What Does The Bible Say About Wealth?

My dear friend has been blessed with the ability to gain wealth. He is a hard worker and a man of integrity. Everything he touches turns to gold.

He almost whispered to me, asking me if it was okay for me to make so much money. His employer wanted him to get another raise to recognize his hard work and contribution to the company. He considered turning down the offer because it seemed too high for one person. After some discussion, it was clear that his problem wasn’t about making too much money. His problem was the fear of being called greedy for being wealthy.

What Does The Bible Say About Wealth?

The conversation prompted me to study the Scriptures to see what God had to say about the topic. Does God oppose a Christian earning a high salary? Is it wrong for an employer to reward employees for their work? Christians should vow to poverty and make it a point to try to live in poverty. Is God calling us to poverty?

The “poverty gospel,” despite all the harm done over the past decades by the prosperity gospel, the ” poverty gospel ” has also become a sinister force. Some Christians believe that living below the poverty line or deliberately suffering makes them more spiritual. Their asceticism is a badge to honor. They boast about how much they help their families and how hard it makes their lives easier. You can’t brag about not buying shoes when you can or use a verse about wealthy people not getting into heaven as an excuse for not being a good steward. This is not the same thing as being a prosperity preacher.

Many Christians fear the negative stigma associated with being called a prosperity gospel preacher or have turned their backs on money to avoid becoming too concerned about wealth. I’ve met Christians who are scared to pray for physical healing because people may think they’re in the health-and-wealth-gospel fan club. To counter this view, I have two words:

1. We must relentlessly call the prosperity gospel evil. 
2. It is important to keep biblical balance when understanding wealth and health. 

Remember that God is a Father who takes care of the details in our lives (Luke 12:7), which means his Word has a lot to say about our material and physical needs. People are fooled by the prosperity gospel, which mixes some of God’s truth with their poisonous theological concoction. A prosperity gospel preacher can make us fearful about biblical teachings regarding money and healing. All we need is to maintain our biblical balance.

God Uses Money To Test Our Hearts

Money is like no other thing on Earth that tests our hearts. Money brings out the best and worst in us, whether it’s the test of poverty or prosperity. We are afraid to admit that we don’t know enough about money management, which I’m sure you will agree with. It’s more difficult to admit your weaknesses in money management within church circles because we are supposed to be people who know all the answers. Everyone must constantly review biblical principles about money and be a lifelong student in financial stewardship.

 The most important principle of stewardship to remember is God has all. God owns the cattle that live on a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10); he is the owner of all things under heaven (Job 41:11). Psalmist declares that “the earth is the Lord’s, with all it contains, including the world, and those who dwell within it” (Ps. 24:1). The Bible is clear about who has everything. God is the only one who owns everything.

Wealth Is Not Guaranteed For Everyone

The Bible also clearly states that while God is the owner of all things, wealth cannot be guaranteed for everyone. Jesus told his disciples that the poor would always be there for them (John 12.8). His words show that many people will struggle to make ends meet. It is no surprise that Scripture insists on caring for the poor, as they are among society’s most vulnerable. It is possible to assume they don’t have poor wealth because they are lazy. That is a different subject entirely. However, God cares deeply for those in need.

God Gives Us The Power To Obtain Wealth

God gives a chance to acquire wealth, even though it is not guaranteed. Although wealth is not guaranteed on earth, you may think, “Nobody gave it to me; I earned it!” But Moses reminded the children of Israel that God was blessing them solely on His sovereign will. 

17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’

18 “And you shall remember the Lord 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 it is this day.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Moses reminded them that God is the one who has given them the power to make wealth. He is also the One who will confirm the covenant He made with your fathers. John wrote to the wealthy,

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:17-18

What Should We Do With Wealth?

The Bible doesn’t mince words about what wealthy people should do with all their money. It’s prudent and biblical to leave an inheritance for your kids.

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

Proverbs 13:22

It’s also wise to save and work hard for the future.

Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,

Proverbs 6:6

Do you know what the greatest use of wealth is? To promote the gospel and do God’s will. Paul said to Timothy that rich people should do this. He says in a simple passage:

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

There you have it. Wealth is not a sin. It’s okay to have it. It’s okay to have fun with it but don’t place your trust in it. It is a tool for ministry and not materialism.

Make Sure You Store Up Treasures In Heaven

Jesus suggested one of the most effective investment strategies in the universe when he stated that treasure should be stored in heaven so nothing can take it away

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

You can do this by putting your resources into gospel-centered use.

It’s not possible to take it with you. You won’t find a Hearse pulling a U-haul

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