“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
Bible Verses About Greed
Genesis 3:6 – This temptation led to a desire for more, showcasing how greed can distort our judgment.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat…” – Genesis 3:6
Exodus 20:17 – This verse warns against coveting what belongs to others, highlighting how greed can destroy relationships.
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.” – Exodus 20:17
Proverbs 28:25 – A greedy heart creates strife, while those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.” – Proverbs 28:25
Luke 12:15 – Jesus cautions us about the dangers of greed, stating that life is not defined by possessions.
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” – Luke 12:15
1 Timothy 6:9-10 – This talks about how those who desire riches fall into traps and sorrows.
“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.” – 1 Timothy 6:9
Hebrews 13:5 – We’re encouraged to be content and not greedy.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5
Proverbs 1:19 – This verse reminds us that greed can lead to ruin.
“So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.” – Proverbs 1:19
James 4:2 – It explains that desires lead to conflict and unmet needs.
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” – James 4:2
Mark 8:36 – Here, we see that gaining the whole world is meaningless without a soul.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” – Mark 8:36
Luke 16:13 – Jesus teaches that one cannot serve both God and wealth.
“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” – Luke 16:13
Philippians 4:19 – God promises to provide for our needs when we are faithful.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Proverbs 30:8-9 – This verse highlights the balance between having too much and too little.
“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me.” – Proverbs 30:8
Luke 3:14 – Here, John the Baptist advises contentment instead of greed.
“And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” – Luke 3:14
Matthew 19:24 – Jesus points out the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of Heaven.
“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Matthew 19:24
Proverbs 15:27 – Greed can harm both ourselves and those around us.
“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” – Proverbs 15:27
Matthew 6:19-21 – This teaches us to store treasure in Heaven not on Earth.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” – Matthew 6:19
Proverbs 28:16 – A ruler who oppresses the poor is greedy and foolish.
“The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.” – Proverbs 28:16
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – This verse warns us about the futility of loving money.
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10
Deuteronomy 8:18 – Remembering the Lord in times of prosperity is important.
“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth…” – Deuteronomy 8:18
Luke 12:20 – God speaks of a rich man who focused solely on his wealth.
“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” – Luke 12:20
Proverbs 11:28 – Trusting in riches instead of the Lord leads to downfall.
“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.” – Proverbs 11:28
Colossians 3:2 – We’re reminded to set our affections on heavenly things.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Mark 8:37 – It’s highlighted that your soul’s worth is beyond material wealth.
“Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Mark 8:37
Proverbs 13:11 – Honest gain builds a stable life, whereas dishonest riches will fade.
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labor shall increase.” – Proverbs 13:11
Revelation 2:4-5 – A reminder of the consequences of losing our first love for Christ.
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works…” – Revelation 2:4-5
Proverbs 16:8 – This verse touches on the importance of honest living.
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.” – Proverbs 16:8
Final Thoughts
When we examine the Bible’s teachings on greed, it’s clear that it leads to destruction and unhappiness. The verses remind us that true wealth is found in our relationship with God. Contentment and trust in divine provision will always lead to a more fulfilled life than chasing after material gain. Greed often blinds us to the more important things and can create discord within ourselves and with others. Embracing generosity and gratefulness opens our hearts to receive God’s blessings.
As we continue to grow in faith, it’s essential to seek out biblical wisdom regarding generosity and wealth. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to explore these verses about giving and the importance of generosity. You may also find insight in verses about mental well-being.
Let’s commit to studying these concepts and applying them in our lives.