachers promise guaranteed 100-fold returns and miraculous financial windfalls for giving to their ministry. But Scripture contains no such guarantees about getting rich by donating money. And the focus is generosity from a cheerful heart, not giving only to get (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Wealth as Sign of Spirituality
Some prosperity preachers equate wealth with spiritual maturity or favor with God. But Jesus blessed the poor (Luke 6:20) and warned the rich will face spiritual struggles (Mark 10:23-25). The Bible’s consistent message is that character, not wealth, marks true spirituality.
Lavish Lifestyles
While living luxurious lifestyles, many prosperity preachers appeal to others’ greed. But Jesus modeled humble means and simplicity, as did early church leaders (2 Corinthians 8:9, Acts 3:6). The Bible condemns self-indulgence (James 5:1-6) and calls ministers to lives without greed (1 Peter 5:1-3).
Boasting and Arrogance
Some prosperity preachers arrogantly boast in their wealth and elegance of life. Yet the Bible warns against boasting in temporary riches (Psalm 49:6-13, James 4:13-16). And it calls ministers to gentle, humble conduct (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7).
Targeting the Vulnerable
Prosperity preachers often target the poor, unemployed, sick, and elderly with promises of guaranteed riches. Scripture condemns profiting from the helpless (Proverbs 22:22-23) and taking advantage of the naive (Romans 16:17-18). It calls ministers to care for the vulnerable, not exploit desperate hopes.
Given these biblical standards, many prosperity preachers reveal troubling characteristics like greed, arrogance, exploitation of the poor, lack of accountability, and contradiction of Bible teachings. Of course, not all prosperity preachers manifest all these faults. But the movement as a whole trends heavily in an unbiblical direction.
Are There Any Prosperity Preachers Who Get It Right?
Are there any prosperity preachers who seem biblically sound? A few significant leaders in the prosperity movement do strive for more doctrinal integrity:
John Piper – Though not a classic prosperity preacher, Piper teaches that God grants suffering and prosperity according to His sovereign purposes for our good and His glory. This view matches Scripture’s teaching of God’s sovereignty over all things.
Randy Alcorn – Alcorn stresses Jesus’ teaching on storing up eternal rewards over earthly wealth. He encourages simple living and radical generosity as means of spiritual growth, which aligns with biblical values.
J.D. Greear – As a Southern Baptist pastor, Greear preaches against the prosperity gospel. Though welcoming of wealth, he teaches it must be gained ethically and used generously for Christ’s Kingdom.
So while these teachers accept biblical prosperity rightly, the majority of prosperity preachers stray doctrinally in key areas according to Scripture’s standards.
Conclusion – Weighing Prosperity Preachers Carefully
Does God want His children blessed materially? The Bible shows God sometimes grants financial prosperity. But it cannot be assumed or pursued as the believer’s rightful expectation. Prosperity preachers often stray from Scripture by their focus on guaranteed wealth, lavish lifestyles, arrogance, exploitation, and false teachings.
Of course, not all prosperity preachers are intentionally greedy or deceitful. Some sincerely believe God grants health and wealth unconditionally. Yet their distorted views can lead people astray. So Christians must test prosperity teachings carefully against Scripture, which stresses eternal focus, godly character, and generosity over self-gratifying gain.
Ultimately, the Bible never condemns wealth itself. But it consistently condemns greed and trusts in riches rather than God. Seeking to please God and serve others should be the believers’ motivation in all things – including financial gain. Prosperity preachers who subordinate these biblical principles to materialistic desires lead people away from God’s truth.