Topical Bible: Riches: The Wicked: Trust in the Abundance of

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of riches and wealth is often explored in the context of human behavior and spiritual disposition. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings that highlight the tendency of the wicked to place their trust in the abundance of their riches, rather than in God. This misplaced trust is frequently depicted as a source of moral and spiritual downfall.

Biblical Warnings Against Trusting in Riches

The Bible consistently warns against the folly of trusting in material wealth. In the Psalms, the futility of relying on riches is poignantly expressed: "Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them" (Psalm 62:10). This admonition underscores the transient nature of wealth and the danger of allowing it to become an idol.

The Deceptive Security of Wealth

Proverbs offers wisdom on the deceptive security that riches can provide: "The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale" (Proverbs 18:11). Here, the imagery of a fortified city illustrates the false sense of security that wealth can create. The wicked, in their arrogance, often believe that their riches can protect them from all harm, yet this is a delusion that leads to their ultimate ruin.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Jesus' teachings further illuminate the spiritual peril of trusting in riches. In the Parable of the Rich Fool, found in Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells of a wealthy man who hoards his abundance, planning to enjoy a life of ease. However, God calls him a fool, for his life is demanded of him that very night. This parable starkly illustrates the futility of storing up earthly wealth while neglecting one's relationship with God.

The Rich Young Ruler

The encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) serves as another poignant example. The young man, despite his adherence to the commandments, is unable to part with his great wealth to follow Jesus. His trust in his possessions ultimately prevents him from entering the kingdom of God, highlighting the spiritual hindrance that riches can pose.

The Apostle Paul's Teachings

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of wealth and trust in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 6:17, he instructs Timothy to "command those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" . Paul emphasizes the uncertainty of riches and the importance of placing one's hope in God alone.

The Consequences of Misplaced Trust

The Bible is replete with examples of the consequences faced by those who trust in their wealth. The prophet Ezekiel speaks of the judgment that befalls those who rely on their riches: "They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be treated as a thing unclean. Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD" (Ezekiel 7:19). This passage vividly portrays the ultimate worthlessness of material wealth in the face of divine judgment.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the theme of the wicked trusting in the abundance of their riches serves as a cautionary tale. The Bible consistently teaches that true security and fulfillment are found not in material wealth, but in a right relationship with God. The warnings and examples provided in the biblical text serve to guide believers in maintaining a proper perspective on wealth and to encourage trust in the eternal rather than the temporal.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 52:7
See, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... speech to his soul he asserts his trust that his ... trusting in God, and amassing heavenly
riches, Jesus passes ... which will be inflicted upon the wicked.] 47 And ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

Psalm XXXVII.
... the Lord." "Behold," thou sayest, "I do trust; what am ... question, and hadst said
"Show me the riches of that ... But these things are asked for even by the wicked. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvii.htm

On the Collections, V.
... that day which they [677] purged from wicked superstitions and ... their thriftiness
to be commended, if their riches are of ... in him, and let him not trust in the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon x on the collections.htm

Psalm XLIX.
... to take all nations for all the wicked, but the ... What shall we then make of our riches?"
he continueth ... of their heel shall compass," because they trust in their ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlix.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... is impossible, but not with God."
And they trust, not in ... no more to be attended to than the riches or eminence ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and ...
... those to whom he had entrusted the riches and privileges ... answered and said unto him,
Thou wicked and slothful ... returns were in proportion to the trust, and the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxv conclusion of our lords.htm

The Exile Continued.
... trusting "in the abundance of his riches,""and makes ... when evil men fade: "When the
wicked perish, there ... calm peace and patient waiting in praise and trust: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

First of Conversion
... by us how many of the worldly wicked presumption has ... Truly it is a great sin to trust
in God's mercy ... of which we put some: abundance of riches; flattering of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter i first of conversion.htm

Psalm CXXX.
... The Scripture saith, "When the wicked hath reached the depth of ... we may not suppose
we are to trust in the ... Let not Israel hope for riches as his highest good ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxx.htm

Rom. xv. 8
... For before we heard, the wicked demon was afraid lest ... hear him singing, "Woe to them
that trust in their ... boast themselves in the multitude of their riches," (ib ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxviii rom xv 8.htm