Wealth and Prosperity

A Balanced Christian View on Money, Blessings, and Stewardship

"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)

Few topics spark more debate in Christian circles than the relationship between faith and finances. On one extreme, prosperity preachers promise that God wants every believer to be wealthy, that poverty indicates lack of faith, and that Christianity should produce financial abundance. On the opposite extreme, some teach that money is inherently evil, that poverty is more spiritual than wealth, and that godly Christians should embrace financial struggle as a mark of holiness.

Neither extreme aligns with biblical teaching. The prosperity gospel makes wealth an idol and God a means to material gain. The poverty gospel despises God's blessings and wrongly equates holiness with financial lack. Scripture presents a more nuanced, balanced perspective: money is neither good nor evil in itself, but rather a tool that can serve righteousness or fuel wickedness depending on our heart attitude and stewardship.

First Timothy 6:17 provides crucial guidance: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." Notice God doesn't condemn wealth, but He does warn against pride and misplaced trust. The Bible contains over 2,000 verses about money and possessions—more than about heaven and hell combined—indicating that God considers our financial attitudes and practices deeply significant. Let us explore what Scripture truly teaches about wealth, prosperity, and the Christian's relationship with material blessings.

Biblical Principles: God's Perspective on Wealth

God Owns Everything

The foundational truth about wealth is that none of it truly belongs to us. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." Haggai 2:8 adds, "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts." First Chronicles 29:11-12 proclaims, "Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine... Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all." We are not owners but stewards of what God entrusts to us.

This ownership principle changes everything. When you recognize that your income, possessions, and opportunities all belong to God, you hold them with an open hand rather than a clenched fist. You view yourself as a manager accountable to the Master rather than an autonomous owner free to do as you please. Luke 16:10-11 teaches, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?"

Wealth can indeed be a blessing from God. Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, "But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth." Scripture presents numerous examples of godly individuals whom God blessed with material abundance—Abraham, Job, Joseph, David, Solomon, and Boaz, to name just a few. These men remained faithful to God while enjoying substantial wealth, demonstrating that riches and righteousness are not mutually exclusive.

The Prosperity Gospel: A Dangerous Distortion

❌ Why Prosperity Theology Contradicts Scripture

The prosperity gospel—also called the health-and-wealth gospel—teaches that God wants all believers to be financially successful, physically healthy, and materially blessed, and that faith (often combined with financial giving) can be leveraged to obtain these blessings. This teaching perverts the gospel in several critical ways.

It Makes God a Means to an End: Prosperity theology treats God as a cosmic vending machine—insert faith and money, receive blessings. But God is not a means to wealth; He is the goal, the treasure, the ultimate satisfaction. Philippians 3:8 expresses Paul's attitude: "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." God Himself, not His gifts, should be our greatest desire.

It Ignores Biblical Examples of Godly Suffering: Job lost everything yet remained faithful. Paul was often hungry, cold, and in need (2 Corinthians 11:27). Jesus Himself said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). Hebrews 11 catalogues the faith-filled saints who were tortured, mocked, imprisoned, stoned, and killed—"of whom the world was not worthy" (verse 38). Many of God's most faithful servants have suffered poverty, persecution, and material lack.

It Produces Guilt and False Hope: When prosperity doesn't materialize, followers of this teaching blame their lack of faith rather than recognizing that God's plans are higher than our desires for comfort. Second Corinthians 12:9 records God's response to Paul's prayer for relief: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Sometimes God's greatest work happens not through abundance but through need, not through comfort but through trial.

Jesus consistently warned against the dangers of wealth and the pursuit of material gain. Matthew 6:19-21 instructs, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:15 warns, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Furthermore, Jesus taught that wealth poses spiritual dangers. Mark 10:25 declares, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." This doesn't mean salvation is impossible for the wealthy, but it acknowledges that riches often create false security, pride, and distraction from spiritual matters. First Timothy 6:9 warns, "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." The desire to be rich—not wealth itself—is condemned.

The Poverty Gospel: Another Extreme

While the prosperity gospel is more commonly preached, some Christians embrace the opposite error: believing that poverty is inherently more spiritual than wealth, that having money disqualifies someone from true godliness, or that Christians should actively pursue financial lack as a mark of holiness. This view also contradicts Scripture.

Why Poverty Theology Fails Biblical Testing

First, it despises God's blessings. When God blesses someone with wealth and they steward it faithfully, who are we to condemn what God has given? Abraham was "very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (Genesis 13:2). Solomon's wealth was legendary, given by God in response to his request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:13). Proverbs 10:4 teaches, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." Diligence and prosperity are often connected in Scripture. Second, it ignores the good that wealth can accomplish. Wealthy believers can fund gospel ministry, support missionaries, help the poor, establish Christian institutions, and advance God's kingdom in ways that those without resources cannot. Third, it creates unnecessary guilt among Christians who experience financial blessing, causing them to feel spiritually inferior rather than grateful stewards.

The Bible never condemns wealth itself or commands believers to embrace poverty. What it does condemn is the love of money, trust in riches, greed, and the prideful attitude that often accompanies wealth. Proverbs 30:8-9 offers a balanced prayer: "Remove far from me vanity and lies: 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." Both extreme poverty and extreme wealth pose spiritual dangers—poverty can tempt toward desperation and theft, while wealth can breed self-sufficiency and forgetfulness of God.

God calls different believers to different economic circumstances for His purposes. Some He calls to wealth so they can be generous givers and kingdom funders. Others He calls to simplicity so they can minister in places or ways that wealth would hinder. What matters is not the amount you have but your heart attitude toward what God has given you. Hebrews 13:5 commands, "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."

Biblical Examples: Wealth Across the Spectrum

📖 Godly People With Varying Financial Situations

Wealthy Saints Who Pleased God: Abraham was immensely wealthy yet was called "the Friend of God" (James 2:23). Job was the greatest man in the East before his trials and was blessed with even greater wealth after (Job 1:3; 42:12). David accumulated vast treasures for the temple (1 Chronicles 29:3-5). Solomon's wealth was unparalleled (1 Kings 10:23). Joseph of Arimathea was "a rich man" who used his resources to honor Jesus (Matthew 27:57-60). Lydia was "a seller of purple" (an expensive cloth), making her wealthy, yet she faithfully served the early church (Acts 16:14-15). These individuals remained faithful to God despite—and sometimes because of—their wealth.

Simple Believers Who Pleased God: Jesus lived without a permanent home (Matthew 8:20). John the Baptist wore rough clothing and ate simple food (Matthew 3:4). The widow who gave two mites was praised by Jesus for her sacrificial generosity (Mark 12:41-44). The apostles left their occupations to follow Jesus, living by faith (Matthew 4:20-22). Paul often labored with his hands to support himself and experienced both plenty and need (Philippians 4:11-12). Mary and Martha served God faithfully with modest means. These believers demonstrated that material simplicity does not hinder spiritual richness.

The key principle is this: what matters is not the amount of wealth you possess but your relationship with that wealth. Do you own your possessions, or do they own you? Are you generous with what you have? Do you trust in God or in your bank account? Are you content in all circumstances? Can you lose everything and still say with Job, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21)?

True Biblical Prosperity: Beyond Material Wealth

Scripture presents a multidimensional view of prosperity that extends far beyond bank accounts and possessions. Third John 1:2 offers a holistic prayer: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Notice the priority: the soul's prosperity comes first, with physical and material prosperity following.

💎 The Five Dimensions of Biblical Prosperity

1. Spiritual Prosperity: Growing in faith, love, joy, peace, and intimacy with God. Psalm 1:2-3 describes the blessed man who meditates on God's law: "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Ephesians 1:3 declares we are "blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This spiritual wealth is eternal, incorruptible, and more valuable than all earthly riches.

2. Relational Prosperity: Healthy relationships with family, friends, and the community of faith. Proverbs 15:17 teaches, "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Psalm 133:1 celebrates unity: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" No amount of money can compensate for broken relationships, loneliness, or family dysfunction.

3. Physical Prosperity: Good health, adequate provision for needs, and strength to serve God and others. While not all sickness indicates sin and not all health indicates righteousness, God does care about our physical well-being. Third John 1:2 prays for health alongside spiritual prosperity. Proverbs 3:7-8 promises, "Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."

4. Purpose Prosperity: Understanding and fulfilling God's calling on your life. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." When you're walking in your God-given purpose, you experience a satisfaction and fulfillment that transcends material circumstances. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

5. Material Prosperity: Having sufficient resources to meet needs and be generous to others. Philippians 4:19 promises, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Notice it says "need," not "greed." First Timothy 6:8 teaches contentment: "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." Material prosperity in Scripture means having enough to provide for your family, help others, and support God's work—not necessarily having abundance, luxury, or wealth.

Biblical Principles for Handling Money

Whether you have little or much, these biblical principles should govern your financial decisions and attitudes. They provide a framework for honoring God with your resources while avoiding both the prosperity gospel and the poverty gospel.

💡 Eight Financial Principles From Scripture

Give Generously: Second Corinthians 9:7 teaches, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." Proverbs 11:24-25 promises, "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

Work Diligently: Second Thessalonians 3:10 declares, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Proverbs 12:24 promises, "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute." Colossians 3:23 instructs, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

Save Wisely: Proverbs 21:20 teaches, "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." Proverbs 6:6-8 points to the ant as an example: "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

Avoid Debt: Proverbs 22:7 warns, "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Romans 13:8 instructs, "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another." While not all debt is sin, Scripture consistently warns against it and encourages financial freedom.

Practice Contentment: First Timothy 6:6 declares, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." Philippians 4:11-12 expresses Paul's secret: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound."

Trust God's Provision: Matthew 6:31-33 commands, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Maintain Integrity: Proverbs 11:1 declares, "A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight." Proverbs 28:8 warns, "He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor." How you make money matters as much as how much you make.

Store Treasures in Heaven: Matthew 6:20 instructs, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." First Timothy 6:18-19 commands the rich to "do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

The Dangers of Wealth and the Grace to Navigate Them

While wealth itself is not sinful, Scripture repeatedly warns of specific spiritual dangers that accompany financial prosperity. These dangers are real, documented throughout history, and require intentional vigilance and dependence on God's grace to overcome.

⚠️ Five Spiritual Dangers of Wealth

Pride and Self-Sufficiency: Deuteronomy 8:11-14 warns, "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments... lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein... then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God." Wealth whispers the lie that you're self-made, that you don't need God, that your intelligence and hard work created your success.

False Security: Luke 12:19-20 records the rich fool who said, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee." Money provides temporary, illusory security that can vanish overnight through economic collapse, health crisis, or death.

Distraction From God: Matthew 13:22 describes how "the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." Wealth demands attention, energy, and time—resources that could be devoted to prayer, Scripture, ministry, and relationships.

Increased Temptation to Greed: Ecclesiastes 5:10 observes, "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase." Wealth rarely satisfies; instead, it often increases the appetite for more. What was once a luxury becomes a necessity, and the cycle continues.

Hardness Toward the Poor: Wealth can insulate you from others' needs, reducing compassion and willingness to help. Proverbs 18:23 notes, "The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly." When you've never experienced need, it's easy to judge those who have and to withhold the generosity God commands.

The good news is that God's grace is sufficient to navigate these dangers. First Timothy 6:17-19 provides clear instructions for wealthy believers: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." Notice the balance—enjoy God's gifts while remaining humble, generous, and eternally focused.

Heart Examination: Questions for Self-Assessment

Regular self-examination helps ensure your heart remains right toward money regardless of your financial situation. Jesus warned in Luke 16:13, "No servant 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." Use these questions to assess whether you're serving God or money:

🔍 Ten Heart-Revealing Questions

1. Do I trust in God or in my bank account for security and peace?

2. Am I generous with what I have, regardless of the amount, or do I hoard and grasp?

3. Do I feel anxious, worried, or fearful when my financial situation changes?

4. Am I content with what God has provided, or am I constantly wanting more?

5. Do I use my resources primarily for my comfort or for advancing God's kingdom?

6. Am I willing to give sacrificially when God calls me to, or do I give only from surplus?

7. Do I work honestly, treat employees/employers fairly, and maintain integrity in business?

8. Am I teaching my children biblical principles about money, work, and generosity?

9. Do I look down on those who have less or envy those who have more?

10. Can I honestly say my greatest treasure is Christ, not my possessions?

If these questions reveal areas of concern, repent and ask God to transform your heart. Psalm 139:23-24 provides the prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." God is more interested in your heart than your net worth, more concerned with your character than your portfolio.

🙏 A Prayer for Right Relationship With Money

"Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that everything I have belongs to You—my income, my possessions, my opportunities, and my very life. Forgive me for times I've trusted in riches rather than in You, for greed, for worry, for stinginess, and for using Your gifts primarily for my own comfort. Help me to be content in all circumstances, whether in plenty or in want, knowing that You are my true treasure and greatest satisfaction. Give me wisdom to steward faithfully whatever You entrust to me—much or little. Make me generous, willing to share, quick to give, and eager to use my resources for Your kingdom purposes. Protect my heart from the love of money, from pride, from false security, and from greed. Whether You bless me with abundance or call me to simplicity, help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, storing up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust corrupts. I trust Your provision, Your timing, and Your perfect plan for my financial journey. In Jesus' name, Amen."

The balanced biblical view of wealth avoids both extremes—neither chasing riches as the prosperity gospel teaches nor despising them as the poverty gospel suggests. Instead, it recognizes God as owner, you as steward, and heaven as your ultimate treasure.

Wealth and Prosperity: A Balanced Christian View