Attitudes to money

Money as a gift from God

Deuteronomy 8:18 ESV

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

See also 1 Sa 2:7; 1 Ki 3:13; Pr 8:18–21; 1 Ti 6:17

The dangers of money

Being ruled by money

Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

See also Eph 5:5

Loving money

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

See also Ec 5:10; Lk 8:14; Lk 16:14; 1 Ti 3:3; 1 Ti 3:8; 2 Ti 3:2; Tt 1:7; Heb 13:5; 1 Pe 5:2

Trusting in money

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

See also Dt 8:12–14; Job 31:24; Ps 52:7; Ps 62:10; Pr 11:4; Pr 11:28; Pr 27:24; Is 10:3; Je 48:7; Lk 12:16–21 the parable of the rich fool; Jas 1:11; Jas 5:1–3; Re 18:14

Boasting in money

Psalm 49:5–6 ESV

Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?

See also Je 9:23–24; Ho 12:8; Jas 4:13–16

Examples of those led astray by the love of money

Balaam:

Dt 23:4; 2 Pe 2:15

Jos 7:20–21 Achan; 2 Ki 5:19–27 Gehazi; Mt 19:22–23 the rich young ruler; Mt 26:14–15 Judas Iscariot

Gifts and qualities that are better than money

Redemption

Psalm 49:7–9 ESV

Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.

See also Is 52:3; Mt 16:26; 1 Pe 1:18–19

Wisdom

Proverbs 4:7 ESV

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

See also Ps 49:20; Pr 3:13–16; Pr 8:10–11; Pr 16:16; Pr 17:16; Pr 20:15

A good reputation

Proverbs 22:1 ESV

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

A good wife

Proverbs 31:10 ESV

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Healing

Acts 3:6 ESV

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Spiritual power

Acts 8:19–20 ESV

saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Spiritual riches

Isaiah 55:1 ESV

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

See also Re 3:18