The Bible has a lot to say about wealth and possessions. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding money and riches:
Wealth comes from God
The Bible makes it clear that all good things, including material prosperity, ultimately come from God. We see this in Deuteronomy 8:18 which says “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Wealth is not something we obtain purely by our own efforts, but is a blessing from God. James 1:17 says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
Wealth is not inherently evil
The Bible does not condemn wealth itself. Some key figures in the Bible were extremely wealthy, such as Abraham, Solomon and Job. However, the Bible recognizes that money can become an idol if we put our trust in it rather than in God. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Wealth is morally neutral – it is the attitude of our hearts that determines whether it is a blessing or a curse.
Wealth brings responsibility
The Bible teaches that wealth and possessions bring responsibility. Those who have been blessed with riches are expected to be generous and willing to share with those in need. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 instructs the rich to “do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” Similarly, James 2:15-16 tells us that if we see a brother or sister in need, but withhold help, how can God’s love abide in us?
The dangers of loving money
Loving money leads to all kinds of sin, according to 1 Timothy 6:10. Those consumed with accumulating wealth can become greedy, envious, covetous, selfish, stingy, dishonest, compromising and self-righteous. The desire for riches can ultimately ruin people’s lives and relationships. Jesus warned in Mark 4:19 that the “cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”
We cannot serve both God and money
Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money in Matthew 6:24 – we will end up hating one and loving the other. Our priorities reveal who or what we worship – if money is our highest priority, it has become an idol that distracts us from loving and serving God. We are called to seek first God’s kingdom, not material wealth. As Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.”
Do not worry about material needs
Rather than worrying about our finances and material needs, Jesus tells us to trust our heavenly Father to provide for us. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus explains that God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, so He will also take care of our needs. We are not to be consumed with anxiety over money, “for your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matthew 6:32).
Godliness with contentment is great gain
1 Timothy 6:6 teaches that godliness with contentment is actually great wealth. True prosperity has more to do with living a content, meaningful and purposeful life rather than accumulating possessions. As Psalm 37:16 says, “Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.”
Do not wear yourself out to get rich
Some people exhaust themselves striving for more wealth, working constantly and depriving themselves of rest and relationships. However, Psalm 127:2 warns that “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Our quality of life decreases when the pursuit of riches becomes an obsession.
A good name is better than riches
Proverbs 22:1 says “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Material wealth is only temporary, but a good reputation and godly character lasts forever. The treasures that truly matter are not possessions but the eternal riches of a righteous life.
We cannot buy salvation
No amount of money can purchase salvation or earn entrance to heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes clear that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works. While wealthy people may have great influence on earth, their riches carry no weight with God. Only those who turn to Christ alone will receive eternal life.
God cares how wealth is obtained
Honesty, integrity and hard work are essential in how we accumulate and manage wealth. The Bible condemns gaining money through deception, exploitation, greed or fraud. Proverbs 13:11 cautions that “wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” There are no shortcuts to lasting prosperity.
Wealth can disappear quickly
The Bible often portrays wealth as uncertain and fleeing. Proverbs 23:4-5 warns that riches can sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds the wealthy not to be proud or put hope in their uncertain riches. We are to treat wealth as a tool, not our master or source of security. Our lives can be required of us at any time.
Do not hoard possessions
Hoarding wealth and possessions for ourselves alone goes against biblical principles on money. Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 describes the tragedy of those who hoard wealth and lose it all through misfortune – they came into the world with nothing and left with nothing. The love of accumulating possessions can prevent us from generously sharing.
Trust God, not riches
Rather than trusting in our financial assets, we are to trust wholly in God for our provision, joy and security. Psalm 52:7 states that “the rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him.” However, Psalms like 62:10 instruct us that “if riches increase, set not your heart on them.” God is our refuge, not money.
Invest in eternal rewards
Jesus told us to store up treasure in heaven rather than earthly wealth, which can be destroyed by moths and rust (Matthew 6:19-21). When we generously invest in God’s kingdom, the eternal rewards far outweigh any earthly possessions. Mark 10:21 says Jesus looked on the rich young ruler and loved him, inviting him to treasure in heaven.
Wealth is uncertain
The Bible frequently warns that earthly wealth and riches are uncertain and can disappear instantly. James 1:10-11 uses the imagery of the fading flower and scorching heat to describe the fleeting nature of riches. We cannot find security in what is so temporary and unstable. Our trust belongs in eternal things.
Do not envy the wealthy
Psalms like Psalm 73 wrestle with the challenge of seeing the prosperity of the wicked while wondering why the godly suffer. However, we are warned repeatedly in Scripture not to envy those with greater wealth. Fretting over what others have leads to sin and robs us of contentment. We must find satisfaction in Christ alone.
God judges how wealth is used
In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus teaches that God expects us to be wise stewards and investors of the resources He gives us. Those who squander their master’s money are harshly judged. We will give account for how we managed the wealth God has entrusted to us to further His kingdom.
Wealth has the power to deceive
Mark 4:19 describes wealth as “deceitful.” Riches promise what only God can provide – security, identity, peace, purpose. Wealth cannot satisfy our souls. Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and become ensnared by many harmful desires that eventually plunge them into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9).
The love of money leads to evil
Loving money and pursuing wealth above all else causes all kinds of sin. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” People obsessed with getting rich have “wandered away from the faith” and “pierced themselves with many griefs.” We must be on guard against covetousness.
Rich people face great struggles
Wealth cannot protect people from troubles and despair. Jesus declared it is “very difficult” for the rich to enter God’s kingdom (Luke 18:24). Despite their prosperity, wealthy people still experience relationship problems, addictions, emptiness, and misery. True peace and contentment must come from above.
Do not flaunt riches
The ostentatious display of wealth is condemned in Scriptures like Psalm 73:6. Jesus criticized the religious leaders who flaunted their giving for human praise (Matthew 6:2). We are warned against boasting about riches rather than boasting in the Lord who provides every good thing (1 Corinthians 1:31).
God humbles the proud rich
Scripture makes clear that God opposes the proud (James 4:6). He promises to humble those who become arrogant and rely on their riches rather than Him, bringing their pride and self-sufficiency to ruin. Zephaniah 1:18 warns, “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them.”
The blessed poor
While society tends to admire the rich, Jesus pronounces blessings on the poor, meek and needy who rely fully on God. Luke 6:20 says “blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Wealth can be a barrier keeping people from recognizing their dependence on Christ.
Do not oppress the poor
Scripture commands us not to take advantage of or exploit the poor. Zechariah 7:10 says “do no oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor.” When we withhold wages or fail to support the needy, God hears their cries. He defends the cause of those unable to defend themselves.
Generosity is rewarded
While the world promotes accumulating more for ourselves, Christ calls us to radical generosity even in poverty. The widow’s mite was a measly two coins, but worth far more than the riches of the wealthy because she gave sacrificially (Luke 21:1-4). Our giving is an investment in eternity.
Wealth can impede faith
Possessions and prosperity can actually hinder our reliance on God. In the parable of the sower, the deceitfulness of wealth chokes the Word of God in people’s lives (Mark 4:19). When we feel self-sufficient, we are less likely to recognize our need for Christ. Material security makes us spiritually vulnerable.
The futility of wealth
Ecclesiastes paints the pursuit of wealth as “vanity” because it fails to provide lasting meaning. No amount of money can overcome death and the grave (Psalm 49:10). We cannot take earthly wealth with us when our lives are over. Only a right relationship with God endures forever.
In summary, the Bible both celebrates material provision as a gift from God while warning against the dangers of trusting in riches. Money itself is not evil, but the obsessive love of wealth leads to all kinds of sin and rebellion against God. Our hope and security must be rooted in Christ alone, not fleeting earthly possessions. How we obtain and steward the wealth God grants us reflects our spiritual maturity and obedience.