What does scripture say about money?
Scripture teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money can lead us astray. God calls us to be faithful stewards of our resources, using them wisely to care for others and advance His kingdom. Both the Bible and Book of Mormon emphasize trusting God as our provider rather than placing our security in wealth.
Relevant Scripture
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.
— 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)
This verse clarifies that money itself isn't evil, but loving it above God leads to spiritual danger and heartache.
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.
— Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
Jesus teaches that we must choose between making God or wealth our ultimate priority—we cannot fully serve both.
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.
— Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV)
This verse encourages us to prioritize God with our finances, trusting that He will provide for our needs.
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.'
— Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
We're called to contentment and freedom from greed, finding our security in God's faithful presence rather than possessions.
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
— Jacob 2:18-19 (Book of Mormon)
Jacob teaches that seeking God's kingdom must come first, and any wealth we obtain should be used to serve and bless others.
And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.
— Alma 1:30 (Book of Mormon)
This describes faithful people who, despite prosperity, remained generous and avoided setting their hearts on riches.
A Prayer for This
Heavenly Father, help me to view money as a tool for Your purposes rather than an end in itself. Guard my heart from greed and teach me to be generous, trusting that You will always provide what I truly need. May I seek Your kingdom first in all my financial decisions. Amen.
