20 Bible Verses About Money And Greed

Money—it’s a topic that can spark excitement, stress, and everything in between. Whether we’re saving for the future, paying off debt, or dreaming of that next big purchase, money plays a significant role in our lives. But here’s the twist: while money itself is neutral, our relationship with it can shape our hearts and actions in profound ways.

The Bible, with its timeless wisdom, offers guidance on how to navigate the often tricky waters of money and greed. It challenges us to reflect on our priorities, reminding us that true wealth isn’t measured by our bank accounts but by the richness of our character and relationships. As we explore these 20 Bible verses about money and greed, let’s open our hearts to the lessons they offer, seeking a life of generosity, contentment, and purpose.

20 Bible Verses About Money And Greed

Verses About The Dangers of Greed
Verses About Contentment
Verses About Generosity
Verses About Trusting God Over Wealth

Greed can lead to a path of destruction and heartache, often blinding individuals to the needs of others and the true purpose of life. The story of King Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard is a stark reminder of how greed can consume and lead to unjust actions. Ahab’s desire for more, despite already having plenty, ultimately led to his downfall. This narrative, among others, highlights the perils of allowing greed to take root in one’s heart.

1 Timothy 6:9–10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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.”

Proverbs 28:22: “The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

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.’”

Proverbs 15:27: “The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”

Finding contentment is about appreciating what you have and recognizing that true fulfillment doesn’t come from material possessions. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often spoke about learning to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or in need. His life, filled with both trials and blessings, serves as a testament to the peace that comes from being satisfied with what one has, rather than constantly striving for more.

Philippians 4:11–12: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.”

1 Timothy 6:6–8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

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.’”

Proverbs 30:8–9: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Generosity is a powerful antidote to the grip of greed. The early church in Acts exemplified this by sharing everything they had, ensuring that no one was in need. Their willingness to give freely and support one another created a strong, unified community. This spirit of giving not only helps others but also enriches the giver, fostering a sense of joy and purpose that material wealth alone cannot provide.

2 Corinthians 9:6–7: “Remember this: 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.”

Proverbs 11:24–25: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Acts 20:35: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

1 John 3:17: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

Relying on wealth can be a shaky foundation, as riches can be fleeting and uncertain. The story of the rich young ruler illustrates the challenge of choosing between earthly possessions and spiritual riches. When faced with the choice, he struggled to let go of his wealth to follow a higher calling. Trusting in God over material wealth encourages a focus on eternal values and a reliance on divine provision, which offers a security that money cannot match.

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.”

Proverbs 11:28: “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

Psalm 62:10: “Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”

Jeremiah 9:23–24: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.”

1 Timothy 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”