Riches(wealth)
“Wealth, abundance”
Summary
Riches in Scripture are viewed as a blessing from God that can become a snare, requiring wise stewardship and the recognition that true riches are found only in Christ.
☩A Divine Blessing and Trust
Scripture presents riches as a blessing God gives to some for stewardship. Abraham, Job, Solomon, and others were blessed with great wealth while remaining faithful to God. The wisdom literature acknowledges that riches come from the Lord and bring many advantages. Yet this same literature warns that wealth is temporary, uncertain, and must not be trusted.
☩The Dangers of Wealth
Jesus repeatedly warned about the spiritual dangers of riches. The rich young ruler went away sorrowful because he had great possessions, prompting Jesus to say it is harder for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter heaven. In the parable of the sower, riches choke the word and make it unfruitful. The rich fool who stored up treasures for himself was not rich toward God. Paul warned Timothy that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
☩True Riches in Christ
The New Testament redirects attention from earthly wealth to heavenly treasure and the unsearchable riches of Christ. Jesus counseled believers to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Paul speaks of the riches of God's glory, the riches of His grace, and the surpassing riches of Christ Jesus. The church at Smyrna, though materially poor, was rich spiritually; the church at Laodicea, though wealthy, was spiritually wretched and poor.
Related Verses142 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Riches," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Riches," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Riches," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).