Money and Wealth According to the Bible

Money and wealth are important topics in the Bible, as they play a significant role in everyday life. The Bible addresses how people should view and use their resources, emphasizing that while wealth is not inherently wrong, it comes with responsibilities. Money can be a useful tool when used wisely and generously, but it can also lead to spiritual dangers if it becomes the primary focus of a person’s life. To understand what the Bible says about money and wealth, we need to explore how it teaches us to balance material blessings with spiritual priorities.

The Bible makes it clear that money is not inherently evil. It is simply a tool that can be used for good or for harm, depending on how it is managed. The problem arises when money becomes an idol—something that takes the place of God in a person’s life. 

Money as a Tool, Not a Master

The Bible makes it clear that money is not inherently evil. It is simply a tool that can be used for good or for harm, depending on how it is managed. The problem arises when money becomes an idol—something that takes the place of God in a person’s life. Jesus warned His followers about the dangers of prioritizing wealth over their relationship with God, saying, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24).

In this verse, Jesus is pointing out that money can become a competitor for a person’s devotion. If someone’s primary goal is to accumulate wealth, it can draw them away from God, leading to selfishness, greed, and a focus on materialism. The Bible encourages believers to see money as a tool for serving God and others rather than as an end in itself. When money becomes a master, it controls a person’s thoughts, actions, and decisions, often leading them down a path of spiritual emptiness.

The Love of Money Is the Root of All Kinds of Evil

One of the most famous Bible verses about wealth is found in 1 Timothy 6:10, which says, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." It is important to note that this verse does not say that money itself is evil, but rather that the love of money—an unhealthy attachment to it—can lead to harmful behaviors and attitudes.

When people become obsessed with gaining more wealth, they often fall into greed, dishonesty, and exploitation. The pursuit of money at all costs can lead to broken relationships, unethical decisions, and even legal trouble. The Bible calls believers to guard against this dangerous attitude and to seek contentment instead. In 1 Timothy 6:6-7, Paul writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." The Bible encourages a balanced perspective, reminding us that money is temporary, but our relationship with God is eternal.

God’s Provision and Trusting in Him

The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate provider of all our needs. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus tells His followers, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." In this passage, Jesus reassures believers that they do not need to be anxious about material provisions. God is aware of their needs and is faithful to provide for them.

This teaching emphasizes the importance of trusting God over placing our confidence in wealth. When people chase after money, they often feel that it is the key to security and happiness. However, the Bible reminds us that true security comes from God, not from worldly riches. Trusting in God’s provision means that we are free from the anxiety of constantly striving for more wealth and can instead focus on living according to His will. By seeking His kingdom and righteousness first, believers demonstrate their faith that God will meet their needs in His perfect timing and way.

The Danger of Wealth

While the Bible does not condemn wealth itself, it does provide several warnings about the spiritual dangers that can accompany riches. One of the most sobering examples is found in the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. This man approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. After affirming that he had kept the commandments, Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

The young man, however, was unable to give up his wealth and "went away sad" because "he had great wealth." Jesus then commented to His disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven." This passage illustrates that wealth can create an obstacle to following Jesus wholeheartedly. When people place their trust in material riches, they may find it difficult to surrender their lives fully to God. The rich young ruler valued his possessions more than the call to follow Christ, and this serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who allows wealth to take priority over their spiritual life.

Another warning about wealth comes from the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21. In this parable, a wealthy man stores up large amounts of grain and builds bigger barns to hold all his possessions. However, God calls him a fool, telling him, "This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" The parable concludes with a reminder that storing up earthly treasures is meaningless if a person is not "rich toward God." It warns believers not to place their hope in wealth, as it can vanish in an instant, and material gain cannot secure eternal life.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells His followers, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This teaching urges believers to invest in eternal things rather than earthly riches. By using wealth to serve God and others, Christians store up treasures in heaven—treasures that have eternal value.

The Call to Generosity

The Bible teaches that one of the primary ways to use wealth is through generosity. Rather than accumulating riches for selfish purposes, believers are called to give to those in need and to support the work of God’s kingdom. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Generosity is a reflection of God’s own nature. The Bible portrays God as a loving and generous Father who gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). In the same way, believers are called to mirror that generosity by using their resources to help others. Acts 20:35 quotes Jesus saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," reinforcing the idea that true happiness comes not from hoarding wealth but from sharing it.

Giving to the poor and supporting others is emphasized throughout the Bible. Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done." The Bible encourages believers to see wealth as a means of blessing others, knowing that generosity not only helps those in need but also honors God.

Contentment and Simplicity

In a world that often pushes the idea that "more is better," the Bible teaches the value of contentment and simplicity. Paul, who experienced both poverty and abundance, wrote in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Paul’s words remind believers that true contentment is not based on material circumstances but on trust in Christ.

The Bible calls Christians to live lives marked by simplicity and gratitude. In 1 Timothy 6:8, Paul advises, "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." This verse highlights the importance of being satisfied with having enough rather than constantly striving for more. Contentment allows people to avoid the trap of greed and helps them focus on what truly matters: their relationship with God and others.

Conclusion

The Bible’s teaching on money and wealth is both practical and spiritual. It encourages believers to view money as a tool rather than a master, warning against the love of money and the dangers that come with wealth. At the same time, it teaches that God is the ultimate provider, calling Christians to trust in His provision and to avoid worry over material needs.

Wealth is not condemned in the Bible, but it comes with great responsibility. Christians are called to be generous, to help those in need, and to use their resources for the glory of God. The Bible promotes a life of contentment and simplicity, reminding believers that true satisfaction comes from their relationship with Christ, not from material possessions. Ultimately, the biblical approach to money and wealth is one that prioritizes eternal values over temporary gain, encouraging believers to invest in things that last beyond this life.