Today we will talk about bible verses on greed. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through Gods word. Greed shows up in many shapes: wanting more than we need, putting money first, or taking from others. As a community of faith, we want to learn together. We will read scriptures that warn us, teach us, and guide us to a better way. We will see that God cares about our hearts, not just our wallets. We will learn how greed can hurt us and those we love. We will also learn how contentment, giving, and trust in God bring peace. Let us open our minds and soften our hearts. Let us let the bible verses on greed speak to us kindly and clearly. We will listen, reflect, and try to change the small things that grow into big problems. As we go through these verses, let us ask God to help us see where greed is hiding in our lives. Let us ask for the courage to choose generosity and trust. May these words help us grow in love, wisdom, and faith.
bible verses on greed
The Love of Money and Its Cost
In our lives we sometimes see how the love of money pulls us away from what matters most. When we read the bible verses on greed, we find clear words that warn us about this danger. We, as a community, must be honest with ourselves. We can talk about how chasing money can lead to many problems. We can share stories of how people who seemed to have much lost the joy they once had. The scriptures do not say money is wrong, but they teach us that loving money more than God or family brings sorrow. When we look at these verses, we learn that this love can make us anxious, selfish, and blind to others. We will see that greed is often a slow change of the heart. It starts with wanting one thing more, then another. We will read how some people have erred from their faith because they chased riches. This group of bible verses on greed calls us back to a solid faith. They invite us to be content and to trust God for our needs. Together we can practice simple ways to protect our hearts: pray about our needs, give to others, and learn to be satisfied with what we have. We will not be harsh with ourselves. We will gently remind one another to put God first and money second. As we read the verses below, let us reflect on how we can turn from the cost of loving money to the blessing of loving God and people.
1 Timothy 6:10
“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. – 1 Timothy 6:10
1 Timothy 6:9
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. – 1 Timothy 6:9
1 Timothy 6:7
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. – 1 Timothy 6:7
Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. – Hebrews 13:5
Colossians 3:5
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. – Colossians 3:5
bible verses on greed
Coveting Is Forbidden
When we study the bible verses on greed, we are reminded that coveting is more than a bad thought. It is something God spoke against plainly. We as a group must face the simple truth: desiring what belongs to another leads to trouble. The Old Testament gives direct commands that teach us how to live among one another with respect. These commands help families and communities stay healthy. We learn that coveting reaches into homes, into marriages, and into friendships. It can cause harm even when it seems small at first. When we read these verses together, they help us to check our hearts. We ask, are we comparing? Are we wanting what our neighbor has instead of being thankful for what we have? The bible verses on greed call us to be content and grateful. They also show that greed is connected with many sins that hurt others. Yet God gives us a better path. We can learn to value people above things. We can choose to bless others instead of envying them. In this way our lives become calmer and more generous. Let us use these verses to guide our choices and to remind each other to keep our eyes on what truly matters: loving God and serving our neighbor.
Exodus 20:17
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. – Exodus 20:17
Deuteronomy 5:21
“Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbours. – Deuteronomy 5:21
Romans 1:29
“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, – Romans 1:29
1 John 2:16
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. – 1 John 2:16
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. – 1 Corinthians 6:10
bible verses on greed
Treasure and the Heart
As we read the bible verses on greed, we see a steady teaching about treasure and the heart. Jesus used clear images to show us where our heart lives. We are told not to store our treasure where it rots or is stolen. Instead, we are shown to build treasures in heaven. We can understand this in simple ways. Our daily choices about money show where our affection is placed. When we worry most about getting more things, our heart is tied to them. But when we choose to give, to trust God, and to care for others, our heart moves toward God. We must remember that this is not a rule meant to make us guilty. It is a gentle call to change our focus. We can teach our children about this. We can set small practices: share a portion of what we have, pray about spending, and give quietly. These habits shift our desires. Reading the bible verses on greed helps us see the path back to a healthy heart. We become wiser about what really lasts. Let us read these words and ask God to help our hearts follow Him, not things.
Matthew 6:19
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: – Matthew 6:19
Matthew 6:20
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: – Matthew 6:20
Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Matthew 6:21
Luke 12:15
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. – Luke 12:15
Luke 12:33
“Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. – Luke 12:33
bible verses on greed
Proverbs: Greed and Consequences
We often turn to proverbs for short, clear wisdom. The bible verses on greed in Proverbs show how greed harms homes and hearts. These sayings help us see everyday effects. We read about people who rush to get rich without thought. The proverbs warn that such haste brings trouble. They remind us that riches can fly away like a bird. When we read these verses together, we can imagine the small choices that lead to big loss. We can ask: do we work hard and plan, or do we try to get rich quick? Proverbs also shows how greed hurts families. A greedy person may bring fights into their home. This is not spoken to shame but to help us choose differently. We can teach our children steady habits of work, saving, and sharing. We can also pray for wisdom when money temptations come. The bible verses on greed in Proverbs invite us to live with care, not rush. They call us to protect our relationships and to seek steady, honest ways to provide. This is a path that blesses us and those around us.
Luke 12:34
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Luke 12:34
Proverbs 15:27
“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. – Proverbs 15:27
Proverbs 28:22
“He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. – Proverbs 28:22
Proverbs 23:4
“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. – Proverbs 23:4
Proverbs 23:5
“Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. – Proverbs 23:5
bible verses on greed
Empty Gain and Eternal Loss
Some bible verses on greed show the empty side of gaining the world. These texts remind us that wealth alone does not save us. They compare earthly gain with what our soul needs. We can think of people who gained much but lost the important things. The bible teaches that riches cannot buy life, peace, or a right standing with God. In this group of verses we see clear warnings. They tell us that chasing wealth at the cost of our soul is a terrible trade. That is why Jesus used strong images to make the point. He spoke about losing the soul for the world and about how hard it is for the rich to enter heaven. When we read the bible verses on greed, we must ask where we put our trust. We can choose to work and provide, but we must not let money be our master. We can balance our lives by serving God, helping others, and keeping our priorities straight. These verses push us to remember what lasts forever and to weigh our choices against that truth.
Proverbs 11:28
“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. – Proverbs 11:28
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. – Ecclesiastes 5:10
Ecclesiastes 5:13
“There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. – Ecclesiastes 5:13
Mark 8:36
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? – Mark 8:36
Mark 10:23
“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! – Mark 10:23
bible verses on greed
Warning to the Rich and Greedy
When the bible speaks to the rich, it often gives a warning. The bible verses on greed in this group show that wealth can be a test. We read strong messages to remind us that riches are not a safe place for the heart. The scriptures ask the rich to be humble and to use their wealth for good. They warn of miseries that come from selfish gain. We must listen carefully. If we are in a position of wealth, we have more chance to be tempted. The bible encourages giving, fairness, and care for the poor. When we ignore this, we may bring harm on ourselves and others. The verses also teach that seeking riches can lead to desire and conflict. This does not mean wealth is evil. It means that how we use and love our wealth matters. We can choose to be generous, to support the weak, and to live with honest hearts. The bible verses on greed help us see the right way to hold wealth: with open hands and a servant heart.
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. – Matthew 19:24
Mark 10:25
“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. – Mark 10:25
Acts 20:33
“I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. – Acts 20:33
James 5:1
“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. – James 5:1
James 4:2
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. – James 4:2
bible verses on greed
Serving God vs Serving Mammon
We read many bible verses on greed that show we cannot serve two masters. This is a simple truth we can all understand. When we try to serve both God and money, we will be pulled both ways. Our choices will show who we really serve. The bible uses the word mammon to mean money or wealth that masters people. We need to ask: who leads our time, our plans, our talk? If money leads, we are in danger. These verses teach us to choose well. We can learn to put God first and let money be a tool, not a ruler. This will change how we make decisions. We will spend time with family, give to the needy, and use our gifts in service. When we practice this, greed loses its power. The bible verses on greed remind us to be content and to trust God. They help us set a steady pace in life. Let us encourage each other to serve the Lord with our hearts free from the control of wealth.
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. – Philippians 4:11
Philippians 3:19
“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. – Philippians 3:19
Luke 16:13
“No servant 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. – Luke 16:13
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. – Matthew 6:24
Proverbs 21:26
“He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not. – Proverbs 21:26
bible verses on greed
Contentment, Stewardship, and Generosity
These bible verses on greed guide us toward contentment and good stewardship. We learn that contentment brings peace. It does not mean we do not work or plan. It means we do not set our hearts on getting more than we need. The scripture praises those who are generous and who give to the weak. We can see how giving helps us break free from greed. The verses also call leaders to be honest and not to use people for profit. When we manage what God has given us, we show trust. We also show love. The bible gives examples of working, saving, and then sharing. Scripture says it is more blessed to give than to receive. This teaches us joy in sharing. When we practice these truths, our homes and churches become places of care and trust. The bible verses on greed point us to a life where money serves others, not the other way around.
2 Peter 2:3
“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. – 2 Peter 2:3
Luke 16:11
“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? – Luke 16:11
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. – Matthew 19:21
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Acts 20:35
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. – Acts 20:35
bible verses on greed
Generosity and True Wealth
We learn from the bible verses on greed that true wealth is not what we hold, but how we love and serve. The scriptures ask us to look at how we treat people in need. If we close our hearts to the poor, we show a lack of love. True wealth is shown by giving and by working honestly. The Bible also teaches about wise giving. It shows that when we sow with a generous heart, we will reap a blessing. This is not always a promise of more money, but of deeper joy and community blessing. The Psalms remind us that riches cannot buy our safety or buy us free from trouble. Keeping our trust in God keeps our heart steady. These bible verses on greed help us see the difference between a life that chases more and a life that shares more. When we choose to be generous, we reflect God’s heart for others. We become richer in the way that matters most.
1 John 3:17
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? – 1 John 3:17
Psalm 49:6
“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; – Psalm 49:6
2 Corinthians 9:6
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. – 2 Corinthians 9:6
Psalm 62:10
“Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. – Psalm 62:10
Proverbs 13:11
“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. – Proverbs 13:11
bible verses on greed
Final Warnings and Wise Living
In the final set of bible verses on greed we see clear warnings and wise choices to make. The scriptures tell us that oppressing the poor to grow rich will bring trouble. They also teach us that storing up riches for ourselves without being rich toward God is a foolish way to live. The Bible gives us a final reminder: nothing in this world can match the value of our soul. We must weigh our plans and check our motives. The final verses urge us to choose integrity over gain. They remind us that a content person who walks in honesty is better off than one who is rich but crooked. When we follow these words, our lives become steadier. We will be kinder, more fair, and less anxious. The bible verses on greed help us end well by living wisely and loving God above gain. Let us take these lessons to heart and live them in small steps each day.
Proverbs 22:16
“He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. – Proverbs 22:16
Luke 12:21
“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. – Luke 12:21
Matthew 16:26
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:26
Luke 6:24
“But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. – Luke 6:24
Proverbs 28:6
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. – Proverbs 28:6
Final Thoughts
I have walked with these bible verses on greed and I see clear lessons for my heart. I know we all face the pull of money in our daily lives. I choose to keep God first, and to ask for help when I feel the pull of wanting more than I need.
We have read many scriptures that warn, guide, and encourage us. Together we can practice contentment, honest work, and generous giving. We can remind one another kindly when the world pushes us toward greed.
Let us trust God for our needs, give to those in need, and keep our hearts rich toward God. In this way our lives will bless others and bring peace to our own souls.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
50 Important bible verses on greed (With Explanation)