Managing our finances can be a tricky thing and it can often feel like there’s just not enough money to go around. But did you know that the Bible has plenty of wise counsel about money and wealth? What may surprise you is some of the statements made by Jesus and other various Biblical figures about money, possessions, and our attitudes towards them. Let’s take a closer look at how God views money and wealth.
What is the origin of all evil?
Since the verse is frequently misquoted, it is false that money is the root of all evil. The love of money, according to 1 Timothy 6:10, is the root of all evil. Due to this desire, some have abandoned the faith and inflicted numerous wounds upon themselves. ” Money lust is the root of all evil, but not all evil.” God does not oppose wealth, but the pursuit of wealth and the love of it are the root of all evil. Satan is the true source of all evil. Paul does state that “through this craving [for money] some have wandered away from the faith” and then “pierced themselves with many pangs” because, upon acquiring wealth, they realize it does not bring happiness.
God Does Not Oppose Prosperity
Jesus once remarked, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). When his disciples heard this, they were dumbfounded and asked, “Then who can be saved?” Matthew 19:25 says. Then Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible” (Matt 19:26). Jesus never stated that the wealthy are unable to enter heaven. However, it is more difficult for them to do so because wealthy people have no need for God. Money becomes their god in the sense that it satisfies all of their needs and desires and provides them with a comfortable lifestyle. To the contrary, “Whoever loves money will never have enough;” “whoever loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income” (Eccl 5:10). Numerous affluent individuals supported the ministry of Jesus. It is acceptable to possess wealth, but it is unacceptable to be possessed by wealth. Abraham was both extraordinarily wealthy and generous.
Not quantity, but price
It is quite intriguing that individuals give less based on their wealth. Many of the poorest give a larger percentage of their wealth than the wealthy. Let me explain. When “Jesus sat opposite the place where the offerings were placed and observed the crowd putting money into the temple’s treasury, he declared, “It is finished!” Numerous wealthy individuals made substantial contributions. However, a poor widow contributed two tiny copper coins, each worth less than a penny. Jesus called his disciples and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than everyone else combined. They all contributed from their wealth, but she gave her entire contribution from her meager resources (Mark 12:41-44). Who has contributed the most? Was it the wealthy or the poor widow? She gave more than “rich people who threw large amounts” because she gave everything she had (her poverty) in comparison to the wealthy (who had much). This widow must have had a great deal of faith in God’s ability to provide for her needs; therefore, it is not how much you give but how much you sacrifice that matters.
