What does the Bible say about possessions?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that possessions are good gifts from God to be received with gratitude, but they must never rule our hearts or replace our trust in him. Jesus calls us to store treasure in heaven rather than live for earthly wealth, for our hearts follow what we treasure (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34). He warns against greed and defines life as more than abundance (Luke 12:15). Believers, especially the wealthy, are to be generous, ready to share, and rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Love for the world’s possessions competes with love for the Father, while genuine faith opens the hand to brothers and sisters in need (1 John 2:15; 1 John 3:17).
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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 12:33-34
[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.
- 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."
- Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
- 1 John 2:15
Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love isn't in him.
- 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 6:10
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.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
- 1 John 2:16
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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