Topical Bible: Riches: Liable to be Stolen

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In the biblical context, riches are often portrayed as transient and vulnerable to theft, emphasizing the impermanence of material wealth and the importance of spiritual treasures. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings about the fleeting nature of earthly riches and the potential for them to be stolen or lost.

One of the most direct teachings on this subject comes from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:19-20 , He 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." This passage highlights the vulnerability of earthly possessions to theft and decay, contrasting them with the eternal security of heavenly treasures.

The Old Testament also addresses the precarious nature of riches. Proverbs 23:4-5 advises, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. When you glance at riches, they are gone, for they surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." This proverb underscores the elusive and temporary nature of wealth, suggesting that it can disappear as quickly as it is acquired.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher reflects on the futility of amassing wealth, noting its inability to provide lasting satisfaction or security. Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 states, "There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost in a bad venture, so that when he has a son there is nothing to pass on." Here, the text illustrates how riches can be lost through misfortune or poor decisions, leaving nothing for future generations.

The New Testament further elaborates on the theme of riches being liable to theft through the teachings of the apostles. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , Paul warns, "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. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This passage not only highlights the dangers of desiring wealth but also implies the instability and potential loss associated with it.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue in his epistle. James 5:1-3 admonishes the wealthy, saying, "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. 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." This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate futility and vulnerability of earthly wealth.

Throughout the Bible, the consistent message is that while riches can provide temporary comfort and security, they are ultimately susceptible to theft, loss, and decay. Believers are encouraged to focus on accumulating spiritual wealth, which is imperishable and secure in the kingdom of heaven.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Thessalonians v. 12, 13
... For our body is mortal, and liable to suffer. ... we may have, they say, may have [1046]
our riches as a ... when he gives back only what he has stolen, but often he ...
/.../homily x 1 thessalonians v.htm

The Enchanted Ground
... times when the Christian is most liable to fall ... not afraid of preaching everywhere
the unsearchable riches of Christ ... dost moisten thy lips, may be stolen by the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the enchanted ground.htm

Christ the Only Preservative against a Reprobate Spirit
... of the forbidden fruit, and thereby became liable to that ... not strive to have the
greatness, the riches, the honor ... ye thieves; let him that has stolen, steal no ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only preservative against.htm

Christians, Temples of the Living God
... stands by itself, is most exposed and liable to the ... am persuaded you will not thus
debase the riches of God's ... and the pride of life, insensibly stolen away our ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christians temples of the living.htm

After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ...
... enter: but if thou goest outside, thou art liable to be ... we do?" Do one thing only,
hate riches, and love ... have come, and yet they have not stolen the treasure ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii after eutropius having.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... no fool), "is rather to be chosen than great riches; and loving ... it may be his own
case, how liable he may ... Tis nowise so hard to restore goods stolen or extorted ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... of paganism, the church was liable to be ... and disorder: loculi ransacked, their contents
stolen, their inscriptions ... owe their sad fate to the riches which they ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... their initiation became evidently better, and less liable to fall ... in the midst of
all those riches of goodness ... for Christ does not like to be stolen from often ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

Of Preparation.
... breaches of all thy laws, and therefore liable to thy ... seeing it hath pleased thee,
in the riches of thy ... Here confess if thou hast secretly stolen, or openly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... of some centuries previous, by the riches accumulated in ... to Dungi, which the veteran
Kudurnakhunta had stolen from the ... in this region which is not liable to be ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm