Believers’ response to greed

The righteous are not to be greedy

Proverbs 28:6 CSB

Better the poor person who lives with integrity than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.

See also Ex 20:17; Pr 11:28; Pr 22:1; Pr 23:4; Eze 18:8; Eze 18:17; Ro 13:9

The Christian leader is not to be greedy

1 Timothy 3:2–3 CSB

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.

See also Tt 1:7; 1 Pe 5:2

The example of Paul

Acts 20:33 CSB

I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

See also 1 Th 2:5

The antidotes to greed

Greed must be repented of

Lk 3:14 John the Baptist counselling soldiers on how they must express their repentance.

The need to be on guard against greed

Ps 62:10; Lk 12:15

See also Lk 12:16–21

The need to be separate from greed and from the greedy

1 Co 5:11; Col 3:5

See also Job 36:18; Eph 5:3

The need to be content

Hebrews 13:5 CSB

Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.

See also Php 4:11–13; 1 Ti 6:3–10

The need to seek God, not gain

1 Timothy 6:17–18 CSB

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,

See also 1 Ki 3:11–14; Ps 119:14; Je 9:23–24