What does the Bible say
What Does the Bible Say About Wealth?
The Bible does not condemn wealth itself, but it warns repeatedly about its dangers and calls the wealthy to humility, generosity, and trust in God rather than money. Riches are shown to be uncertain and fleeting, unable to secure the soul, so Scripture urges us to be rich in good works and rich toward God.
What Scripture says
Here are real verses on wealth, each in the King James Version, with a word on what it means.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV)
Charge the rich to trust not in uncertain riches but in the living God.
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;1 Timothy 6:18 (KJV)
Let them do good, be rich in good works, ready to distribute and share.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.Proverbs 11:28 (KJV)
He that trusts in riches shall fall, but the righteous shall flourish.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:Matthew 6:19 (KJV)
Lay not up treasures on earth, but treasures in heaven.
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.Ecclesiastes 5:10 (KJV)
He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver.
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:Proverbs 30:8 (KJV)
Give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food convenient for me.
What this means for you today
Wealth is not evil, and Scripture includes many faithful people who had much. The question is what wealth does to the heart: whether it becomes a servant used for good or a master trusted for security.
The Bible calls the well-off to hold money with open hands, to be generous and humble, and to remember that riches cannot buy what matters most. Wealth handled God's way becomes a tool for love.
The deepest answer is Jesus
Jesus, who was rich, became poor for our sakes, that through his poverty we might be made truly rich; he shows that the deepest wealth is found in him.
Every one of these Scriptures points beyond itself to a Person. The deepest answer the Bible gives to any human need is not a rule or a technique but Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven and brought home to God. He said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Whatever you are carrying, you do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to make yourself clean first. You can come to him today, just as you are.
This is the good news the whole Bible is telling. We were made for God, we have all turned from him and gone our own way, and none of us can fix that on our own. But God did not leave us there. Out of love he sent his Son to take our place, bearing our wrong on the cross and rising again to open the way back to the Father. Everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts him is forgiven, given new life, and welcomed as a beloved child of God, held by a love that will never let go. That is why the Bible's answer to every topic on this page finally leads here. You can respond right now, in your own words, simply telling God you need him and asking Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord. He hears the honest prayer of anyone who comes.
Common questions
What does the Bible say about wealth?
The Bible does not condemn wealth itself, but it warns repeatedly about its dangers and calls the wealthy to humility, generosity, and trust in God rather than money. Riches are shown to be uncertain and fleeting, unable to secure the soul, so Scripture urges us to be rich in good works and rich toward God.
What does the Bible say about wealth?
It does not condemn wealth but warns of its dangers, calling the rich to trust God rather than money (1 Timothy 6:17) and to be generous and rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:18).
Is it wrong to be rich as a Christian?
No, Scripture includes faithful people of means. The danger is trusting in riches (Proverbs 11:28) or loving money (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Wealth is meant to be held humbly and used generously.
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