Topical Bible: Riches: Denunciations Against Those Who: Get, Unlawfully

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The Bible contains numerous warnings and denunciations against the acquisition of riches through unlawful means. These admonitions serve as a moral compass, guiding believers to pursue integrity and righteousness over ill-gotten wealth. The Scriptures emphasize that the pursuit of wealth through dishonest or unjust means is not only morally wrong but also spiritually perilous.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the dangers of acquiring wealth through deceit and injustice. Proverbs 13:11 states, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied." This verse highlights the transient nature of wealth gained through dishonest means, contrasting it with the enduring value of wealth earned through diligence and integrity.

Proverbs 21:6 further warns, "Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit." Here, the imagery of a "vanishing mist" underscores the futility and danger of pursuing wealth through deceitful practices.

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets of the Old Testament also spoke out against those who amassed wealth through unlawful means. In Jeremiah 17:11 , the prophet declares, "Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly; in the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be a fool." This vivid metaphor illustrates the ultimate futility and self-deception involved in acquiring wealth unjustly.

Micah 2:1-2 offers a stern rebuke: "Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because it is in their power to do so. They covet fields and seize them; they take houses and deprive others of them. They oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance." The prophet condemns those who exploit their power to unjustly seize property and wealth, highlighting the social injustice and moral corruption involved.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue this theme, emphasizing the spiritual dangers of wealth obtained through unrighteous means. In Luke 16:10-11 , Jesus teaches, "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. If, then, you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?" This passage underscores the importance of honesty and faithfulness in all financial dealings, suggesting that spiritual trustworthiness is linked to how one handles material wealth.

James 5:1-6 offers a powerful denunciation of the rich who exploit others: "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." James condemns the wealthy who have gained their riches through exploitation and injustice, warning of divine judgment.

Conclusion

The biblical denunciations against acquiring wealth unlawfully serve as a timeless reminder of the moral and spiritual perils associated with dishonest gain. The Scriptures consistently call believers to pursue righteousness, justice, and integrity in all their dealings, emphasizing that true riches are found not in material wealth but in a life lived in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 17:11
As the partridge sits on eggs, and hatches them not; so he that gets riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the middle of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction to Oration ii.
... that he cannot easily free himself from denunciations, and I ... would that I were one
of those who contend and ... devise against each other, they turn against us all ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... would be glad of such help; yea, a spiritual man, could he tell how to get it (Acts
23). ... 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