Money and work
What does the Bible say about materialism?
Jesus says life does not consist in possessions, and warns that our hearts follow our treasure wherever we store it.
What Scripture says
Matthew 6:19-21
““Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Luke 12:15
“He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.””
1 John 2:15-17
“Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.”
Hebrews 13:5
“Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.””
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.