Is money good or bad according to the Bible?

Money is an inescapable part of human life. It determines how we obtain necessities, comforts, and luxuries. It shapes economies, influences relationships, and often dictates the direction of societies. Yet, when it comes to questions of morality and faith, money becomes a deeply complex subject. Is money inherently good or bad? What does the Bible actually say about wealth, riches, and the pursuit of financial prosperity? Answers to these questions are not just of theological interest but also impact daily choices and values.

The Bible’s View: Money is Neutral

One of the most important truths to establish is that the Bible does not declare money itself to be either inherently good or inherently bad. Money is, at its core, a tool—a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a means of facilitating trade and meeting needs. The Bible acknowledges the practical necessity of money throughout its pages. Abraham, Job, and King Solomon were all described as wealthy, and their riches are not condemned in themselves. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus says, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” recognizing the legitimacy of currency and civil transactions.

The moral value of money, according to the Bible, is not found in the coins or currency themselves but in how people view, acquire, and use it. Money can be used for good—to provide for one’s family, support the poor, advance God’s work, and promote justice. However, it can also become an idol that leads to greed, exploitation, and spiritual ruin if it is loved or pursued above all else.

Common Misconceptions: “Money is the Root of All Evil”

Perhaps the most misquoted verse about money comes from 1 Timothy 6:10, which is often rendered as “Money is the root of all evil.” In reality, the verse states: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (NIV)

Notice the crucial difference: it is not money itself, but the love of money—the unhealthy desire, obsession, or greed for wealth—that is at the root of various evils. Money is not demonized; rather, it is the attitude of the heart toward money that is addressed. This distinction is vital for understanding the Bible’s teaching on the subject.

Warnings About the Dangers of Wealth

While the Bible affirms the neutrality of money, it also issues strong warnings about its dangers. Wealth can easily become a snare, drawing people’s hearts away from God and toward self-sufficiency, pride, or materialism.

1. The Deceitfulness of Riches

Jesus frequently warned about the “deceitfulness of riches.” In the Parable of the Sower, He describes how “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). Wealth can create a false sense of security and distract from spiritual priorities.

2. The Difficulty for the Rich

One of Jesus’ most startling statements is found in Matthew 19:23-24: “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” This is not a condemnation of all wealthy people, but a sober warning about the spiritual dangers that often accompany riches—namely, the temptation to trust in wealth rather than in God.

3. The Folly of Hoarding

In Luke 12:15-21, Jesus tells the Parable of the Rich Fool, about a man who amasses great wealth but is not “rich toward God.” The man’s life ends abruptly, and his wealth proves useless. The message is clear: storing up treasures on earth without regard for God or eternity is ultimately futile.

Positive Biblical Principles About Money

Despite its warnings, the Bible also presents wealth as a potential blessing and provides guidance on the wise and godly use of money.

1. Provision and Stewardship

The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate provider and that wealth, like all good gifts, comes from Him (Deuteronomy 8:18). People are called to be stewards—managers rather than owners—of their resources. This stewardship involves using money to care for one’s family (1 Timothy 5:8), support those in need (Proverbs 19:17), and further God’s purposes in the world (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

2. Generosity and Compassion

Generosity is a recurring theme in Scripture. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Jesus Himself taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Giving is not just a duty but a source of joy and spiritual blessing.

3. Contentment Over Greed

Hebrews 13:5 exhorts, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Contentment is prized over the endless pursuit of wealth. Paul, writing from prison, declared, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). The biblical path is one of gratitude and trust in God’s provision, rather than anxiety or endless striving for more.

4. Honesty and Integrity in Financial Matters

Scripture insists on honesty in all dealings. Proverbs 13:11 warns, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Cheating, fraud, and exploitation are condemned, while diligence and fairness are commended (Proverbs 10:4, Leviticus 19:35-36).

Money as a Test of the Heart

Jesus often used money as a test or indicator of spiritual priorities. In Matthew 6:21, He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The way a person handles money reveals what they truly value. The pursuit of wealth can easily compete with devotion to God, but it can also be a means of expressing love, trust, and obedience.

Jesus’ famous teaching in Matthew 6:24 states: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The fundamental issue is not whether one has money, but whether money has one’s heart.

Wealth, Poverty, and Social Responsibility

The Bible addresses not just individual attitudes toward money, but also societal responsibilities. The Law of Moses, the teachings of the prophets, and the practice of the early church all emphasize concern for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. Wealth is never to be used as a means of exploitation or indifference.

Proverbs 14:31 says, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” In the New Testament, the early Christians are described as sharing their possessions so that “there were no needy persons among them” (Acts 4:34).

Biblical Examples: Wealthy and Poor

Throughout Scripture, we find both wealthy and poor individuals who are commended for their faith. Abraham, Job, Joseph of Arimathea, and Lydia were all wealthy, yet faithful. Conversely, Jesus praised a poor widow who gave two small coins, saying her gift was greater than all the others because she gave out of her poverty (Mark 12:41-44).

The Bible does not equate poverty with virtue or wealth with wickedness. Rather, it examines the heart and motives of each person. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, was transformed by his encounter with Jesus and became generous and just (Luke 19:1-10). Barnabas sold property to help others (Acts 4:36-37). In contrast, the rich young ruler walked away from Jesus, unwilling to part with his many possessions (Mark 10:17-27).

Money and Eternal Perspective

Earthly wealth is temporary and uncertain. Jesus cautioned, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” (Matthew 6:19-20). The pursuit of eternal riches—faith, love, righteousness, and service—far outweighs the fleeting value of money.