Topical Bible: Riches: They Who Possess, should not Hoard Them Up

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The Bible provides extensive guidance on the subject of riches and the responsibilities that accompany wealth. Scripture consistently warns against the dangers of hoarding wealth and encourages believers to use their resources for the glory of God and the benefit of others.

Biblical Warnings Against Hoarding Riches

The Bible cautions against the accumulation of wealth for selfish purposes. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about the futility of storing up earthly treasures: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). This passage underscores the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of focusing on eternal treasures.

James, the brother of Jesus, also issues a stern warning to the rich who hoard their wealth: "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 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" (James 5:1-3). This admonition highlights the spiritual peril of accumulating wealth without regard for God's purposes.

The Purpose of Wealth

The Bible teaches that wealth is a gift from God and should be used to fulfill His purposes. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs Timothy to guide the wealthy in their conduct: "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" . This passage emphasizes the importance of generosity and the use of wealth to perform good works.

Examples of Generosity in Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who used their wealth to serve God and others. In the Old Testament, Job is described as a wealthy man who was also righteous and generous. He declares, "If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless" (Job 31:16-17). Job's life exemplifies the proper use of wealth in caring for those in need.

In the New Testament, the early church is characterized by a spirit of generosity and communal sharing. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "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 reflects the early Christians' commitment to using their resources for the common good.

The Heart Attitude Toward Wealth

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that the attitude of the heart is crucial when it comes to wealth. Jesus warns in Luke 12:15, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" . This warning serves as a reminder that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth but in a relationship with God and in living according to His will.

In summary, the Bible instructs those who possess riches not to hoard them but to use them wisely and generously. Wealth is a tool for advancing God's kingdom and serving others, and believers are called to steward their resources with an eternal perspective.

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

John i. 41, 42
... but desire you not to be nailed to riches; and as ... and wealth, and servants, but wish
them to possess [519] these ... This is why they are called, "things to be used ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xix john i 41.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... and as pledges of his love, we may enjoy all that we possess. ... In using riches where
they ... equally inexcusable are those who lay up what they do not need for any ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 28 upon our lords.htm

On the Collections, V.
... thriftiness to be commended, if their riches are of ... not always free enjoyment of
what they possess, they are not ... into the Kingdom, for the other they shall be ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon x on the collections.htm

Hearts and Treasures
... We all know the uncertainty of riches. ... All outward things which we say we possess
are incompletely possessed, because they remain outside us. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/hearts and treasures.htm

part ii.
... joy, and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their ... right in us and in
all that we possess. ... by frequently storing away small sums as they could spare ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part ii.htm

The Hope of the Universe.
... the poverty of their expectation from the paternal riches. ... consideration from the
other creatures whom they find, equally ... to go into thy vineyard to possess it ...
/.../macdonald/hope of the gospel/the hope of the universe.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... They were figures typifying things still future and were "written ... think of His cross
and count riches to be ... and love what it is Peter's boast not to possess? ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... priest ought to have, but which I do not possess; and, above ... how great the riches
of Thy forbearance! ... then, owing to the dread of famine, they are constrained ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... is eternal, and by knowledge and comprehension to possess God, who is ... If one should
escape the superfluity of riches, and the difficulty they interpose in ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
... boast, pretending to what they do not possess and to ... the message of the Gospel and
enjoy its riches. They are accounted as having fulfilled the Ten Commandments ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twelfth sunday after trinity gospel.htm