Is Wealth a Blessing or a Spiritual Test?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Wealth is something that many people think about daily.

Some see it as a blessing from God, while others view it as a temptation that can lead people away from faith.

Money itself is not evil, but how people use it and how much they trust in it can either honor God or become a stumbling block.

The Bible has a lot to say about wealth—its purpose, its dangers, and how believers should handle it.

Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about wealth and what truly matters in God’s eyes.

Wealth Comes From God

The Bible makes it clear that wealth is ultimately a gift from God.

Deuteronomy 8:18 says,

But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

This verse reminds us that while hard work and wise decisions matter, God is the one who provides the opportunities and resources that lead to wealth.

Psalm 24:1 also says,

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Everything in the world belongs to God, and anything we have is a gift from Him.

This means that wealth is not something we truly own—it is something God entrusts to us.

Wealth Is a Blessing, But Also a Responsibility

The Bible shows that wealth can be a sign of God’s blessing.

Abraham, Job, and Solomon were all wealthy men whom God blessed.

Proverbs 10:22 says,

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

However, wealth is not just about having more money.

It comes with a responsibility to use it wisely.

First Timothy 6:17-18 says,

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.

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God expects those who have wealth to be generous, help others, and use their blessings to make a positive impact.

The Dangers of Loving Money

While the Bible does not say that money is evil, it does warn about the dangers of loving money too much.

First Timothy 6:10 says,

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.

Money itself is not the problem—the problem comes when people prioritize wealth over their relationship with God.

Jesus spoke about this in Matthew 6:24,

No man 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.

Mammon refers to riches or material wealth.

Jesus made it clear that people must choose between making money their master or trusting in God.

If wealth takes the place of God in someone’s life, it leads to spiritual danger.

Wealth Does Not Last Forever

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that wealth will bring lasting security.

The Bible warns that money is temporary and can disappear quickly.

Proverbs 23:4-5 says,

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?

For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

No matter how much wealth someone has, it does not last forever.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 also says,

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Many people think that if they just had more money, they would be happy.

But wealth never truly satisfies—it always leaves people wanting more.

Only a relationship with God brings lasting peace and fulfillment.

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Giving Is More Important Than Hoarding

The Bible encourages generosity over greed.

Proverbs 11:24-25 says,

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

This verse teaches that those who give freely are blessed, while those who hoard wealth for themselves end up lacking.

Jesus also emphasized the importance of giving in Luke 6:38,

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Generosity reflects God’s character, and when people give, they open themselves up to receive more from Him.

Trusting in God Instead of Wealth

Many people trust in their wealth for security, but the Bible warns against this mindset.

Proverbs 11:28 says,

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Money can disappear, but God remains faithful.

Jesus told a parable in Luke 12:16-21 about a rich man who built bigger barns to store his wealth.

But God said to him,

Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

This man placed all his trust in his wealth, forgetting that life is short and eternity is long.

Jesus taught that people’s lives should not be measured by how much money they have but by their relationship with God.

Storing Treasures in Heaven

Instead of focusing on earthly wealth, Jesus encouraged His followers to seek heavenly treasures.

Matthew 6:19-21 says,

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

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For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Wealth on earth fades, but the rewards in heaven last forever.

Spending time helping others, sharing the gospel, and growing in faith are more valuable than storing up riches that will one day be left behind.

Can Christians Be Wealthy?

Some believe that Christians should live in poverty, while others believe that God wants every believer to be rich.

The Bible does not teach either extreme.

There is nothing wrong with having wealth, but what matters is how a person handles it.

First Timothy 6:6-8 says,

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

The key is contentment.

Whether a person has little or much, their trust should be in God, not their bank account.

Final Thoughts

The Bible teaches that wealth is not evil, but it must be handled wisely.

God provides wealth, but it comes with responsibility.

Loving money leads to spiritual danger, while trusting in God brings true security.

Wealth is temporary, but heavenly treasures last forever.

Instead of chasing money, Christians should focus on generosity, faithfulness, and seeking God first.

At the end of life, no one will be remembered for how much money they had.

They will be remembered for how they lived, who they helped, and whether they honored God with what they were given.

True riches are not found in gold or silver but in a heart fully surrendered to God.