Topical Bible: Riches: Guilt of Rejoicing In

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The Bible provides numerous teachings on the subject of riches, often warning against the dangers of placing one's trust and joy in material wealth. The Scriptures emphasize that rejoicing in riches can lead to spiritual peril and a departure from reliance on God.

Warnings Against Trusting in Riches

The Bible consistently warns against the false security that riches can provide. In Proverbs 11:28, it is written, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This verse highlights the transient nature of wealth and the ultimate security found in righteousness rather than material possessions.

The Deceptive Nature of Wealth

Riches can be deceptive, leading individuals to believe they are self-sufficient and independent of God. In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus illustrates this danger: "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’" (Luke 12:20). The rich man's rejoicing in his abundance blinded him to the reality of his mortality and his need for God.

The Heart's Allegiance

The Bible teaches that where one's treasure is, there the heart will be also. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Rejoicing in riches can lead to a divided heart, where allegiance to God is compromised by the allure of wealth.

The Danger of Pride and Self-Sufficiency

Riches can foster a sense of pride and self-sufficiency, which is contrary to the humility God desires. In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul instructs, "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." This passage underscores the importance of humility and reliance on God rather than on uncertain riches.

The Call to Generosity

The Bible calls believers to use their wealth for the benefit of others, rather than for self-indulgence. In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Paul continues, "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 teaching encourages a focus on eternal values rather than temporary wealth.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, though He was rich, became poor for the sake of humanity. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul writes, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." Christ's example serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the ultimate value of spiritual riches over material wealth.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on riches emphasize the importance of a heart fully devoted to God, warning against the dangers of rejoicing in material wealth. Believers are called to trust in God, practice generosity, and follow the example of Christ, who valued spiritual riches above all.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:25,28
If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter cxviii. To Julian.
... that is, to give up his riches and to ... has given you more occasion for sorrow than
for rejoicing. ... sensation and mental judgment depend, the guilt arising from a ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxviii to julian.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles
... of the feast, one that called forth greatest rejoicing, was one ... if He could save
them from the guilt of such ... Pomp, riches, and honor cannot satisfy the heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 49 at the feast.htm

The Pearl.
... Like the merchant rejoicing in his fortune is a ... to diminish the ever-increasing amount
of guilt by getting ... and longed to possess the true riches: before he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vi the pearl.htm

Assurance
... Guilt embitters our comforts; it is like drinking out ... He has the riches of Christ's
merit, a pledge ... And, As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing,' &c.' 2 Corinthians ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 assurance.htm

Job's Faith and Expectation
... in themselves that they were righteous, not rejoicing in the ... He saves them from guilt
and wrath, from sin ... our knowledge of the unsearchable riches of Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxix jobs faith and.htm

Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility.
... as the soul sees what folly and guilt it has ... behold we live; as sorrowful, yet always
rejoicing; as having ... and weakness, the sense of infinite riches and the ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/thirteenth day holiness and humility.htm

The Judgment.
The Riches of Bunyan. ... up in that measure and manner that neither fear, nor guilt,
nor confusion ... followeth; "for what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm

The Ministry.
The Riches of Bunyan. ... me on, but surely with a strong hand, for neither guilt nor
hell ... ever and ever." "For what is our hope, our joy, our crown of rejoicing? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxii the ministry.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... "The voice of rejoicing and salvation ... that citizens had been scourged without any
evidence of their guilt. ... the cross for our salvation; of the riches of divine ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

A Loyal Tribute
... All have yielded to the common impulse, the rejoicing of a ... from the blood of men
and the guilt of souls ... to make some one know the unsearchable riches of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a loyal tribute.htm