The Bible has a lot to say about prosperity and success. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that relate to this topic:
Old Testament Verses on Prosperity
In the Old Testament, prosperity was often seen as a blessing from God for those who were righteous and obedient to Him. For example:
- “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…he is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
- “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.” (Psalm 37:25-26)
- “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)
- “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.” (Proverbs 19:11-12)
- “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 28:20)
These verses indicate that those who lived righteously, obeyed God’s laws, and were generous with their wealth could expect to receive blessings of prosperity. However, they also warn against greed, dishonest gain, and haste in pursuing wealth.
New Testament Verses on Prosperity
In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles took a more nuanced view of wealth and prosperity. Some key verses include:
- “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
- “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)
- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
- “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
- “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” (Mark 10:21)
- “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
- “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)
While prosperity can be a blessing, these verses warn against making it an idol or focusing on it above spiritual treasures. Contentment, generosity, and reliance on God are emphasized rather than material wealth.
Principles for Prosperity
While the Bible does not guarantee earthly prosperity, it does lay out some principles that can lead to blessings:
- Faithfulness: Remaining faithful to God’s laws and steadfast in trials can bring reward (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
- Wisdom: Following godly wisdom and discernment leads to prosperity and favor (Proverbs 3:13-18).
- Diligence: Hard work and prudent planning can lead to abundance (Proverbs 6:6-11, 21:5).
- Generosity: Generous giving reflects God’s provision and leads to further blessing (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
- Contentment: Finding sufficiency and contentment in God leads to true prosperity (1 Timothy 6:6-10).
- Trusting God: Looking to God as provider frees us from anxiety about material needs (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Eternal focus:Setting minds on spiritual blessings to come is true prosperity (Colossians 3:1-2).
Applying these principles allows Christians to pursue prosperity in a godly manner, with the right heart and motives.
Cautions About Prosperity
While God can bless in material ways, the Bible also offers warnings about prosperity and wealth:
- Wealth can become an idol if relied upon more than God (Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15).
- Greed and selfishness often accompany riches (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
- Pride and self-sufficiency can come from abundance (Deuteronomy 8:11-14).
- Worldly wealth does not last forever (Proverbs 23:4-5).
- The love of money leads to sin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
- Corrupted business practices displease God (Proverbs 16:8, Jeremiah 17:11).
- Those who exploit the poor will face judgment (James 5:1-6).
Christians should be on guard against greed and pride, no matter how much wealth they accumulate. True prosperity comes from living with generosity, integrity, and reliance on God.
New Testament Examples
The New Testament includes both positive and negative examples around money and prosperity:
- Poor widow’s offering: Despite poverty, she generously gave all she had to God (Mark 12:41-44).
- Zacchaeus: A rich tax collector who voluntarily gave half his wealth to the poor (Luke 19:1-10).
- Rich young ruler: He refused to part with his wealth to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:16-22).
- Rich fool: He stored up wealth but was not “rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21).
- Ananias and Sapphira: Punished for lying about wealth they claimed to dedicate to God (Acts 5:1-11).
These examples reinforce principles of generosity, proper priorities, integrity, and reliance on God over riches.
Promises to the Generous
The Bible encourages generosity and promises blessing to those who give freely to further God’s work:
- “Give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
- “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
- “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Malachi 3:10)
- “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)
While we should not give simply to get, Scripture does promise that generosity and stewarding wealth for the kingdom of God leads to blessing.
Purpose of Prosperity
The Bible makes clear that all blessings, including financial wealth, should be used for God’s purposes and glory:
- To help those in need (Ephesians 4:28, Galatians 2:10)
- To support ministry work (Philippians 4:10-20)
- To build God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 8-9)
- To spread the gospel (Philippians 1:3-5, 4:14-16)
- To serve others (2 Corinthians 9:12-15)
- To honor God (Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10-12)
True prosperity involves stewarding wealth wisely, not hoarding possessions for oneself. Christians should use what God has given to love others, help the needy, and advance His work on earth.
Keys to Prosperity
In summarizing the Bible’s perspective on prosperity, several key themes emerge:
- Seek God first, not material wealth (Matthew 6:33).
- Be content with what you have (Philippians 4:11-13).
- Avoid greed; live generously (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
- Work diligently and wisely (Proverbs 10:4-5).
- Handle money with honesty and integrity (Psalm 15:5).
- Trust God as provider in all circumstances (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Steward resources to bless others (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
- Remember material wealth doesn’t last forever (Proverbs 27:23-24).
Applying these keys allows Christians to keep wealth and prosperity in a godly, biblical perspective.
Prosperity Gospel Concerns
Some preachers today promote a “prosperity gospel” that claims faithfulness to God guarantees wealth, health, and success. However, the Bible does not promise escape from all suffering or abundant material blessings. This distorted theology can set up false expectations and lead many astray. We must view prosperity through Scripture’s lens, not the world’s.
In Closing
The Bible presents a nuanced perspective on prosperity. Wealth itself is not evil, but the love of money often leads to sin. Generosity and stewardship matter more than accumulation. Any gifts from God should be used for His glory and to help others, not satisfy greed. Keeping prosperity in perspective, with Christ at the center, allows Christians to navigate this issue wisely.