What Does the Bible Say About Money?
Last updated: 2026-04-13
The Bible teaches that while wealth is a stewardship entrusted by God, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Believers are called to practice moderation, faithfulness, and generosity, recognizing that all worldly goods are fleeting and that one cannot serve both God and mammon.
⚠️ The Dangers of Avarice
The Scriptures warn us that our hearts are prone to wander, and the pursuit of wealth can easily become a snare. The Apostle Paul teaches that while godliness with contentment is great gain, the desire to be rich often leads to foolish and hurtful lusts. We must remember that we brought nothing into this world and can carry nothing out. As stated in 1 Timothy 6:10, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which has led many astray from the faith. This serves as a vital reminder that our true security is found not in earthly possessions, but in the gospel of Christ.
Sources: 1 Timothy 6:10
⚖️ Stewardship and Faithfulness
In the Reformed tradition, we understand that we are stewards, not owners, of the resources God places in our care. In the parable of the shrewd manager, Christ calls his disciples to be faithful in the use of 'worldly wealth,' noting that those who are unfaithful with that which is another's will not be entrusted with true riches. The Westminster Larger Catechism Q.141 underscores this, noting that our duties include 'moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods' and 'giving and lending freely, according to our abilities.' We are to seek to further the wealth and outward estate of others alongside our own, laboring in a lawful calling with diligence and frugality, ultimately serving God rather than money as emphasized in Luke 16:13.
Sources: Westminster Larger Catechism Q.141 · Luke 16:13
❤️ The Gospel and Generosity
Ultimately, our attitude toward wealth is a reflection of the gospel. Because we are 'more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, and more accepted and loved in Christ than we ever dared hope,' we are freed from the cycle of greed. We give not to earn favor, but because we have been recipients of infinite grace. Our generosity toward the poor and the support of the ministry—as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2—is a tangible fruit of this grace. As noted in Matthew 25:40, Christ identifies himself with the least of these, meaning our kindness toward our neighbor is an act of worship toward our Savior.
Sources: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 · Matthew 25:40
Financial success is a gift from God to be stewarded with gratitude, not an end in itself or a measure of spiritual worth. Christians are called to use their resources generously for the glory of God and the benefit of others, while guarding their hearts against the idolatry of wealth.
⚖️ A Proper Perspective on Riches
The Scriptures teach that we are not to set our hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who gives us all things to enjoy. Financial success is not inherently sinful, nor is it a sign of divine favor, but rather a stewardship. When we possess wealth, we are charged not to be high-minded, but to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, and willing to communicate, thereby laying up a foundation for the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 reminds us that all we have belongs to the Lord, and our security must remain anchored in Him rather than our bank accounts.
Sources: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
⚠️ The Danger of Contentment and Avarice
The pursuit of wealth for its own sake is a snare that often leads to spiritual ruin. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, leading many to wander away from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows. True gain is found not in accumulation, but in godliness with contentment. This teaches us that the gospel frees us from the anxiety of hoarding, allowing us to find our ultimate satisfaction in Christ—the One who became poor for our sake so that we might become rich in His grace.
Sources: 1 Timothy 6:6-10
❤️ Generosity and the Gospel
Our generosity is an overflow of the gospel. Because we are accepted in Christ, we are liberated from the selfishness that clings to worldly possessions. As noted in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, believers are called to give as God has prospered them. This is not a legalistic requirement to earn favor, but a joyous response to the grace we have already received. We give because Christ gave Himself for us, and in doing so, we participate in the mission of the church—supporting the ministry of the Word and providing for the needs of the poor.
Sources: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
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