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. |