Topical Bible: Riches: Denunciations Against Those Who: Abuse

◄ Riches: Denunciations Against Those Who: Abuse ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible contains numerous warnings and denunciations against the abuse of riches, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers associated with wealth when it is misused or prioritized above God and righteousness. The Scriptures consistently highlight the perils of greed, exploitation, and the neglect of justice and mercy by those who possess wealth.

Old Testament Warnings

The Old Testament prophets frequently condemned the misuse of riches, particularly when it led to the oppression of the poor and vulnerable. In the book of Amos, the prophet speaks against those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted" (Amos 2:7). Amos further denounces those who "sell the needy for a pair of sandals" (Amos 8:6), illustrating the callousness of those who exploit the impoverished for personal gain.

The prophet Isaiah also addresses the abuse of wealth, declaring woe upon those who "join house to house and field to field until there is no more room" (Isaiah 5:8), highlighting the greed and covetousness that leads to the disenfranchisement of others. Isaiah warns that such actions provoke the anger of the Lord, who will bring judgment upon those who prioritize wealth over justice and righteousness.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ frequently addressed the dangers of wealth and the moral responsibility of the rich. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who hoarded his wealth without regard for God or others, only to face sudden death and divine judgment (Luke 12:16-21). This parable underscores the futility of amassing riches without being "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

The apostle James offers a stern rebuke to those who exploit their wealth, declaring, "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you" (James 5:1). He condemns the rich who have "hoarded wealth in the last days" and have failed to pay fair wages to their laborers, warning that their cries have reached "the ears of the Lord of Hosts" (James 5:4).

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible's denunciations against the abuse of riches serve as a reminder of the moral and spiritual responsibilities that accompany wealth. The Scriptures call for a heart of generosity, justice, and humility, urging the wealthy to use their resources for the benefit of others and the glory of God. The consistent biblical theme is that riches, when abused, can lead to spiritual ruin and divine judgment, while righteous stewardship of wealth can be a means of blessing and service in the kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:1,5
Go to now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come on you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction to Oration ii.
... 2739] and, Mine anger is kindled against the shepherds ... lambs: [2740] adding to the
threat those who rule ... he cannot easily free himself from denunciations, and I ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... the hated Romans, and possess the riches and splendor of ... they gave utterance to hard
denunciations, and pleased ... could in heart rise up against their oppressors ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... does not promise us length of days, riches and honors ... not found in commands or the
denunciations of punishment ... which I have committed unto him against that day ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... and the martyrs, brought down denunciations upon them ... of iniquity (2 Thessalonians
2:7). Against him in ... to the soul: Antichrist seeketh to abuse those rules to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Two Effects of the Gospel
... often prick them, and the stern denunciations of a ... who slanders God's minister, who
speaks against his people ... after week-day, "the unsearchable riches of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the two effects of the.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... have altered, we say, since these denunciations were uttered ... eh h g. Let them that
have riches be as ... Scripture, is furnished by the commandment against swearing ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament
... thunders of Sinai and the denunciations of Elijah ... charge has sometimes been made
against the book ... Everything has proved vanity: riches, pleasure, honor, even ...
/.../chapter vi the permanent significance.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... had in readiness against such prophecies and denunciations of judgment ... When Israel
also had sinned against God, down they ... The love of riches, the love of honours ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... credit, and the taking advantage of the necessities of others, with the abuse of
evil ... 2. It is the duty of those that can to cry out against this deadly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... strong and their weak points, their riches and poverty. ... the alarm, and plants his
engines against 'the eye ... attempt to describe the torments of those who suffer ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm