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    What Does the Bible Say About Money?

    What Does the Bible Say About Money? The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil, and believers must be wise stewards of their finances.

    Key verse: 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

    The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil, and believers must be wise stewards of their finances.

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    The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil, and believers must be wise stewards of their finances.

    "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." — 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Money is mentioned over 2,000 times in the Bible—more than faith and prayer combined. Jesus taught extensively about wealth, warning that 'ye cannot serve God and mammon' (Matthew 6:24). Paul clarified that 'the love of money is the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10)—not money itself but making it an idol. Biblical financial principles include: hard work (Proverbs 10:4), avoiding debt (Proverbs 22:7), saving (Proverbs 21:20), generous giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), contentment (Hebrews 13:5), and trusting God as provider (Matthew 6:31-33). The wealthy are not condemned for their wealth but warned against trusting in it (1 Timothy 6:17). Jesus commended the poor widow's offering (Mark 12:41-44) because generosity is measured by sacrifice, not amount.

    Topic Overview

    What Does the Bible Say About Money?

    Discover what the Bible teaches about money, wealth, generosity, and the proper attitude toward possessions.

    Key Scripture References

    "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."
    "No man can serve two masters... Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
    "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."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Related Questions

    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside 1 Timothy. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read 1 Timothy on day 344 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Money?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Money is mentioned over 2,000 times in the Bible—more than faith and prayer combined. Jesus taught extensively about wealth, warning that 'ye cannot serve God and mammon' (Matthew 6:24). Paul clarified that 'the love of money is the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10)—not money itself but making it an idol. Biblical financial principles include: hard work (Proverbs 10:4), avoiding debt (Proverbs 22:7), saving (Proverbs 21:20), generous giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), contentment (Hebrews 13:5), and trusting God as provider (Matthew 6:31-33). The wealthy are not condemned for their wealth but warned against trusting in it (1 Timothy 6:17). Jesus commended the poor widow's offering (Mark 12:41-44) because generosity is measured by sacrifice, not amount.

    The Old Testament established the tithe (10% of income) as God's standard for giving, while the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and proportional giving.

    The Bible teaches that generous giving reflects God's character, should be done cheerfully and sacrificially, and results in both spiritual and material blessing.