Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of trusting God over material wealth? Proverbs 28:25—Where We Begin “A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.” Wisdom’s Consistent Warning—Other Old-Testament Voices • Proverbs 11:28 — “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.” • Proverbs 15:16 — “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.” • Proverbs 23:4-5 — “Do not wear yourself out to get rich… riches surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” • Psalm 62:10 — “If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.” • Psalm 52:7 — “Look at the man who… trusted in the abundance of his wealth.” • Jeremiah 17:5-8 — Trusting flesh is cursed; trusting the LORD is like a tree planted by water. Jesus on Treasure and Trust • Matthew 6:19-21 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Matthew 6:24 — “You cannot serve God and money.” • Luke 12:15 — “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” • Luke 12:32-34 — “Sell your possessions and give to the poor… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Mark 10:23-25 — “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God… It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.” Apostolic Counsel for Every Believer • 1 Timothy 6:6-10 — “Godliness with contentment is great gain… the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 — “Instruct those who are rich… to put their hope in God, who richly provides.” • Hebrews 13:5 — “Keep your lives free from the love of money… ‘Never will I leave you.’” • James 5:1-3 — A stern word to hoarders whose riches will corrode. • Revelation 3:17-18 — “You say, ‘I am rich’… but you do not realize that you are wretched… buy from Me gold refined by fire.” Putting Trust into Practice • Cultivate contentment—celebrate God’s daily provision instead of chasing “more.” • Practice generosity—giving breaks greed’s grip and redirects trust to God’s sufficiency. • Evaluate priorities—regularly ask whether decisions are driven by faith or by fear of material loss. • Anchor identity in Christ—riches can vanish, but His promise “Never will I forsake you” stands forever. |
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