Riches and wealth are common themes throughout the Bible. The Bible presents a balanced view of riches—acknowledging that financial blessings can come from God, but also warning against the dangers of loving money too much. While riches can be a tool for good, they can also lead people away from God when they become a priority over Him.
Many biblical figures, such as Abraham, Job, Solomon, and Joseph, were blessed with great wealth, yet their true riches were found in their faith and relationship with God. Jesus Himself warned about the difficulty of a rich person entering the kingdom of heaven, yet He also spoke of using wealth to bless others.
This article explores 20 Bible verses about riches, covering topics such as the dangers of wealth, the proper use of riches, and God’s provision. These verses provide wisdom on how to view money from a biblical perspective and remind us that true wealth is found in a life devoted to God.
1. Matthew 6:19-21
“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.”
Jesus teaches that earthly wealth is temporary and should not be our main focus. Instead, we should prioritize eternal treasures by living a life of faith, love, and obedience to God.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Paul warns against loving money, explaining that it can lead people away from God. Wealth itself is not evil, but when it becomes an obsession, it can cause spiritual downfall.
3. Proverbs 22:1
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
This verse teaches that integrity and a good reputation are more valuable than material wealth. Money comes and goes, but character and respect last.
4. Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”
Jesus warns that a person’s worth is not measured by how much they own. True fulfillment comes from a relationship with God, not material possessions.
5. Proverbs 11:28
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
Trusting in wealth rather than God leads to downfall. However, those who place their trust in God will flourish.
6. Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
Solomon observes that wealth does not bring lasting satisfaction. The pursuit of riches can become a never-ending cycle, leaving people unfulfilled.
7. Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”
True prosperity comes from God’s blessing, not from human striving alone. When God blesses, there is peace and joy that money cannot buy.
8. Matthew 19:24
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Jesus highlights the spiritual challenges that come with wealth. Riches can make it difficult for a person to rely on God fully.
9. Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Contentment is key to a godly life. Trusting in God’s provision brings greater peace than an endless pursuit of wealth.
10. Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
Wealth gained through dishonest means does not last. Hard work and integrity lead to lasting prosperity.
11. Deuteronomy 8:18
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
God is the ultimate source of wealth and success. We should always acknowledge His role in our financial blessings.
12. Psalm 37:16
“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.”
A small amount with righteousness is better than vast wealth gained through wickedness.
13. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Giving back to God is a principle of blessing. When we put God first in our finances, He provides abundantly.
14. Luke 16:11
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
Faithfulness in managing money reflects our ability to handle greater spiritual responsibilities.
15. Mark 8:36
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
No amount of wealth is worth losing our eternal salvation.
16. Proverbs 28:22
“The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.”
Greed and selfishness lead to loss, while generosity brings blessings.
17. Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
God promises blessings to those who give faithfully.
18. Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone.”
Riches are fleeting, and striving for them can lead to exhaustion.
19. 2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
God provides for His people so that they can be generous in good works.
20. Job 42:10
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
God can restore what has been lost, as seen in Job’s life.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches that riches can be a blessing when used wisely and in alignment with God’s will. However, the love of money is dangerous and can lead to spiritual downfall. True riches are found in faith, generosity, and a heart devoted to God.
By prioritizing God over wealth and using our resources to bless others, we align with His purposes and experience true abundance—not just in material wealth, but in spiritual fulfillment.
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