The Bible is full of instructions from God about money and finances.
And of course, we want to look to the Bible first as we consider the financial blueprint that God has outlined for us.
One aspect to consider is what the Bible says about greed.
The dictionary defines greed as “a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed.”
That definition already doesn’t sound great, but what does the Bible say?
Here are some conclusions that we can make about greed, based on God”s Word.
What Does the Bible Say About Greed?
Greed puts your trust in yourself.
Proverbs 11:28
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
Proverbs 23:4
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.
Isaiah 56:11
They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, they seek their own gain.
Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Simply put, greed is idolatry.
When you are greedy, you are placing your confidence and trust in your ability and desire to get more. You are not trusting God with His provision and His plan for you.
Greed turns you away from God.
Psalm 119:36
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Matthew 6:24
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.
Ephesians 5:5
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a person is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
1 John 2:16
For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world.
Since greed is idolatry, it turns you away from God.
As a Christian, God needs to be number one in your life. His desire is that we turn to Him for what we need and not to ourselves.
There is no part of greed that comes from God, and if it doesn’t come from God, we need to turn away from it.
Greed causes destruction.
Proverbs 1:19
Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.
Proverbs 15:27
The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
Mark 8:36
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
1 Timothy 6:9-10
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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.
Many people misquote 1 Timothy 6:10 and state that “money is the root of all evil.” But read it again: the love of money is the problem, not the money itself.
The love of money, the desire for more, the greed ”“ that is what interferes with your love of God.
When you are greedy, you are on the path to destruction. Look at how many verses here are warning about what comes next: it takes away your life, it brings ruin to your household, you forfeit your soul, and you fall into a trap.
Greed causes you to act dishonestly.
Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 22:16
One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty.
Greed can make you compromise your integrity.
As you desire to get more money or possessions, you may be tempted to sin in other ways. Maybe you lie or cheat to get ahead. Maybe you take advantage of someone in a worse financial position.
Greed ruins relationships.
Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.
Proverbs 28:25
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.
James 4:3
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Greed is always self-centered.
It causes conflict between family members. Children may fight over the inheritance of money or possessions, forever ruining their relationships with their siblings.
Friend relationships can also be affected by greed. Hurt feelings can lie in the wake of poor decisions motivated by the desire to get more.
Greed is never satisfied.
Proverbs 21:26
All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
You may think that once you reach a certain income or accumulation of wealth, you”ll be happy. But the Bible tells us that this is not the case; it will never be enough.
Not to mention, money is temporary ”“ you can’t take it with you. Contentment is found in being satisfied with what God has given you and resting in the knowledge of His grace and gift of eternal life.
Greed can affect anyone.
Jeremiah 6:13
From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.
Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Don’t just look at rich people and call them greedy ”“ anyone is susceptible to greed, whether you”re rich or poor.
As you consider the financial decisions you”re making, check your motivations to see if they come from a place of greed.
The antidote to greed is giving and contentment.
Proverbs 11:24
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Hebrews 13:5
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.”
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God”s flock that is under your care, watching over them–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
Our primary goal should be to serve God and give freely. God wants us to be content with what we have, but also to be generous with what He has given us.
