What does the Bible say about wanting more?
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The Bible warns that wanting more easily becomes covetousness and discontent, while true riches are found in trusting God and being satisfied with what he provides. Hebrews 13:5 calls believers to be content because the Lord will never leave them, and Philippians 4:11-13 teaches contentment through Christ in every circumstance. Jesus warns in Luke 12:15 that life does not consist in abundance, while Matthew 6:33 directs our desires toward God's kingdom. Ecclesiastes 5:10 and Proverbs 23:4-5 expose wealth's inability to satisfy or endure. First Timothy 6:6-10 commends godliness with contentment and cautions that the love of money leads many into ruin.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Hebrews 13:5
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."
- 1 Timothy 6:6-10
[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out. [8] But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. [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.
- 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."
- Ecclesiastes 5:10
He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.
- Philippians 4:11-13
[11] Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. [12] I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. [13] I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- Matthew 6:33
But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
- 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.
- Proverbs 30:8-9
[8] Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me; [9] Lest I be full, deny you, and say, 'Who is Yahweh?' Or lest I be poor, and steal, And so dishonor the name of my God.
- Proverbs 27:20
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; And a man's eyes are never satisfied.
- Luke 3:14
Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?" He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."
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