What do the Holy Scriptures say about money?

What does the Bible teach about money? Is it a shame to be rich?

The word "money" is used 140 times in the King James Bible. Synonyms such as gold are cited 417 times by name, while silver is directly referenced 320 times. If we include even more references to wealth in the Bible, we find that God has a lot to say about money.

Money has served many purposes throughout history. It has been used to satisfy people's desires and as a tool to make the lives of countless humans worse. The search for wealth has caused unspeakable suffering and pain through all types of sinful behavior.

Greed is considered by some to be one of the seven "deadly sins" that lead to yet more sins. Money has also been used to alleviate the suffering of others and to extend mercy with hope to those who are missing.

Some people believe that it is a pity for a Christian to have more money than is necessary for the necessities of life. While many believers do not have much wealth, others are quite well off.

God, as the richest Being in existence, is not necessarily against Christians who have more prosperity than is necessary to exist. His concern is how we use money and whether having it in abundance would take us away from him.

Those who were considered wealthy in the Bible include Abraham. He was so rich that he could afford to support 318 highly trained men as his servants and personal military forces (Genesis 14:12 - 14). Job possessed great wealth before numerous trials stripped him of everything. After his trials were over, however, God personally blessed him for having twice the wealth he previously possessed (Job 42:10).

King David acquired a large amount of money over time which, upon his death, passed to his son Solomon (arguably the richest man who ever lived). Many other people in the Bible who enjoyed abundance include Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and Queen Esther who had riches at their disposal.

Interestingly, the Biblical definition of a good man includes reaching sufficient funds to leave a legacy for future generations. Solomon states, "A good man leaves an inheritance to the children of his children, and the wealth of the sinner is destined for the righteous" (Proverbs 13:22).

Perhaps the primary reason for acquiring money is that we can help those in need, such as the poor, who often lack resources due to circumstances beyond their control (Proverbs 19:17, 28:27). When we are generous and give to others, we make God our "partner" and benefit in various ways (3: 9-10, 11:25).

Money, while it can be used as a tool to do good, can also harm us. The Bible reveals that riches can deceive and take us away from God. It can lead us to believe the delusion that possessions will protect us from adversity (Proverbs 10:15, 18:11).

Solomon stated that all our riches will not protect us when anger comes (11: 4). Those who place excessive trust in money will fall (11:28) and their pursuits will be shown as vanity (18:11).

Christians who have been blessed with an abundance of money should use it to do the best in the world. They should also be aware that the Bible states some things, such as a faithful companion (Proverbs 19:14), a good name and reputation (22: 1), and wisdom (16:16) can never be bought at any price.