The Bible, while written thousands of years before capitalism as we know it came into being, contains many verses that may be viewed as supportive or questioning of capitalist principles. This summary seeks to explore these varied and fascinating biblical perspectives on capitalism.
What Principles Does Capitalism and the Bible Share?
While the Bible doesn’t reference capitalism directly, themes of individual responsibility, work ethic, and the value of personal freedom resonate with capitalistic ideology. In the parable of the talents, for example, the master rewards the servants who use their abilities to generate profit and scorns the servant who chooses not to out of fear. This could be interpreted as a clear metaphor for value creation, a centerpiece of capitalism. Furthermore, the Bible acknowledges monetary wealth and encourages giving and generosity, which implies that accumulation of resources is not inherently wrong.
Why Do Some Biblical Teachings Challenge Capitalism?
Contrarily, the Bible also presents themes that might appear at odds with certain aspects of capitalism. In numerous verses, the Bible warns against the love of money, greed, and exploitation, which can be seen as criticisms of unchecked capitalism. Wealth inequalities and issues of social justice, often linked to capitalism, are repeatedly addressed in the Bible. The rich are enjoined to be humble and to share their wealth with the poor. This theme adds a caveat to capitalism, stating that while there are rewards to be had, humans must also be aware of their responsibilities to each other.
Where Can We See Capitalism Reflected in Biblical Parables?
The Bible contains many parables that may mirror capitalist ideals when scrutinized. Apart from the previously mentioned parable of the talents, the parable of the workers in the vineyard also echoes some capitalist principles. This parable concerns workers who are hired at different times throughout the day but receive the same wage. However, that wage was initially agreed upon, alluding to the idea of voluntary contract, a vital tenet of capitalism. Despite the grumbles of some workers, the landowner upholds the terms of the agreement, suggesting that contractual agreements, an important aspect of capitalistic commerce, are valued.
Who Does the Bible Propose Should Benefit from Wealth?
The Bible’s view of wealth distribution may seem in contrast to capitalistic tendencies. While capitalism often results in a concentration of wealth, the Bible instructs that the wealthy are stewards of their riches and are charged with sharing with those less fortunate. The wealth held by individuals isn’t viewed as purely personal but communal, with verses highlighting the importance of providing for the poor and the community as a whole. This principle, while not necessarily anti-capitalistic, suggests a balanced approach, where capitalism is mixed with a strong sense of social responsibility.
When Should Capitalist Ideals and Biblical Teachings Be in Balance?
The Bible’s teachings propose a balance that aligns with some proponents of capitalism today, advocating for a system that encourages hard work and innovation but also emphasizes compassion, fairness, and responsibility. Biblical teachings indicate that economic success should not come at the cost of morality, ethics, and social responsibility. Hence, while capitalism is not overtly condemned or praised, a balanced and ethical approach to wealth and commerce is persistently recommended through the verses of the Bible.
Below is our full list of bible verses on capitalism (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Capitalism
Matthew 6:24
“24 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.”
Matthew 19:24
“24 And again I say unto you, 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.”
Related Themes: Money
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”
Proverbs 31:16-18
“16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.”
Related Themes: Investing
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
“18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.”
Matthew 19:23
“23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Related Themes: Money
Amos 8:4-7
“4 Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?6 That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?7 The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”
Related Themes: Idleness Laziness Idleness Work Homelessness
Proverbs 31:9
“9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Related Themes: Justice Judging Others Protests Fairness Speaking Up
Zechariah 11:12
“12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.”
Proverbs 13:4
“4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
Related Themes: Business Laziness Idleness Money Procrastination
Leviticus 23:22
“22 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.”
Related Themes: Strangers Business Reaping Homelessness Reaping What You Sow
1 Corinthians 9:7
“7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?”
Related Themes: Reaping What You Sow Heart Joy
Proverbs 14:23
“23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.”
1 Timothy 6:10
“10 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.”
Matthew 25:15
“15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”
Leviticus 25:35-38
“35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.36 Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.38 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.”
Related Themes: Strangers Homelessness Poverty
Proverbs 28:8
“8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.”
Psalm 128:2
“2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”
Related Themes: Prosperity Business Labor
1 Corinthians 3:8
“8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”
Related Themes: Responsibility Labor
Exodus 16:16-18
“16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.”
Proverbs 6:6-11
“6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”
Colossians 3:23-24
“23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Related Themes: Creativity Business Attitude Laziness Money
Galatians 1:10
“10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Peer Pressure Dating Manipulation Opinions
Proverbs 3:9-10
“9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Ephesians 6:7
“7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:”
Related Themes: Hospitality Excellence Serving God Serving Others
1 Samuel 2:8
“8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.”
Related Themes: Earth Homelessness Serving The Poor Poverty
Proverbs 21:5
“5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.”
Related Themes: Business Money Finances Setting Goals Planning
Leviticus 25:10
“10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.”
Luke 3:11-17
“11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Strangers Sharing Benevolence Serving The Poor
