Does God prefer us to be rich or poor? - National Christian Foundation (2024)

FAQs

Does God want us to be poor or rich? ›

The Bible issues several warnings against the love of money and the snare of wealth (1 Timothy 3:3; 6:10), but in Proverbs 30:8–9, Agur, the gather of wise sayings, asks that he would have neither poverty nor wealth.

Proverbs 30:8 instructs us not to seek poverty or riches. “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” The Bible never condemns wealth and neither should we. The Bible never upholds poverty as the pathway to righteousness, nor should we.

God wants you to be financially free so you can put Him first in your life and be sensitive to His voice, ready to follow Him whenever -- and wherever -- He leads.

But Scripture tells us that God loves the poor. He is on their side simply because they are still persons worthy of respect. And in their helplessness, they put their trust in God.

“And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content (I Timothy 6:8).” A man can be rich and be one of God's people. Abraham was a rich man. But a man cannot have a life goal of getting rich and be a Christian. The greatest goal the Creator gives to man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

God does want each of us to be rich in every possible way -- health, love, and peace of mind, as well as material possessions. God wants this, however, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of all humankind.

According to God's Word, there are four fundamental purposes for money: to provide for basic needs, to confirm direction, to give to those in need, and to illustrate God's power and care in provision. Understanding these purposes allows you to see how money relates to God's work in your life and community.

Contrary to popular belief, God does not condemn wealth and prosperity. In fact, throughout the Bible, we see instances where God blesses His people with abundance and prosperity. However, it is essential to recognize that God's intentions for wealth go beyond mere accumulation and personal gain.

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.

God is working to display His glory in our financial limitations. This is true not only because it forges our character to become more like Christ, but also because it allows us to be witnesses of Christ to those who do not know Him.

Does God want us to live in debt? ›

It's possible to live debt-free with biblical principles, even in difficult times. Romans 13:8 (AMPC) tells us to Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another...

The Bible doesn't specifically state that we should invest, but also does not forbid it. Investing is mentioned in Proverbs 31:16 and used in Jesus's parables (ex. Parable of the Ten Minas found in Luke 19:11-27), implying that it is expected and normal.

Theological significance

The "preferential option for the poor" refers to a trend throughout the Bible, of priority being given to the well-being of the poor and powerless of society in the teachings and commands of God as well as the prophets and other righteous people.

When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven! Indeed, 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 heaven."

The poor are a diverse group of the disenfranchised: subsistence farmers, day workers, indentured slaves, beggars, widows, prostitutes, the chronically infirm, and resident aliens (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; 24:17-22; Leviticus 19:33-34).

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full” (Proverbs 19:17). “If one shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered” (Proverbs 21:13). “Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss” (Proverbs 22:16).

Jesus did not ask people for money, or even seem to want money. In fact, he wanted the opposite: to live a life of poverty, free from materialism, and deeply devoted to helping the poor.

Matthew 19:24 "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Proverbs 23:4 "Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it."

James 2:5-8 New Century Version (NCV)

God chose the poor in the world to be rich with faith and to receive the kingdom God promised to those who love him. But you show no respect to the poor. The rich are always trying to control your lives. They are the ones who take you to court.