Topical Bible: Riches: Denunciations Against Those Who: Trust In

◄ Riches: Denunciations Against Those Who: Trust In ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible contains numerous warnings and denunciations against placing trust in riches. This theme is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the spiritual dangers and moral pitfalls associated with relying on material wealth rather than God.

Old Testament Warnings

The Old Testament frequently cautions against the false security that riches can provide. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature offers clear admonitions: "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage" (Proverbs 11:28). This verse highlights the transient nature of wealth and contrasts it with the enduring prosperity of the righteous, who place their trust in God.

The prophet Jeremiah also speaks against the folly of trusting in riches: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches" (Jeremiah 9:23). Here, the emphasis is on the futility of boasting in material possessions, which are ultimately powerless to save or sustain.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ addresses the issue of wealth and trust directly. In the Gospel of Matthew, He warns, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). Jesus encourages His followers to seek heavenly treasures, which are imperishable and secure.

The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 further illustrates the danger of trusting in wealth. The rich man, who hoards his abundance, is called a fool by God, who demands his life that very night. Jesus concludes the parable with a stark warning: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue in his letters. In 1 Timothy 6:17, he instructs Timothy to "command those who are rich in this 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" . Paul underscores the uncertainty of riches and the importance of placing hope in God, the true provider.

The Spiritual Peril of Wealth

The Bible consistently portrays wealth as a potential spiritual snare. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus famously states, "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:25). This hyperbolic statement underscores the difficulty for those who trust in riches to submit fully to God's sovereignty.

James, the brother of Jesus, also warns the wealthy: "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes" (James 5:1-2). James condemns the rich who exploit others and hoard wealth, predicting divine judgment upon them.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is clear: trusting in riches is spiritually perilous. The Bible calls believers to place their trust in God, who is the ultimate source of security and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:28
He that trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Apostle Judas
... that they who trust in riches shall hardly ... Such are the denunciations against hypocrisy,
spoken openly, as in ... rage which turned his hands against himself and ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 19 the apostle judas.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... with the statement that these severe denunciations seemed to ... by our Lord to teach
that riches neither form ... the modern day and warns us against confusing the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm

Conclusion.
... Hear the terrible denunciations of James: "Go to, now, ye ... Your riches are corrupted,
and your garments are moth ... rust of them shall be a witness against you, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/conclusion.htm

Faustus Asserts that Even if the Old Testament could be Shown to ...
... that the followers whom they gather as their riches are taken ... to do so without daring
to protest against it. ... the laws, or met by the awful denunciations of the ...
/.../faustus asserts that even if.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... does not promise us length of days, riches and honors ... not found in commands or the
denunciations of punishment ... which I have committed unto him against that day ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

The Agony, and the Consoler
... and the purple was no protection against the dagger ... the boldest would cower before
his fulminant denunciations. ... the vanity and uncertainty of riches, and urged ...
/.../chapter iii the agony and.htm

Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... follow up the fabrication with awful denunciations"all fulfilled ... He spoke His holy
mind freely against the false ... Further, all 'the riches of God in glory' [i.2 ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iii secret study of.htm

Withholding Corn
... the body, what shall be the withering denunciations which shall ... can love God when
he only lives to heap up riches. ... my gold and my silver will cry out against me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/withholding corn.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... have altered, we say, since these denunciations were uttered ... eh h g. Let them that
have riches be as ... Scripture, is furnished by the commandment against swearing ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Hidden Manna
... of the Bible are full of terrible denunciations; can they ... punished, we are not to
rebel against his righteous ... reproach of Christ to be greater riches than all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm