Topical Bible: Riches: The Wicked: Have Trouble With

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In the biblical narrative, riches are often portrayed as a source of trouble for the wicked. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the challenges and pitfalls associated with wealth when it is pursued or possessed by those who are unrighteous.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of wealth and its impact on the wicked. Proverbs 11:28 states, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This verse underscores the instability and ultimate downfall that comes from relying on material wealth rather than on God. The wicked, who place their trust in riches, are contrasted with the righteous, who find true prosperity in their faithfulness to God.

Proverbs 15:6 further illustrates this point: "The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble." Here, the wealth of the wicked is depicted as a source of trouble, suggesting that ill-gotten gains or wealth accumulated through unrighteous means can lead to turmoil and distress.

The Psalms

The Psalms also reflect on the troubles associated with the riches of the wicked. Psalm 37:16 declares, "Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked." This verse highlights the value of righteousness over material abundance, suggesting that the wealth of the wicked is ultimately unsatisfying and fraught with difficulties.

Psalm 73 provides a poignant reflection on the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist initially struggles with envy over the success of the wicked, who seem to live without care or consequence. However, upon entering the sanctuary of God, the psalmist gains perspective, realizing the precarious position of the wicked: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin" (Psalm 73:18). The psalmist concludes that the temporary prosperity of the wicked is deceptive and leads to their eventual downfall.

The Teachings of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of wealth and its dangers, particularly for those who are unrighteous. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus tells of a wealthy man who hoards his abundance, only to face sudden death. The parable concludes with a 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 rich fool's trouble lies in his failure to recognize the fleeting nature of earthly wealth and his neglect of spiritual riches.

Jesus also warns of the deceitfulness of riches in the Parable of the Sower. In Matthew 13:22 , He explains, "The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." Here, the pursuit of wealth is depicted as a hindrance to spiritual growth and fruitfulness, leading to trouble for those who prioritize it over the Word of God.

The Epistles

The apostolic writings continue to caution against the troubles associated with the riches of the wicked. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , Paul warns, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." This passage highlights the spiritual dangers and moral pitfalls that accompany the pursuit of wealth, particularly for those who are unrighteous.

James 5:1-3 also addresses the wealthy wicked, stating, "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." James warns of the impending judgment and trouble that await those who misuse their wealth and oppress others.

Throughout Scripture, the theme of riches as a source of trouble for the wicked is consistently emphasized. The Bible warns against the dangers of wealth when it is pursued or possessed unrighteously, highlighting the spiritual and moral challenges that accompany such riches.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:6
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:9,10
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ...
... to prevent its growth among those who have neither poverty nor riches:" " Yes;
"the ... to particulars, which are endless " that wicked men [continually ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 127 the trouble and.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease ... As I live, saith the
Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked."(1072) The ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease ... As I live, saith the
Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Ezekiel 33 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... a righteous man hath, is better than great riches of the ... 4. ..."For the arms of the
wicked shall be broken" (ver.17 ... thou art to sorrow; thy joy shall have no end ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the second part of.htm

Desolation of the Earth.
... They have sold their souls for earthly riches and enjoyments ... received God's people,
and he would have held them ... Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... in the grave) the wicked cease from troubling.' Job 3:17. ... and his darts; one he tempts
with riches, another with ... is as bad as for a virgin to have her chastity ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... are not simply sensual enjoyments, but also riches and luxury. ... under Boreas he
designates the wicked devil by ... And why should one have trouble, if he can be ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Desolation of the Earth
... They have sold their souls for earthly riches and enjoyments ... received God's people,
and he would have held them ... Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm

Acts ii. 37
... entire virtue, far surpassing their contempt of riches, their abstinence ... Aye, the
wicked, poneros has his name from ponhein, "to have trouble." And, indeed ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii acts ii 37.htm

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the ...
... not the purpose of the Gospel to give earthly riches. ... are finally redeemed from the
sinful, wicked life of ... judgment, what better thing could you have than is ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighteenth sunday after trinity treasure.htm