Material things (or earthly possessions, as some love to call them) often promise satisfaction, yet they are fleeting and temporary.
The Bible reminds us that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God.
While possessions can serve a purpose, Scripture consistently warns against placing too much value on earthly wealth.
Instead, believers are encouraged to store treasures in heaven and prioritize God’s kingdom.
Our attitude toward material things reflects our faith and trust in God.
Stewardship, generosity, and contentment are key virtues that align us with His will.
By understanding His Word, we gain wisdom to handle resources in a way that honors Him and blesses others.
These verses inspire God’s perspective on material wealth, offering timeless guidance on living faithfully in a world filled with distractions.
Bible Verses About Material Things
1. Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures in Heaven
“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, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Earthly wealth is vulnerable to decay and loss. Jesus urges believers to invest in heavenly treasures that last forever.
Placing our treasure in God’s kingdom shifts our priorities from materialism to eternal values, deepening our spiritual focus.
A heart aligned with heaven brings peace, purpose, and freedom from the anxieties tied to worldly possessions.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10 – The Love of Money
“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.”
Loving money above all else leads to spiritual harm and broken relationships. It distracts from God’s purpose and true fulfillment.
Contentment is a safeguard against greed, encouraging trust in God’s provision rather than an insatiable pursuit of wealth.
When money becomes a tool for generosity, it transforms into a blessing that reflects God’s love and care for others.
3. Proverbs 11:28 – Trusting in Riches
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
Relying on wealth for security leads to eventual failure, as material possessions cannot guarantee stability or peace.
Righteousness, rooted in faith, ensures a thriving and fruitful life that endures challenges and uncertainties.
Trusting in God’s provision fosters resilience and joy, far surpassing the fleeting security of riches.
4. Luke 12:15 – Life Does Not Consist of Abundance
“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.’”
Jesus warns against equating life’s worth with material accumulation. True meaning lies in a relationship with God, not in possessions.
Greed blinds us to the eternal priorities that bring true contentment and peace, leading to dissatisfaction.
Living simply and focusing on God’s will ensures a life of purpose, free from the traps of materialism.
5. Ecclesiastes 5:10 – The Futility of Wealth
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
Chasing wealth leaves a person perpetually unsatisfied, as material gains can never fill the soul’s deepest needs.
True contentment comes from a heart centered on God, where relationships and faith outweigh worldly pursuits.
This verse reminds believers to seek joy in God’s blessings rather than an endless quest for financial gain.
6. Mark 8:36 – Gaining the World
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Pursuing worldly success at the expense of spiritual well-being leads to eternal loss. Our souls are far more valuable than possessions.
Jesus calls us to prioritize a relationship with God, ensuring our focus remains on eternal rewards rather than temporary achievements.
Protecting our spiritual lives from material distractions guarantees eternal peace and fulfillment in God’s presence.
7. Hebrews 13:5 – Be Content
“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.’”
God’s promise of His constant presence assures us that we don’t need to cling to wealth for security.
Contentment reflects trust in God’s faithfulness, allowing believers to embrace peace and gratitude in all circumstances.
A heart resting in God’s care is free from the anxiety and dissatisfaction that materialism often brings.
8. Proverbs 22:1 – A Good Name
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Integrity and character hold greater value than wealth. A strong reputation reflects a life aligned with God’s principles.
Riches cannot replace the lasting impact of godly relationships and trust earned through righteous living.
Choosing character over material gain honors God and inspires others to seek His truth and wisdom.
9. Matthew 19:21 – Sell Your Possessions
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’”
Jesus challenges us to let go of material attachments to fully embrace His call. Generosity opens the door to eternal rewards.
Sacrificing for others demonstrates trust in God’s provision and reflects a heart focused on His kingdom.
Following Christ requires prioritizing eternal treasures over temporary comforts, ensuring a life of spiritual abundance.
10. Psalm 24:1 – The Earth Belongs to God
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Recognizing God’s ownership of all things fosters gratitude and humility, reminding us that we are stewards, not owners.
This perspective encourages wise use of resources, aligning our lives with His purposes and plans.
Stewardship honors God’s provision and reflects faith in His ultimate authority over all creation.
11. Luke 16:11 – Faithful with Wealth
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
Faithfulness with material resources reflects our readiness to handle greater spiritual blessings. Stewardship aligns us with God’s purposes.
Using wealth wisely honors God and shows gratitude for His provision. Misusing resources jeopardizes opportunities for greater responsibilities.
God calls believers to demonstrate integrity in financial matters, ensuring a testimony that glorifies Him.
12. Philippians 4:12 – Content in All Circumstances
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Paul’s contentment showcases trust in God’s provision, regardless of material abundance or scarcity. His reliance was on God, not possessions.
Learning to adapt to life’s highs and lows fosters resilience, gratitude, and faith. God provides for His children faithfully.
This verse encourages believers to find their peace in God, transcending the circumstances of wealth or poverty.
13. Malachi 3:10 – Test Me in This
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
Faithful giving reflects trust in God’s provision. Tithing invites His blessings and demonstrates a commitment to supporting His work.
God challenges believers to trust Him with their resources, promising abundant provision in return for obedience.
This verse encourages generosity and a heart aligned with God’s mission to serve others.
14. Acts 20:35 – Blessed to Give
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Generosity brings greater joy and fulfillment than accumulation. Helping others reflects God’s love and purpose for His followers.
Hard work combined with a generous spirit blesses others and glorifies God. Giving fosters unity and faith in the community.
This verse calls believers to embrace a lifestyle of generosity, echoing Christ’s sacrificial love.
15. James 5:1-3 – The Misery of Hoarded Wealth
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.”
James warns that hoarding wealth for selfish purposes leads to spiritual destruction and misery, as earthly riches will decay and lose value.
This passage emphasizes the danger of prioritizing material gains over spiritual growth and obedience to God.
Believers are encouraged to use their resources to bless others, reflecting God’s generosity and avoiding the traps of greed.
16. 1 John 2:15-17 – Do Not Love the World
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
This verse calls believers to detach from worldly desires and focus on God’s eternal kingdom, which will never fade away.
Materialism and pride are fleeting distractions that compete with our devotion to God and His purpose for our lives.
True fulfillment comes from aligning with God’s will, leading to eternal rewards beyond worldly treasures.
17. Matthew 6:24 – Serving Two Masters
“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.”
Jesus highlights the impossibility of serving both God and material wealth. Devotion must be directed toward one.
Serving money as a master leads to misplaced priorities, whereas serving God brings peace and eternal purpose.
This verse challenges believers to examine their hearts and ensure God is the center of their trust and loyalty.
18. Colossians 3:2 – Set Your Minds on Things Above
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Paul encourages believers to focus on heavenly values and not become consumed by temporary, material concerns.
Shifting focus to eternal priorities fosters peace and purpose, drawing believers closer to God’s will.
This perspective helps Christians live with gratitude and hope, knowing their ultimate treasure is in heaven.
19. Proverbs 28:22 – Greedy Pursuits
“The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.”
Greedy pursuits often lead to spiritual and relational poverty, as selfishness erodes trust and community.
Generosity reflects God’s character and opens doors for blessings, fostering unity and gratitude among believers.
This verse warns against chasing wealth at the expense of relationships and spiritual well-being.
20. Deuteronomy 8:18 – Remember the Lord
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
God is the ultimate source of all blessings, including wealth, reminding believers to honor Him in their prosperity.
Acknowledging God’s provision fosters humility and gratitude, preventing pride or a sense of self-sufficiency.
Using wealth responsibly aligns with God’s covenant and reflects His faithfulness to His people.
21. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Cheerful Giving
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Giving generously and joyfully reflects a heart transformed by God’s grace and love for others.
This verse encourages believers to give willingly, trusting God to provide for their needs as they bless others.
Cheerful giving glorifies God and strengthens relationships within the body of Christ.
22. Psalm 37:16-17 – A Little with Righteousness
“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.”
Righteous living, even with modest means, brings greater peace and stability than the temporary wealth of the wicked.
God’s support for the righteous ensures their ultimate security, far surpassing material riches.
This verse reassures believers that integrity and faith outweigh worldly success.
23. Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor the Lord with Wealth
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Honoring God with resources reflects gratitude and trust in His provision. Giving firstfruits demonstrates faith in His continued blessings.
This principle encourages believers to prioritize God’s kingdom in their finances, ensuring His provision for their needs.
Generosity aligns with God’s will and opens the door for abundant spiritual and material blessings.
24. Job 1:21 – The Lord Gives and Takes Away
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Job’s response to loss highlights trust in God’s sovereignty over all material possessions, regardless of circumstances.
This verse teaches believers to praise God in all seasons, acknowledging His control and purpose in both abundance and lack.
Faith in God’s plan fosters peace and gratitude, even in the face of trials.
25. Isaiah 55:2 – Spending on What Satisfies
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
Pursuing material things that lack eternal value often leads to emptiness. God invites us to seek satisfaction in His provision.
This verse emphasizes prioritizing spiritual nourishment over temporary pleasures, encouraging trust in God’s abundance.
True satisfaction comes from aligning our desires with God’s will, leading to lasting joy and fulfillment.
26. Matthew 19:23-24 – The Rich and the Kingdom
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘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.’”
Wealth can create obstacles to spiritual growth when it becomes a priority over God’s kingdom.
Jesus warns against the distractions and false security riches often bring, calling for humility and dependence on God.
True discipleship requires a heart willing to release material wealth for the sake of eternal life.
27. Ecclesiastes 4:6 – Better with Tranquility
“Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.”
Contentment with simplicity is more valuable than striving for excessive gain, which often brings stress and discontentment.
This verse highlights the value of peace and balance, reminding believers to avoid the endless pursuit of wealth.
Tranquility comes from trusting God, not from accumulating possessions.
28. Romans 12:13 – Share with the Lord’s People
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Generosity strengthens the body of Christ and reflects God’s love to others. Sharing resources glorifies God and builds community.
This verse encourages believers to meet the needs of others willingly and with kindness, demonstrating Christ’s compassion.
Hospitality opens doors for spiritual growth and unity within the church.
29. Proverbs 19:17 – Lending to the Lord
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Kindness and generosity to the needy reflect God’s heart and earn His favor. Helping others is an act of worship.
God promises to honor and bless those who prioritize the well-being of the poor and vulnerable.
This verse inspires believers to view acts of kindness as opportunities to serve God directly.
30. Luke 6:38 – Measure for Measure
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Generosity invites God’s abundant blessings, both spiritually and materially. Giving reflects faith in His limitless provision.
This verse assures believers that God rewards a generous heart, encouraging trust in His care and faithfulness.
Living generously fosters joy and aligns our hearts with God’s agenda.
31. Matthew 25:29 – Using Resources Wisely
“For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfully using resources entrusted to us, as God rewards good stewardship with greater responsibilities.
Wasting opportunities or neglecting God’s gifts can lead to loss, while wise management reflects trust and gratitude.
This verse encourages believers to invest their resources for God’s glory and the benefit of others, ensuring eternal rewards.
32. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Laying a Firm Foundation
“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.”
Paul instructs the wealthy to remain humble and generous, reminding them that true security lies in God, not material possessions.
Generosity and good deeds build a spiritual foundation for eternal life, reflecting God’s love and care for others.
This verse calls believers to use wealth as a tool for good, ensuring their lives align with God’s eternal purposes.
33. Psalm 49:16-17 – Wealth Cannot Follow You
“Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.”
Material wealth is temporary and cannot accompany us into eternity. True riches lie in a relationship with God.
This verse reminds believers to avoid envy or fixation on worldly success, focusing instead on eternal treasures.
God’s values prioritize faith and righteousness over fleeting material gains, ensuring lasting fulfillment and peace.
34. Proverbs 30:8-9 – Give Me Neither Poverty nor Riches
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
The writer seeks balance, asking God for provision without excess or lack, to maintain faithfulness and avoid spiritual pitfalls.
This prayer emphasizes dependence on God for daily needs, fostering gratitude and humility.
Believers are encouraged to trust God for provision and focus on His kingdom rather than material extremes.
35. Revelation 3:17-18 – True Wealth in Christ
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
Jesus addresses the Laodicean church, exposing the emptiness of material wealth without spiritual riches. True wealth lies in faith and righteousness.
This verse calls believers to seek spiritual renewal through Christ, prioritizing eternal treasures over fleeting riches.
God offers the true riches of His kingdom, clothing us in His righteousness and opening our eyes to His eternal purpose.
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About Material Things
The Bible teaches that material things, while necessary, should never become the focus of our lives.
Scripture consistently calls believers to prioritize spiritual treasures over worldly wealth, fostering a heart of gratitude, stewardship, and contentment.
God provides everything we need, reminding us to trust Him rather than material possessions for our security and joy.
We are called to use resources wisely, serve others generously, and live humbly, acknowledging God’s ownership of everything.
Greed and materialism lead to spiritual harm, while faith and generosity reflect God’s love and purpose.
Finally, living with eternity in mind brings peace, fulfillment, and a life that glorifies Him.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing us with all that we have. Help us to hold material things lightly and to trust You completely.
Teach us to live with contentment, gratitude, and generosity, using the resources You’ve entrusted to us for Your glory.
Align our hearts with Your eternal purposes, and guide us to prioritize Your kingdom above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.