20 Bible Verses about Greed and Money

The attraction of wealth can frequently eclipse spiritual values in today’s world, so it’s important to look to biblical teachings for direction on money and greed. Scriptures regarding money and greed provide timeless guidance on handling money and keeping one’s heart in line with God’s values.

These scriptures offer a clear viewpoint on striking a balance between financial needs and spiritual integrity by addressing the perils of covetousness and the significance of a generous spirit. These Bible verses can provide significant insights and helpful counsel for leading a life that loves God and emphasizes everlasting values over transient profits, whether you want to grasp the perils of greed or need help building contentment.

People can develop a heart of contentment and a life of purpose by thinking back on these texts and gaining clarity on how to handle their finances in a way that is consistent with biblical principles. Adopting these values can assist us in overcoming the allure of greed and developing a money- and resource-related mindset that is more purposeful and spiritually gratifying.

Key Biblical Emphasis about Greed and Money

The Bible offers deep insights into the nature of greed and financial management, highlighting the significance of upholding a sensible and spiritually-centered strategy. Greed is often portrayed as a serious spiritual threat that pulls people away from a fulfilling life of faith.

Scriptures like 1 Timothy 6:10 warn believers against immoderate cravings for wealth that could result in moral compromise because they show how the love of money can be the source of many evils. Rather, as Philippians 4:11–12 illustrates, the Bible promotes thankfulness and contentment, emphasizing the need to be satisfied under all conditions.

Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:19–21 direct believers to focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly wealth, underscoring the transient nature of material possessions. By adhering to these biblical principles, individuals can navigate their financial lives in a way that honors God and promotes spiritual well-being.

20 Bible Verses about Greed and Money 2024

1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

This verse warns against the dangers of loving money more than one’s faith, suggesting that an excessive desire for wealth can lead to various troubles and moral failures.

Matthew 6:24 (KJV)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Jesus emphasizes that one cannot serve both God and wealth simultaneously, illustrating the need to prioritize spiritual values over material possessions.

Luke 12:15 (KJV)

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

This verse highlights that life’s true value is not determined by material wealth, cautioning against greed and the misconception that possessions define one’s worth.

Proverbs 15:27 (KJV)

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.”

Greed for wealth can cause conflict and disruption within one’s home, while avoiding corrupting influences, like bribes, leads to a more stable and righteous life.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Believers are encouraged to avoid covetousness and be content with what they have, finding assurance in God’s promise to always be present and supportive.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (KJV)

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”

This verse reflects on the futility of pursuing wealth as a means of satisfaction, noting that a love for money does not bring lasting fulfillment.

James 5:1-3 (KJV)

“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.”

This passage condemns the accumulation of wealth through unjust means and warns of the consequences of hoarding riches without regard for justice or righteousness.

Proverbs 28:25 (KJV)

“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.”

Greed and pride lead to conflict, whereas trust in the Lord brings true prosperity and contentment.

1 John 2:16 (KJV)

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

This verse warns against the desires of the world, including greed and materialism, which are contrary to the values of God’s kingdom.

Proverbs 11:28 (KJV)

“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”

Trusting in wealth instead of God leads to downfall, whereas righteousness leads to true and lasting prosperity.

Proverbs 21:20 (KJV)

“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”

This verse contrasts the wisdom of saving and valuing resources with the foolishness of wastefulness, highlighting the importance of prudent financial management.

Luke 16:13 (KJV)

“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Reiterates the impossibility of serving both God and wealth, emphasizing the need to choose where one’s loyalty lies.

Proverbs 23:4-5 (KJV)

“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”

Warns against the futile pursuit of wealth, recognizing that riches are temporary and can vanish as quickly as they come.

Mark 8:36 (KJV)

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

emphasizes that no amount of worldly gain is worth sacrificing one’s soul, highlighting the eternal value of spiritual well-being over material wealth.

Proverbs 30:8-9 (KJV)

“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”

A prayer for balance, requesting neither extreme wealth nor poverty to avoid the pitfalls of both, and to maintain a humble reliance on God.

Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Encourages focusing on eternal, heavenly treasures rather than temporary earthly possessions, guiding where one’s heart and priorities should lie.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (KJV)

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Advises the wealthy to trust in God rather than their riches, and to use their resources for good works and generosity, laying up treasures in heaven.

Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV)

“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”

Reminds that the ability to acquire wealth comes from God, and encourages acknowledging Him as the source of one’s prosperity.

Ecclesiastes 2:26 (KJV)

“For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.”

Highlights that true fulfillment comes from God’s gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and joy, rather than from the accumulation of wealth, which can be ultimately vain.

James 4:3 (KJV)

“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

Warns against asking for wealth with selfish or lustful intentions, emphasizing that prayers should align with God’s will and purposes.