Topical Bible: Riches: Give Worldly Power

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Topical Encyclopedia

Riches, in the biblical context, often refer to material wealth and possessions that can bestow a certain degree of worldly power and influence. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of riches, their potential to grant authority, and the spiritual implications of possessing wealth.

Worldly Power and Influence

Riches can provide individuals with significant worldly power, enabling them to exert influence over others and their surroundings. This is evident in the account of King Solomon, whose wealth and wisdom brought him great power and renown. In 1 Kings 10:23-24 , it is written, "So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart." Solomon's wealth attracted leaders from all over the world, demonstrating how riches can elevate one's status and authority.

The Allure and Danger of Riches

While riches can grant power, the Bible also warns of their potential dangers. The pursuit of wealth can lead to spiritual peril, as seen in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 19:23-24 , Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." This passage highlights the spiritual challenges that accompany wealth, suggesting that the power it provides can become a stumbling block to spiritual growth and salvation.

Riches and Responsibility

The Bible emphasizes the responsibility that comes with wealth. Those who possess riches are called to use their resources wisely and for the benefit of others. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 , Paul instructs, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." Here, the apostle Paul underscores the importance of generosity and the proper use of wealth as a means to lay a foundation for eternal life.

The Temporary Nature of Riches

The Bible also reminds believers of the transient nature of worldly riches. Proverbs 23:4-5 advises, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle toward the sky." This passage serves as a caution against the relentless pursuit of wealth, emphasizing its fleeting nature and the futility of placing one's trust in material possessions.

Riches and the Heart

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that the true measure of a person is not found in their wealth but in their heart and relationship with God. In Matthew 6:19-21 , Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This teaching encourages believers to focus on spiritual riches and to prioritize their relationship with God over the accumulation of worldly wealth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
... Thoughts upon Worldly-Riches. ... maintenance, that the Scriptures call Riches, as is
plain from Agar's wish, Give me neither poverty, nor riches, feed me ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly-riches sect ii.htm

Who was Nicholas?
... For the Roman emperor Constantine, instead of persecuting the Christians, had begun
to honour them, and to give them worldly power and riches, and the bishops ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter iv who was nicholas.htm

Whether Christ Should have Led a Life of Poverty in this World?
... thou to follow Me for the sake of riches and worldly ... of God's word may be able to
give all their ... they must be wholly free from care of worldly matters: which ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have led.htm

The Source of Power in Prayer.
... the peace and the rest and the blessing Christ can give. ... us His blessings according
to the riches of His ... multitudes just converted, but yet worldly and careless ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/xii the source of power.htm

On Worldly Folly
... Have I now, or have I ever heretofore had, more worldly goods given ... God;" with obeying
that scriptural command, " "My son, give me thy ... All my riches are above ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 119 on worldly folly.htm

Excellency of the Christian Institution.
... sense of his power and omnipotence must give them humiliation ... apostles themselves
any other hopes than of worldly power, preferment, riches and pomp ...
/.../sect vi excellency of the.htm

Temporal Advantages.
... itself, and the natural effects, of these worldly things, without ... food and raiment;
and the wise man says, "Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and His Approaching ... sell their
possessions and give, because their ... and trusting in earthly riches, and the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

A Morning Prayer for the Sabbath-Day.
... of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choketh the ... And give me grace to
behave myself in the ... and from all wandering thoughts, and worldly imaginations ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a morning prayer for the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvi. 9, "Make to Yourselves ...
... distributed whatever they had to the poor; that unencumbered and without any worldly
fetter they ... If they were true riches, they would give thee security. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxiii on the words.htm