What does the Bible say about the rich man?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that wealth is a dangerous master, calls the rich to humble faith and generous stewardship, and teaches that eternal life comes only through God’s grace in Christ. In Luke 16:19-31, the rich man’s merciless comfort contrasts with Lazarus’s suffering and reveals the judgment awaiting hardened unbelief. Matthew 6:24 declares that no one can serve both God and money, while Matthew 19:16-30 shows that riches may expose a heart’s attachment to this world. Proverbs 21:20 commends wise provision, and Ephesians 4:28 directs believers to work honestly so they may share with those in need. Wealth is a gift to steward, not an identity or savior.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Luke 16:19-31
[19] "Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. [20] A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. [23] In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom. [24] He cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.' [25] "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in like manner, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. [26] Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' [27] "He said, 'I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house; [28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won't also come into this place of torment.' [29] "But Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.' [30] "He said, 'No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' [31] "He said to him, 'If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.'"
- Proverbs 21:20
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swallows it up.
- 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 19:16-30
[16] Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" [17] He said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." [18] He said to him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder.' 'You shall not commit adultery.' 'You shall not steal.' 'You shall not offer false testimony.' [19] 'Honor your father and mother.' And, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" [20] The young man said to him, "All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?" [21] Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." [22] But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions. [23] Jesus said to his disciples, "Most assuredly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." [25] When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" [26] Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." [27] Then Peter answered, "Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?" [28] Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
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