Topical Bible: Riches: Often Lead to an Overbearing Spirit

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The Bible frequently addresses the topic of wealth and its potential to lead individuals away from humility and dependence on God. Riches, while not inherently evil, can foster an overbearing spirit, characterized by pride, self-reliance, and a lack of compassion for others. This entry explores the biblical perspective on how wealth can influence one's character and relationship with God.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of wealth. In Deuteronomy 8:11-14 , Moses cautions the Israelites: "Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes, which I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, and when your herds and flocks grow large, and your silver and gold increase, and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."

This passage highlights the tendency for wealth to lead to pride and a forgetfulness of God's providence and deliverance. The accumulation of riches can result in a self-sufficient attitude, causing individuals to rely on their own resources rather than on God.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible also addresses the perils of wealth. Proverbs 28:11 states, "A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him." This proverb suggests that wealth can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of true wisdom. The rich may become overbearing, believing their wealth equates to superior knowledge or insight, while the discerning poor can see through such pretensions.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 further warns, "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is futile." The insatiable desire for more wealth can lead to a domineering spirit, as individuals prioritize financial gain over spiritual and relational well-being.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets also spoke against the arrogance that often accompanies wealth. In Isaiah 2:11 , the prophet declares, "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." This passage underscores the eventual humbling of those who exalt themselves through their riches, as God alone is worthy of exaltation.

Amos 6:1 provides a stark warning to those who are complacent in their wealth: "Woe to those at ease in Zion and to those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes." The prophet condemns the self-assuredness and neglect of justice that can accompany prosperity, leading to an overbearing spirit that disregards the needs of others.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addressed the spiritual dangers of wealth. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus illustrates the folly of placing trust in material abundance: "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?' This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God."

The apostle Paul also warns against the pitfalls of wealth in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 : "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."

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that while wealth itself is not condemned, it carries the potential to lead individuals away from humility and dependence on God. The Bible calls for a heart posture that prioritizes spiritual riches over material wealth, encouraging believers to remain humble, generous, and reliant on God's provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 18:23
The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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