The Bible does not condemn wealth itself, but it warns against trusting in riches, loving money, or allowing wealth to lead to pride and selfishness. Being rich is not inherently sinful, but how a person acquires and uses wealth reveals their heart before God.
Paul gives this instruction:
“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. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:17–18)
Wealth becomes a problem when it replaces dependence on God. Jesus warned:
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24)
This does not mean it is impossible, but that wealth can blind a person to their need for God and lead to spiritual complacency.
The love of money, not money itself, is the root of all kinds of evil:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
Jesus taught that no one can serve two masters:
“You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Riches can deceive and choke the Word if a person is consumed by worldly pursuits:
“Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)
However, there were godly men in Scripture who were wealthy and faithful: Abraham, Job, Joseph of Arimathea, and Lydia. Their wealth did not disqualify them from honoring God. What mattered was their faith, generosity, and stewardship.
Christians are stewards, not owners. Everything we have belongs to God and must be used for His glory:
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Wealth should be used to support the poor, fund the spread of the gospel, and meet needs in the church. Hoarding riches or chasing after luxury dishonors the Lord:
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you… You have heaped up treasure in the last days.” (James 5:1, 3)
The issue is not whether Christians may be rich, but whether they live as if Christ is Lord over their wealth. Contentment, humility, and generosity should mark the life of any believer regardless of financial status:
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” (Hebrews 13:5)
