Prosperity
/pros-PAIR-ih-tee/
Summary
Prosperity in Scripture encompasses material blessing, spiritual flourishing, and success in one's endeavors, with divine blessing as its true source.
☩Divine Source
The power to get wealth comes from God who remembers His covenant. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Joseph prospered because the Lord was with him. Success comes from meditating on God's law day and night and walking in His ways.
Key verses:Deuteronomy 8:18Proverbs 10:22Genesis 39:2-3Joshua 1:8Psalm 1:1-3
☩Dangers of Prosperity
Scripture warns that prosperity can lead to forgetting God. When Israel ate and was satisfied, their hearts became proud and they forgot the Lord. Agur prayed not to be given riches lest he be full and deny God. The deceitfulness of riches chokes the word. The prosperous are urged to set their hope on God, not uncertain riches.
Key verses:Deuteronomy 8:11-14Proverbs 30:8-9Matthew 13:221 Timothy 6:17
Related Verses28 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Prosperity," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).