Other texts: soul vs. wealth?
Which other scriptures emphasize the value of the soul over material wealth?

The Weight of One Soul

Luke 9:25 — “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits his very self?”


Echoes in the Gospels

Matthew 16:26 — “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”

Mark 8:36 – 37 — “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Matthew 6:19 – 21

– “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.”

– “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Luke 12:15 — “Watch out! Be on guard against all greed; life does not consist in possessions.”

Luke 12:20 — “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you.”


Wisdom from the Old Testament

Proverbs 11:4 — “Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

Proverbs 13:7 — “One pretends to be rich yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor yet has great wealth.”

Psalm 49:7 – 8

– “No man can redeem another or give God a ransom for him.”

– “The ransom for a life is costly; no payment is ever enough.”

Proverbs 23:4 – 5 — “Do not wear yourself out to get rich… riches disappear in a moment like an eagle flying away.”


Counsel from the Epistles

1 Timothy 6:6 – 7 — “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world.”

1 Timothy 6:9 – 10 — “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation… the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

James 5:2 – 3 — “Your wealth has rotted… Your gold and silver are corroded.”

Revelation 3:17 – 18 — “You say, ‘I am rich,’ yet you do not realize you are wretched… Buy from Me gold refined by fire.”


Pulling It Together

– Across Scripture, the soul’s eternal worth dwarfs every earthly possession.

– Material wealth is fleeting; righteousness and relationship with Christ last forever.

– True profit is measured in godliness, not in gain; in eternal life, not in earthly luxury.

How can we avoid losing our soul while pursuing worldly success?
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