Bible Verse About Greed And Money. Scripture frequently discusses greed and money, offering both cautions and guidance. The Bible makes it abundantly evident that money is not inherently bad; rather, spiritual peril results from a love of money and an unrelenting quest for prosperity.
Greed is a mental illness that skews priorities, prioritizing material gain over relationships, God, and morality. The Bible constantly exhorts believers to avoid falling into the trap of greed and to see money as a tool for service rather than self-indulgence, from the teachings of Jesus and the apostles to the prophecies of the Old Testament.
It is simple to get caught up in the idea that more is always better in a world where financial standing is frequently used to gauge success. Scripture, however, teaches us that while material wealth is fleeting, the effects of greed can last a lifetime.
Dissatisfaction, strained relationships, and spiritual destruction can result from pursuing wealth at the price of morality, compassion, and faith in God. The Bible instead exhorts us to be content, generous, and prudent stewards—values that not only shield us against greed but also put us in a position to find true fulfillment and serenity.
These Bible passages regarding money and greed act as a compass and a mirror, showing us the perils of having a materialistic spirit while pointing us in the direction of a life characterized by thankfulness and faith in God’s supply. They push us to consider our motivations and make sure that kingdom ideals, not worldly ambition, guide our financial decisions. I pray that these verses will encourage you to embrace contentment, fight the need to be greedy, and take advantage of every financial opportunity to honor God and help others.
40 Powerful Bible Verse About Greed And Money (2025)
1. Proverbs 28:25
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.”
This proverb contrasts the destructive nature of greed with the peace and blessings that come from trusting in God. Greed fuels discord because it prioritizes self-interest over relationships, while reliance on God cultivates contentment and stability.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
Paul warns Timothy that the unhealthy obsession with wealth can lead people into sin and away from faith. It is not money itself, but the love of it, that corrupts the heart and produces harmful desires.
3. Luke 12:15
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Jesus issues a direct warning that real life is not measured by material wealth. Greed deceives us into thinking possessions equal fulfillment, but true abundance is found in God alone.
4. Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.”
This verse exposes the endless craving of greed—it never satisfies. Contentment cannot be bought, and those who idolize wealth will always be left wanting more.
5. Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”
The writer of Hebrews urges believers to find security in God’s presence rather than in material gain. Contentment grows when we trust that God will never abandon us.
6. Matthew 6:24
“You cannot serve both God and money.”
Jesus draws a clear line between loyalty to God and devotion to wealth. When money becomes a master, it competes with God for our hearts, making true discipleship impossible.
7. Proverbs 15:27
“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”
Greed doesn’t just harm individuals—it impacts families and communities. This verse reminds us that integrity and justice bring life, while dishonest gain destroys.
8. James 5:1-3
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.”
James delivers a sobering warning to those who hoard wealth and exploit others. Earthly riches will decay, but the judgment of God will remain.
9. Psalm 62:10
“Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
Even when wealth grows, God calls us to keep our hearts anchored in Him, not in our possessions. Prosperity should be a tool for good, not an idol.
10. Mark 8:36
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Jesus reminds us that no amount of wealth can redeem a lost soul. Eternal life far outweighs any earthly fortune.
11. Proverbs 1:19
“Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.”
This proverb warns that pursuing dishonest wealth leads to destruction. Sinful gain may seem profitable at first, but it robs life in the end.
12. Colossians 3:5
“Put to death… greed, which is idolatry.”
Paul equates greed with idol worship. When we desire money above all else, we place it in God’s rightful position and corrupt our worship.
13. Proverbs 11:28
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
Trusting in wealth is a fragile foundation, but living in righteousness produces lasting growth and vitality.
14. Ezekiel 22:12
“In you are people who accept bribes… and make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion.”
God rebukes Israel for exploiting others through greed. This verse is a sobering reminder that financial injustice stirs God’s anger.
15. Matthew 19:21
“Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”
Jesus challenges the rich young ruler to release his attachment to wealth and embrace generosity, showing that heavenly treasures surpass earthly ones.
16. Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.”
Solomon warns against exhausting ourselves in pursuit of wealth. Riches can vanish quickly, but wisdom and reliance on God endure.
17. Micah 2:2
“They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them.”
Micah rebukes those who let greed drive them to steal from others. God sees and judges exploitation rooted in covetousness.
18. Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”
Jesus repeats the truth that money competes for our devotion. A heart divided between God and wealth cannot fully serve either.
19. Proverbs 21:26
“All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.”
Greed consumes the selfish, but the righteous live generously. True wealth is found in giving, not in hoarding.
20. Isaiah 56:11
“They are dogs with mighty appetites… they never have enough.”
God uses a strong metaphor to show the insatiable nature of greed—it is never satisfied and always hungers for more.
21. Matthew 13:22
“The deceitfulness of wealth chokes the word, making it unfruitful.”
Jesus warns that love for money can suffocate spiritual growth, preventing God’s Word from bearing fruit in our lives.
22. Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
Quick, unjust gains fade, but honest and steady work builds lasting financial stability.
23. Habakkuk 2:9
“Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain.”
God pronounces judgment on those who secure their future through exploitation and greed.
24. Luke 3:14
“Be content with your pay.”
John the Baptist urges soldiers to avoid greed by rejecting extortion and embracing contentment.
25. Jeremiah 6:13
“From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain.”
Jeremiah laments the widespread corruption of Israel, where greed had infected every level of society.
26. Proverbs 22:16
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth… will only come to poverty.”
Exploiting the vulnerable for profit leads to eventual downfall; God defends the oppressed.
27. Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Jesus calls believers to shift their focus from temporary wealth to eternal rewards.
28. Titus 1:11
“They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.”
Paul warns against false teachers who exploit others financially through deceptive doctrine.
29. Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
Faithfulness brings blessing, while the relentless pursuit of quick wealth invites judgment.
30. Matthew 26:15
“What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?”
Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for thirty silver coins is one of Scripture’s starkest warnings about the corrupting power of greed.
31. 2 Peter 2:3
“In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.”
Peter warns believers to guard against spiritual leaders who use lies for financial gain.
32. Psalm 119:36
“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.”
A prayer asking God to keep the heart focused on His Word rather than on greed.
33. Luke 19:8
“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor.”
Zacchaeus’ repentance is shown through generous giving, proving that a transformed heart abandons greed.
34. Amos 8:4-6
“Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land.”
Amos rebukes those who exploit the vulnerable for financial profit, declaring God’s coming judgment.
35. Philippians 4:11-12
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Paul models contentment, showing that peace and joy are found in Christ, not in financial abundance.
36. Deuteronomy 16:19
“Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise.”
Bribery corrupts justice and leads even the wise into moral compromise.
37. Job 20:15
“He will spit out the riches he swallowed.”
Job warns that ill-gotten wealth will ultimately be lost; greed offers no lasting satisfaction.
38. Psalm 10:3
“The one who is greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.”
Greed alienates the heart from God, replacing worship with self-interest.
39. Romans 13:9
“You shall not covet.”
Paul reinforces God’s command against coveting, a root cause of greed and discontent.
40. Acts 20:33-35
“I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.”
Paul’s example shows that a servant of God should live free from greed, working hard to help the weak and relying on God’s provision.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible’s lessons on money and greed are timeless and incredibly applicable to the modern world. The unrelenting chase of wealth can result in spiritual emptiness, strained relationships, and a lack of everlasting perspective, as God’s Word makes abundantly evident. Scripture encourages us to live a balanced life, where money is handled sensibly, shared liberally, and maintained in its proper place beneath our love to God, rather than allowing greed to rule our choices. We allow ourselves to experience the kind of enduring happiness and tranquility that money cannot purchase when we resist the allure of consumerism.
After all, a relationship with the One who meets all of our needs is where true security and fulfillment can be found, not material accumulation. In a society where greed rules, we represent God’s nature when we make financial decisions that are consistent with biblical principles—choosing contentment over comparison, generosity over selfishness, and faith over fear. By accepting these facts, we not only shield ourselves from the perils of having an excessive love for money, but we also put ourselves in a position to be conduits of blessing, use our resources to glorify God, and contribute significantly to His kingdom.
