Definition and Context
In the biblical context, "gain" often refers to the acquisition of wealth, profit, or advantage. It is frequently discussed in terms of material wealth but also encompasses spiritual and moral dimensions. The Bible addresses the concept of gain in both positive and negative lights, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, gain is often associated with wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 3:13-14 states, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold." Here, gain is depicted as the result of pursuing wisdom, which is more valuable than material wealth.

The prophets also address gain, often condemning unjust or dishonest gain. Ezekiel 22:13 says, "Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst." This highlights the moral implications of acquiring wealth through unrighteous means.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, the concept of gain is further explored, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus warns against the pursuit of material wealth at the expense of one's soul. In Mark 8:36 , He asks, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" This rhetorical question underscores the futility of prioritizing earthly gain over eternal salvation.

The Apostle Paul also addresses gain in his epistles. In Philippians 3:7-8 , he writes, "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things." Paul emphasizes that true gain is found in a relationship with Christ, rather than in worldly achievements or possessions.

Moral and Spiritual Implications
The Bible consistently teaches that while material gain is not inherently evil, it should not be the primary focus of a believer's life. The pursuit of wealth must be balanced with a commitment to righteousness and a focus on spiritual growth. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 warns, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."

Conclusion
The biblical perspective on gain encourages believers to seek spiritual wealth and prioritize their relationship with God over the accumulation of material possessions. The teachings of both the Old and New Testaments provide guidance on how to balance the pursuit of gain with a life of faith and righteousness.

Have a Care.
... The world is but an empty show" Have a care! Of true joys a dangerous foe"
Many a snare. Beware" Her greatest gain's oft deepest woe. ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/have a care.htm

Our Forefathers have Handed Down to us the Tradition, That, after ...
... says, and as is related in the Acts of the Apostles, many of the vagabond Jews,
pretending to be apostles of Christ, went about preaching for gain's sake or ...
/.../2 our forefathers have handed.htm

Cliv My Glass is Half Unspent; Forbear T'Arrest
... Cut not my thread, before my thread be spun. The gain's not great I purchase
by this stay; 'What loss sustain'st Thou by so small delay,. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cliv my glass is half.htm

Gain's (1 Occurrence)
...Gain's (1 Occurrence). Titus 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow
whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. ...
/g/gain's.htm - 6k

Gains (19 Occurrences)
... YLT). Proverbs 1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain;
it taketh away the life of the owners thereof. (See NAS). ...
/g/gains.htm - 11k

Upsetting (3 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Titus 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses,
teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. ...
/u/upsetting.htm - 7k

Overthrow (48 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching
things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. (WEB WEY ASV). ...
/o/overthrow.htm - 21k

Gainsaid (1 Occurrence)

/g/gainsaid.htm - 6k

Ruining (2 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching
things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. (See NIV). ...
/r/ruining.htm - 7k

Dishonest (33 Occurrences)
... the overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-pleasing, not easily
angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; (WEB NIV ...
/d/dishonest.htm - 16k

Mouths (86 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching
things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. ...
/m/mouths.htm - 32k

Silenced (19 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Titus 1:11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses,
teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake. ...
/s/silenced.htm - 11k

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