Is Being Rich Wrong?

In looking for some sermon illustrations the other day, I stumbled across this headline that captured my attention: Is it morally wrong to be “filthy rich”?

The article revealed a joint research study by the University of Southern California and the University of Massachusetts Amherst that examined how people across 20 countries judge excessive wealth.

The study exposed an interesting paradox.

People in wealthier, more equal societies are actually more likely to view having too much money as morally wrong compared to those living in poorer, more unequal countries.

The research involved over 4,300 participants from nations as diverse as Belgium, Nigeria, Switzerland, and Peru. While you might expect people in struggling economies to resent the ultra-rich more, the opposite appears to be true.

The study found that people do not see excessive wealth as very immoral across all countries. But more equal and wealthy societies like Belgium and Switzerland consider having too much money more wrong than less equal societies.

Of course, being rich is relative. Most of us in Middle Class America don’t consider ourselves to be wealthy. Yet, compared to those in underdeveloped countries, we would be viewed as rich.

The subject of money is complex and often controversial. Some see wealth as a blessing, while others view it as a curse–the source of greed and corruption. Of course, it depends on who’s talking and their motivation. It’s humorous to hear politicians who are multi-millionaires, often owning multiple homes, condemning those who are billionaires.

More importantly, however, what does the Bible say?

#1 The Bible never says that wealth is inherently evil.

Often misquoted is 1 Timothy 6:10 to say, “Money is the root of all evil.” It actually says, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

Furthermore, some of God’s greats were wealthy. The Old Testament patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were said to be “very rich.” Job was wealthy and identified as “the greatest of all the men of the east.” Yet he is said to be “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” Solomon was also one of the wealthiest people of his day.

#2 The Bible warns about the dangers of riches.

As noted in 1 Timothy 6:10, “the love of money” can be the source of evil attitudes and actions. Jesus offered this warning: “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Wealth can become our god, taking the place of Jehovah God in our hearts, and resulting in pride, self-reliance, and greed, instead of humility, trust, and generosity.

It’s often said, “There is nothing wrong with men possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men.”

#3 The Bible teaches us to be good stewards of our money.

With discretionary resources, we can have extra money to advance the Kingdom’s mission, help the poor, support gospel preachers, and contribute to charities, colleges, and benevolent organizations.

Paul instructed the rich, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God… Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

#4 The heart of the issue, as with all of Christianity, is the heart.

If wealth is idolized and becomes a selfish end in itself, it becomes sinful. If wealth is viewed as a stewardship from the hand of God, it becomes a blessing, is used for good, and gives God glory.

The advice of John Wesley would serve us well. “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman