Bible Verses about Greed

In the gripping parable of the rich fool, Jesus tells the tale of a wealthy man whose lands produce a bountiful harvest. Rather than sharing or making use of it wisely, the man's sole concern turns to storing his excess, plotting to tear down his barns just to build bigger ones. His life, tragically cut short that very night, leaves him with nothing to show but a surplus of earthly treasures. Jesus ends this cautionary tale with a resounding moral: "So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

This parable dramatically reveals the pitfalls of greed, a subject the Bible covers extensively. It unambiguously warns that an insatiable lust for material wealth can be the undoing of even the most prosperous among us. From the Ten Commandments' injunction against coveting anything that belongs to your neighbor (Exodus 20:17), to the New Testament's teachings that love of money leads people away from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9-10), the message is consistent and clear.

The Bible doesn't merely warn against the perils of greed; it also portrays the devastating consequences it can wreak on individuals and communities. Families can be broken, societies can decay, and one's relationship with God can become irreparably tarnished. Verses abound with advice for avoiding this spiritual snare, advocating for a life of contentment, generosity, and a focus on spiritual riches over material wealth. Whether it's a king's descent into madness due to his insatiable quest for gold or the apostle Paul's counsel to be content in all circumstances, the Bible provides both cautionary tales and wise counsel for navigating the alluring yet perilous waters of greed.

Warnings Against Greed

Exodus 20:17

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."

Proverbs 15:27

Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Isaiah 56:11

The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all.

1 Timothy 6:9-10

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Consequences of Greed

Psalm 37:21

The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.

Proverbs 1:19

Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

Proverbs 28:25

A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

Jeremiah 6:13

"For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely."

Micah 2:2

They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.

Counsel Against Greed

Luke 12:15

And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Ephesians 5:5

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Colossians 3:5

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Greed Destroys Relationships

Proverbs 11:29

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

1 Corinthians 5:11

But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

1 Corinthians 6:10

nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Greed is Contrary to Godliness

Matthew 6:24

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Acts 20:35

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Timothy 3:2-3

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Peter 5:2

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.

Parables about Greed

The Bible offers several parables that touch upon the theme of greed, emphasizing the spiritual emptiness and moral pitfalls that come from prioritizing material wealth over spiritual richness. Here are some key parables and their key verses:

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Luke 12:20-21

"But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."

Summary

A man's land yields an abundant harvest, and rather than sharing it, he plans to build bigger barns to store it all. God calls him a fool for not being "rich toward God," and he dies that very night, leaving his accumulated wealth behind.

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:26-27

"But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.'"

Summary

This parable features a master who entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money (talents). The first two invest and double their money, but the last one, out of fear, buries his. Although not about greed per se, the parable underscores the misuse of resources due to a lack of initiative and fear.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:25

"But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.'"

Summary

A rich man lives luxuriously while ignoring Lazarus, a poor beggar at his gates. Both men die, but their fortunes are reversed in the afterlife. The parable highlights the eternal consequences of earthly choices, including neglect born out of greed and indifference.

The Parable of the Unjust Steward

Luke 16:11

"If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"

Summary

An unjust steward, knowing he is about to be fired for mismanagement, uses his master's resources to make friends among his debtors. The lesson here warns about being wise stewards of earthly wealth, lest greed and dishonesty cost us eternal treasures.

These parables serve as cautionary tales and spiritual teachings, outlining the dangers of greed and the moral obligations that come with material wealth.

A Prayer of Repentance from Greed

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, acknowledging the temptations that surround us in a world so focused on material wealth and self-gratification. Your Word, through the poignant parables and teachings of Jesus, serves as a constant reminder that greed leads us away from You and the true richness that You offer.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to recognize when our hearts are straying towards earthly treasures. As the Rich Fool focused solely on his abundant harvest, help us not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth, but to be rich in our relationship with You. Fill our hearts with the kind of wealth that cannot be quantified—love, kindness, patience, and generosity towards others.

Like the servant who misused his talent, keep us from the paralysis of fear that keeps us from using our God-given resources wisely. Empower us to be good stewards of the gifts and opportunities You've given us, so that we may invest in the lives of others and in Your Kingdom. May we never hoard your blessings out of selfishness, but freely share them as a testament to Your abundant grace.

And like Lazarus, help us to maintain a humble heart, never neglecting those in need while we are blessed with plenty. Let us not grow indifferent to the suffering around us, but let the love of Christ compel us to acts of compassion and justice.

Father, we ask for the grace to live by Your standards, and not the world's, embracing spiritual richness over material wealth. May our lives be a living testimony to Your provision and everlasting love.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.