What does the Bible say about obtaining wealth?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that wealth may be received as God’s gift and gained through faithful labor, but it must never become the master of the heart. Deuteronomy 8:18 says God gives power to gain wealth, calling us to gratitude and humility rather than self-reliance. Proverbs commends diligence, patience, honesty, and faithfulness, while warning that hastily gained riches fade and that the love of money brings sorrow. Ecclesiastes 5:10 and 1 Timothy 6:9-10 expose the emptiness and danger of craving more. Jesus teaches in Luke 16:13 that no one can serve both God and money. Therefore believers should seek God’s kingdom first, work responsibly, give generously, and rest in the Lord’s blessing rather than riches.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as at this day.
- Proverbs 10:4
He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, But the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
- Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, But he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
- Proverbs 22:4
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh Is wealth, honor, and life.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10
He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.
- Proverbs 10:22
Yahweh's blessing brings wealth, And he adds no trouble to it.
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10
[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. [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.
- Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man is rich with blessings; But one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
- Proverbs 23:4-5
[4] Don't weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. [5] Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.
- Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren't able to serve God and mammon."
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