What does the Bible say about greed?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that greed is a sinful, restless desire for wealth or possessions that displaces trust in God and love for neighbor. Jesus commands us to guard against all covetousness, because life does not consist in what we own (Luke 12:15), and He teaches that no one can serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). The love of money leads into temptation and many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:9-10), while contentment rests in God’s faithful presence and provision (Hebrews 13:5). Proverbs contrasts greedy gain, which brings trouble, with generous giving, which reflects wisdom and brings blessing (Proverbs 15:27; 11:24). Believers are therefore called to seek God’s kingdom, practice generosity, and find lasting satisfaction in Christ rather than earthly abundance.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 6:10 5 votes
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
- Luke 12:15 4 votes
He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.”
- Proverbs 28:25 4 votes
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
- 1 Timothy 6:9 4 votes
But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
- Hebrews 13:5 3 votes
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”
- Proverbs 15:27 3 votes
He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
- Matthew 6:24 3 votes
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10 2 votes
He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.
- Proverbs 11:24 2 votes
There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
- 1 John 2:16 2 votes
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.
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