What does the Bible say about material possessions?

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• Matthew 6:19-21

  [19] "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; [21] for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• Luke 12:15

  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."

• Luke 12:33-34

  [33] Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

• 1 Timothy 6:17-19

  [17] Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; [18] that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

• Matthew 16:26

  For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

• 1 Timothy 6:10

  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.

• 1 John 3:17

  But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?

• 1 Timothy 6:9

  But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.

• Matthew 6:24

  "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.

• Matthew 6:33

  But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

Related topics

• possessions
• material things
• earthly possessions
• material wealth