Topical Bible: Riches: They Who Possess, should not Glory in Them

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The Bible provides extensive guidance on the subject of riches, emphasizing that those who possess wealth should not glory in it. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, cautioning believers against the dangers of pride and misplaced trust in material wealth.

Biblical Warnings Against Trusting in Riches

Jeremiah 9:23-24 offers a direct admonition: "This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,' declares the LORD." Here, the prophet Jeremiah underscores that true glory and boasting should be in knowing and understanding God, rather than in one's material possessions.

Similarly, Proverbs 11:28 warns, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This proverb highlights the transient nature of wealth and the enduring value of righteousness. Trusting in riches is portrayed as a path to downfall, while righteousness leads to flourishing.

The Teachings of Jesus on Wealth

Jesus Christ addressed the issue of wealth and its potential to lead individuals away from God. In Matthew 6:19-21 , 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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over earthly riches, as the latter are vulnerable to decay and theft.

In the parable of the rich fool, found in Luke 12:16-21 , Jesus tells of a wealthy man who hoarded his abundance, only to lose his life that very night. The parable concludes with a stark reminder: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God." The narrative illustrates the futility of amassing wealth without regard for one's spiritual state and relationship with God.

Apostolic Teachings on Wealth

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of wealth in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 , he advises, "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 deeds, 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." Paul encourages the wealthy to place their hope in God rather than in uncertain riches and to use their resources for good works and generosity.

The Dangers of Pride and Self-Sufficiency

The Bible consistently warns against the pride and self-sufficiency that often accompany wealth. In Revelation 3:17 , the church in Laodicea is rebuked for its complacency: "You say, 'I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked." This passage serves as a sobering reminder that material wealth can blind individuals to their spiritual poverty and need for God.

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is clear: while wealth itself is not inherently evil, it poses significant spiritual risks. Believers are called to maintain a humble and generous spirit, recognizing that true riches are found in a relationship with God and in the pursuit of righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 9:23
Thus said the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

By what virtues the Ancient Romans Merited that the True God ...
... body and mind in coveting and amassing riches, and through ... they desired honor, and
strove to possess it by ... honor, and power, therefore, which they desired for ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 12 by what virtues the.htm

The Communion of Gifts.
... Him want and misery make place for riches and abundance. ... especially adapted to himself,
yet all possess the one ... in the gracious operation of which they are the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the communion of gifts.htm

Heaven.
The Riches of Bunyan. ... and soul are thus united, who can imagine what glory they both
possess? ... the soul quite the contrary; but there in heaven they shall have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvii heaven.htm

How Far Christians Ought to be from Boasting, if they have done ...
... censor, because he was discovered to possess ten pounds ... who make common property
of their riches with a ... they should not vaunt themselves, because they do that ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 18 how far christians ought.htm

Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
... He that loveth treasure shall there possess it, and ... Christians, then, prefer the
eternal riches of heaven, so greatly renowned (which they shall enjoy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/4 of the effects of.htm

How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
... up; that both those may learn that they possess riches which they ... they can by no
means keep the riches that they ... this world are taken to task, they are first ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter ii how the poor.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... much eagerness after fleeting and fading riches, or rest in those which they already
possess, he reduces ... he is indulgent to them, lest they should either swell ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iv of meditating on.htm

How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own ...
... who already distribute compassionately what they possess are to ... remain long among
their acquired riches; from whom ... all at once nor suddenly, they have gathered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xx how to be.htm

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived. ...
... Me, and accounting what little ability they possess as of ... birds by the riverside,
and they have fallen ... best possible use gather for yourself spiritual riches. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii 1 love is.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... much eagerness after fleeting and fading riches, or rest in those which they already
possess, he reduces ... he is indulgent to them, lest they should either swell ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of meditating on.htm