What does the Bible say about wealth?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that wealth is a gift from God to be received with gratitude, used faithfully, and never trusted or loved above him. Deuteronomy 8:18 says God gives power to gain wealth, while Hebrews 13:5 and Matthew 6:24 warn against greed and serving money. Since the love of money leads into many sins, believers are called to contentment and confidence in God’s provision (1 Timothy 6:10; Philippians 4:19). Jesus directs us to lay up treasure in heaven through generosity and devotion to God, for our hearts follow our treasure (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33-34). The rich should be humble, rich in good works, and generous, remembering that all they possess belongs to the Lord.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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."

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 13:22

    A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.

  • 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.

  • Philippians 4:19

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • Proverbs 22:7

    The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

  • 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.

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