This concept of materialism is most often equated with a strong desire or obsession for wealth, possessions or other physical things. The Bible, across various books and verses, offers deep insights about the dangers of materialistic pursuits, encouraging followers to aspire for spiritual richness instead.
What the Bible Says About Materialism
The Bible speaks candidly about materialism, portraying it as a potential impediment to spiritual growth and devotion to God. This viewpoint is illustrated in numerous verses where wealth and material goods are depicted not as inherently evil but potentially distracting or corrupting. The Bible admonishes against becoming so consumed with the pursuit of physical possessions that one forgets the true purpose of life – serving God and others. It highlights the fleeting nature of material wealth and speaks of the enduring wealth of spiritual fulfillment.
Why the Bible Discourages Materialism
The Bible discourages materialism for several reasons. One rationale is that excessive focus on material wealth can lead to greed, envy, and other negative emotions, which can, in turn, drive a wedge between individuals and their connection with God. It also warns that placing too much value in worldly possessions can lead to a sense of false security, as material wealth is temporary and changeable. The Bible espouses the belief that investing one’s time and resources in spiritual growth and service to others provides lasting contentment and value.
Who Does the Bible Advise to Be Aware of Materialism
The Bible advises everyone to be cognizant of the pitfalls of materialism. It warns that even the most devout followers can fall prey to the worldly allure of wealth and possessions. The Bible underscores the need for continuous vigilance and self-reflection to maintain a focus on spiritual, rather than material, wealth. It emphasizes that this caution against materialism applies not only to the affluent but also to those with limited means, as the obsession with wealth is not tied to the possession of wealth itself.
How the Bible Encourages Spiritual Richness over Material Wealth
As an antidote to materialism, the Bible advocates the attainment of spiritual richness. It counsels followers to seek fulfillment and wealth not in physical possessions, but in their relation with God and in doing good to others. Talking about richness, the Bible implies richness of character, heart, and spirit. It encourages followers to be generous, kind, patient, and forgiving, as these are the virtues that truly enrich, are lasting, and can’t be taken away. The Bible encourages followers to store their treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
When the Bible Recognizes the Need for Material Possessions
While the Bible warns against the obsession with material wealth, it is not against the possession of material things in itself. The Bible recognizes the need for material goods for survival and comfort, acknowledging that these needs are a part of the human experience. However, it counsels us to keep these needs in perspective and not to let them overshadow our spiritual obligations. It advises us to be content with what we have and not to crave for more than we need.
Below is the full list of bible verses on materialism (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Materialism
Hebrews 13:5
“5 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.”
Related Themes: Money Loneliness Finances Complaining Greed
Luke 12:15
“15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
1 John 2:16
“16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
1 Timothy 6:9-10
“9 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.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.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”
Matthew 6:19-21
“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances Coveting
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Luke 12:33-34
“33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Money Homelessness Money Heart
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“17 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;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Related Themes: Money Pride Money Homelessness Hope
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
1 John 2:15-17
“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Related Themes: Lust Pride Money Social Justice
Mark 4:18-19
“18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”
1 Timothy 6:6-10
“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.9 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.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.”
Related Themes: Lust Money Finances Contentment
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.”
Proverbs 11:28
“28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”
Matthew 16:26
“26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Related Themes: Life Lust Success Peer Pressure Vanity
Ecclesiastes 12:13
“13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Related Themes: Life Purpose Life Retribution Health
Proverbs 11:4
“4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Obtaining Wealth Riches
Proverbs 16:16
“16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”
2 Corinthians 4:18
“18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Ecclesiastes 2:11
“11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.”
Related Themes: Vanity
Proverbs 30:8-9
“8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:9 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.”
Ecclesiastes 5:15
“15 As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.”
Related Themes: Greed
1 John 3:17
“17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
Related Themes: Homelessness Selfishness Money Serving The Poor
Proverbs 22:9
“9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Lust Money Finances Serving The Poor
Joshua 7:21
“21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.”
Related Themes: Gold Indulgence Coveting Greed
Matthew 19:21
“21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances
Proverbs 28:22
“22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”
Proverbs 27:20
“20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
Related Themes: Hell
Proverbs 23:5
“5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”
