Riches, in the biblical context, refer to material wealth and possessions. The Bible provides extensive guidance on the use and perception of riches, emphasizing that those who possess wealth should devote it to God's service. This principle is rooted in the understanding that all wealth ultimately belongs to God and should be used to further His kingdom and purposes.

Stewardship of Wealth

The concept of stewardship is central to the biblical view of riches. Believers are seen as stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. In 1 Chronicles 29:12, it is stated, "Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all." This verse underscores the belief that wealth is a gift from God, and those who possess it are responsible for using it wisely and for His glory.

Warnings Against the Love of Money

The Bible warns against the dangers of loving money and placing trust in riches. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul writes, "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 warning highlights the spiritual peril of prioritizing wealth over one's relationship with God.

Generosity and Charity

Scripture encourages the wealthy to be generous and to use their resources to help those in need. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse reflects the biblical mandate for charity and the promise of divine reward for those who give generously.

The Example of the Early Church

The early church provides a model for the communal use of wealth. Acts 4:34-35 describes how believers shared their possessions: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice exemplifies the ideal of using riches to support the community and advance the mission of the church.

The Rich Young Ruler

The encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21-22 illustrates the challenge of wealth. Jesus tells the young man, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." The young man's sorrowful departure reveals the difficulty of relinquishing earthly wealth for spiritual gain.

Eternal Perspective

Believers are encouraged to maintain an eternal perspective on wealth. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus advises, "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 emphasizes the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of investing in eternal values.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on riches calls for a balanced approach, recognizing wealth as a tool for serving God and others. By embracing stewardship, generosity, and an eternal perspective, those who possess riches can align their resources with God's purposes and experience the blessings of faithful service.1 Chronicles 29:3
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of my own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 12:42-44
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
... not the lawful use of what we possess; but every ... such intrinsick value in good works,
whereby they that do ... tsrqh good works are the Salt of Riches, that which ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly-riches sect ii.htm

Whether Religious Perfection is Diminished by Possessing Something ...
... is contrary to religious perfection to possess anything in ... be imperfect if it lacked
common riches; whereas those ... according as the poverty they profess burdens ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether religious perfection is diminished.htm

Monitions of Christ to the Apostles in Regard to Prudence in their ...
... earthly goods are not the true riches, which the Christian alone can possess, and
shall possess forever, in greater and greater fulness; they belong to ...
/.../section 182 monitions of christ.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... he could not, with all his riches, his dominion ... They belong to God alone, though
human mouths and ... For, unquestionably, none would possess office and gifts had ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

The Best of Masters
... I know some who possess the world's peace; I would to God that peace ... then shall the
people of God begin to know their riches; then shall they shine forth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the best of masters.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... that all the endowments which we possess are divine ... and honour, intrigue for power,
accumulate riches, and collect ... must follow is this: first, they must not ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... that all the endowments which we possess are divine ... and honour, intrigue for power,
accumulate riches, and collect ... must follow is this: first, they must not ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

The Way.
... would have that as a possession which must possess him. ... he became one of those who
sold all they had, and ... made it heavy: by the gravity of his riches the world ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the way.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... the city is richer in those evil riches"idols"than ... and insatiability of those who
possess supplies ... For they watch their opportunities, and turn the distress ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

part iii.
... sense, you may preach the unsearchable riches of Christ ... as it is; the other to possess
a worth ... becomes parched, and verdure withers; if they descend frequently ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part iii.htm

What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about greed? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about managing your finances? | GotQuestions.org

Riches: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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