What Does the Bible Say About Money and Wealth?
What Does the Bible Say About Money and Wealth? The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but 'the love of money is the root of all evil' — believers are called to be faithful stewards, generous givers, and to trust God rather than riches.
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' — believers are called to be faithful stewards, generous givers, and to trust God rather than riches.
The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but 'the love of money is the root of all evil' — believers are called to be faithful stewards, generous givers, and to trust God rather than riches.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Scripture takes a balanced view of wealth. Abraham, Job, and Solomon were wealthy and blessed by God. Deuteronomy 8:18 acknowledges that God gives 'power to get wealth.' Yet Jesus warned, 'Ye cannot serve God and mammon' (Matthew 6:24) and taught that riches make entering God's kingdom extremely difficult (Mark 10:23-25). Paul's famous warning is often misquoted — it is not money but 'the love of money' that 'is the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10). He instructed the wealthy not to be 'highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God' (1 Timothy 6:17). The Bible commends contentment (Philippians 4:11-12, Hebrews 13:5), generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and using wealth to serve others (Luke 16:9). Jesus told the parable of the rich fool who stored up treasures for himself but was 'not rich toward God' (Luke 12:21). The biblical ideal is holding wealth with an open hand — receiving it gratefully and deploying it for eternal purposes.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
What the Bible teaches about God's grace — unmerited favor and undeserved love.
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: 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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What does the Bible say about tithing?
The Old Testament commands giving a tenth (tithe) of one's income to God. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous, and sacrificial giving without specifying a percentage.
What Does the Bible Say About Generosity?
The Bible teaches that generosity reflects God's character, brings blessing to both giver and receiver, and is to be practiced cheerfully and sacrificially.
What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Everything belongs to God, and believers are stewards entrusted with managing His resources — time, money, talents, and the earth itself.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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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 planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Money and Wealth?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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