Several scriptures in the Bible may seem to indicate that having an abundance of material possessions (i.e., wealth) is contrary to biblical teaching.  For example, in Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus Christ declares in a sermon to “multitudes” of people, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . .; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . .”

[Note:  When we quote Scripture in this article, we use the wording in the New King James Version of the Bible, except when noted otherwise or when we are quoting a source that uses a different translation.]

With regard to Matthew 6:19-20, John W. Haley, M.A., on page 280 of his book entitled Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible, says that this scripture “simply forbids our making earthly possessions our ‘treasure,’ our chief goal.”

Matthew 19:21 is another scripture that seems to indicate that being wealthy is not appropriate for people who want to live the type of life that God wants them to live.  In this scripture, Jesus Christ tells a rich young man, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. . . .”

However, the context of this incident indicates that it is likely that the rich young man’s possessions were essentially an idol to him and that as long as he owned an abundance of possessions, they would continue to be more important to him than doing what Jesus Christ wanted him to do.

Furthermore, note that Jesus Christ did not tell the rich young man that if he wanted eternal life, he should sell his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor.  Instead, Jesus told him that, if he wanted to be perfect, that is what he should do.

So, that raises the question as to what is meant by the the word perfectStrong’s Concordance states that the word which is translated as perfect in Matthew 19:21 means “‘complete,’ conveying the idea of goodness without necessary reference to maturity.”  And, Wycliffe Bible Commentary similarly says that the word perfect used in this scripture means “complete” or “mature.”

Also, in reference to Matthew 19:21, Geisler and Howe state on page 502 of their previously-mentioned book,

It should be observed . . . that Jesus’ instructions to “sell what you have and give to the poor” . . . was to a rich young man who had made money his god. . . . There is nothing wrong with possessing riches – there is something wrong with being possessed by riches.

Luke 12:33-34 is a third scripture that seems to discourage the accumulation of material possessions.  In this scripture, Jesus Christ instructs His disciples, “Sell what you have and give alms. . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Haley, on page 280 of his previously-cited book, expresses his belief that Luke 12:33-34 teaches the principle of benevolence (i.e., acts of kindness), but this scripture does not sanction improvidence (i.e., not providing for the future).  Furthermore, Haley emphasizes that Jesus Christ addressed this scripture to only His inner circle of 12 Disciples, so it is not necessary to assume that what Jesus said in this scripture is applicable to all of His closest followers (i.e., all Christians).

A fourth scripture that appears to warn against seeking wealth is 1 Timothy 6:9-10.  This scripture states, “[T]hose who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. . . .”

And, a fifth scripture that may be regarded as adverse to accumulating wealth is 1 Timothy 6:17, which  cautions, “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.”

With regard to these last two scriptures, Geisler and Howe assert on page 502 of their aforementioned book,

Paul does not say that money is evil, but only that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  Seeking riches for their own sake is wrong, but seeking to have something to share with others in need is not.  Thus, while God “gives us richly all things to enjoy,” . . . in the same breath He warns, “not . . . to trust in uncertain riches.”

Haley, on page 253 of his previously-mentioned book, adds the following perspective with regard to the same two scriptures:

Not those who “are rich,” but those who “will [i.e., wish to] be rich,” those who make riches the great object of life, are admonished by the apostle. . . . The excessive love, rather than the mere possession of wealth, is the object of reprimand.  The Bible forbids neither the acquisition nor the possession of wealth, provided we hold it as God’s stewards, and use it for his glory.

Larry Burkett, a writer and lecturer on family financial matters, asserts, “Contrary to what many people believe, God is not against prosperity.  The Scriptures give evidence that one of God’s blessings to those who love and obey Him is prosperity.”  Biblical examples of people whom God blessed with wealth include Abraham, Job, and Salomon.

Furthermore, several scriptures imply that it is appropriate to accumulate material possessions.  Proverbs 21:20 states, “There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise. . . .”  In addition, 1 Chronicles 29:12, which is part of a scripture passage praising God, says, “Both riches and honor come from You. . . ,” which indicates that God enables people to be prosperous.

First Corinthians 9:11 provides a reason as to why God enables some people to have wealth.  The New International Version of the Bible says, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. . . .”  This suggests that God gives some people wealth so they will share it by being liberal in their giving for ministry that is intended to benefit other people.

These last several scriptures indicate that God blesses certain people by enabling them to become wealthy.  Therefore, accumulating wealth is not necessarily contrary to God’s will, especially for people who use their financial resources according to biblical teachings.

Conclusion

There is ample evidence that the Bible does not teach that it is wrong for Christians to accumulate personal wealth.  However, the Bible does teach that people who are especially blessed financially should not allow their wealth to be the highest priority in their life.  Furthermore, the Bible also indicates that people who are blessed with an abundance of wealth should generously share their wealth with others.