40+Bible Verses on Avoiding Materialism

“Embracing spiritual wealth over material possessions through Biblical wisdom.”

Materialism can often overshadow our spiritual values and lead us away from what truly matters. The Bible provides profound guidance on how to prioritize spiritual growth over material wealth.

Here, we explore 45 Bible verses that address materialism and encourage us to focus on spiritual riches.

1. Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus teaches that eternal treasures in heaven are far more valuable than earthly possessions.

2. 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.”

This verse emphasizes that serving money can lead us away from our devotion to God.

3. Luke 12:15

“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”

Jesus warns against greed and reminds us that life’s value isn’t measured by material wealth.

4. Luke 12:33-34

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

This passage encourages generosity and investing in heavenly treasures rather than earthly possessions.

5. 1 Timothy 6:6-10

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

Paul emphasizes contentment with basic necessities and warns about the dangers of loving money.

6. Hebrews 13:5

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

This verse advises contentment and trust in God’s provision rather than pursuing wealth.

7. Proverbs 11:28

“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.”

Trusting in wealth can lead to downfall, while righteousness leads to flourishing.

8. Proverbs 23:4-5

“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”

This passage warns against overworking for wealth, highlighting its fleeting nature.

9. Ecclesiastes 5:10

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.”

Solomon observes that the pursuit of wealth does not bring lasting satisfaction.

10. Ecclesiastes 5:15

“As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.”

Material possessions are left behind at death, underscoring their ultimate insignificance.

11. 1 John 2:15-17

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

John warns against loving material things, which are fleeting compared to the eternal will of God.

12. James 5:1-3

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”

James condemns hoarding wealth and warns of its ultimate futility.

13. Proverbs 30:8-9

“Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.”

The author seeks balance, avoiding both poverty and excessive wealth, which can lead to denial or dishonesty.

14. Matthew 19:21

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the low-income, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’”

Jesus advises selling possessions and giving to the low-income as a path to spiritual fulfillment.

15. Mark 8:36

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Jesus highlights the futility of gaining material wealth at the cost of one’s soul.

16. Luke 16:13

“No servant can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

This verse reinforces the impossibility of serving both God and material wealth.

17. Romans 13:8

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

Paul encourages living debt-free and focusing on love rather than material obligations.

18. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Paul advises the wealthy to focus on generosity and good deeds rather than their riches.

19. 2 Corinthians 8:9

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

Paul reflects on Jesus’ sacrifice and how it contrasts with worldly wealth.

20. Proverbs 28:20

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”

Faithfulness is rewarded, while the pursuit of quick riches leads to trouble.

21. Luke 16:11

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”

Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater spiritual riches.

22. Psalm 49:16-17

“Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.”

The psalmist observes that material wealth cannot accompany us after death.

23. Proverbs 15:16

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.”

Having a little while fearing God is better than abundant wealth accompanied by troubles.

24. Proverbs 16:8

“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”

Righteousness is valued over wealth obtained through injustice.

25. Ecclesiastes 2:11

“Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”

Solomon reflects on the emptiness of laboring for material gain.

Bible Verses on Soul Ties

26. Matthew 13:22

“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

Material concerns and the pursuit of riches can hinder spiritual growth.

27. Mark 10:23-25

“And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were amazed at his words.

But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’”

Jesus highlights the challenges wealth can pose to spiritual entrance into God’s kingdom.

28. Luke 12:21

“So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Focusing solely on material wealth without spiritual richness is ultimately unwise.

29. 1 Timothy 6:9

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

The desire for wealth can lead to temptations and negative consequences.

30. Proverbs 22:1

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”

Character and reputation are more valuable than material wealth.

31. Psalm 62:10

“Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.”

Trust should not be placed in wealth or dishonest gain.

32. Isaiah 55:2

“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.”

Isaiah warns against investing in pursuits that do not bring true satisfaction.

33. Proverbs 21:17

“Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”

Pursuing pleasure can lead to poverty, contrasting with the value of wisdom and discipline.

34. Micah 2:2

“They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.”

Micah condemns covetousness and the oppression that arises from it.

35. Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poverty threshold in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Spiritual humility and poverty are valued over material wealth.

36. James 2:5

“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?”

James highlights the spiritual richness of those who are materially poor.

37. Job 31:24

“If I have made gold my trust or called fine gold my confidence.”

Job declares his trust not in gold but in God, avoiding materialism.

38. Psalm 119:36

“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”

A prayer to focus the heart on God’s word rather than selfish gain.

39. Isaiah 2:7

“Their land is filled with silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is filled with horses, and there is no end to their chariots.”

Isaiah critiques the accumulation of wealth and military power, which can lead to pride.

40. Jeremiah 9:23

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.’”

Boasting in material wealth is discouraged; rather, we should find pride in knowing God.

41. Matthew 19:23

“And Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.’”

Jesus speaks to the difficulty wealth can impose on spiritual entry.

42. 1 John 3:17

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

True love and compassion are evidenced by generosity, not by hoarding wealth.

43. Philippians 4:11-12

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”

Paul speaks to the contentment found in all circumstances, regardless of material wealth.

44. 2 Peter 2:3

“And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

Peter warns against the exploitation and false promises of those driven by greed.

45. Proverbs 3:9-10

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

Honoring God with wealth leads to spiritual blessings rather than materialistic pursuits.

Answers to Key Questions

1. What does the Bible say about materialism?
The Bible warns against valuing material possessions over spiritual growth and encourages focusing on eternal treasures.

2. How can I avoid falling into materialism?
By prioritizing spiritual values, practicing contentment, and being generous with resources.

3. What is the Biblical perspective on wealth?
Wealth is not inherently bad, but its pursuit should not overshadow our devotion to God and spiritual well-being.

4. How should I view my possessions according to the Bible?
Possessions should be viewed as resources to be used for God’s purposes rather than as the ultimate goal in life.

5. Can wealth be a barrier to spiritual growth?
Yes, Jesus teaches that wealth can be a significant obstacle to entering God’s kingdom if it leads to misplaced priorities.

6. What is the Biblical advice for those who are wealthy?
Wealth should be used responsibly, with generosity, and without allowing it to become a source of pride or distraction from God.

Conclusion

The Bible offers clear guidance on avoiding materialism and prioritizing spiritual wealth. Through these scriptures, we learn that material possessions are fleeting, and true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God.

By focusing on eternal values, practicing generosity, and maintaining contentment, we align ourselves with God’s will and find genuine satisfaction. Let these verses inspire a life that values spiritual riches over earthly gain.