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RichesBiblical perspective of possessions
Lord’s perspective of riches
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:9)
People’s perspective of possessions
Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance. (Job 5:5)
He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth. (Job 15:29)
His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods. (Job 20:10)
He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly. (Job 20:15)
That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein. Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. (Job 20:18-20)
All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle. (Job 20:26)
The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath. (Job 20:28)
They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. (Job 21:13)
Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me. (Job 21:16)
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. (Job 22:23-25)
This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty. (Job 27:13)
Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver. (Job 27:16-17)
If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. (Job 36:11)
Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. (Job 36:19)
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (Ecclesiastes 7:11-12)
We take nothing with us when we die
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Though while he liveth he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:16-20)
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. (Ecclesiastes 5:13-15)
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:7)
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. (Psalm 39:6)
You cannot buy redemption for your soul
Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) (Psalm 49:5-8)
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. (Proverbs 11:4)
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)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36-37)
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (Luke 9:25)
Riches produce many “friends”
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. (Proverbs 14:20)
Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. (Proverbs 19:4)
Wealth is fleeting
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 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 23:4-5)
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26)
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:7)
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (1 Peter 1:18)
All possessions are nothing compared to knowing Jesus
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:7-8)
Riches are uncertain
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (1 Timothy 6:17)
Riches useless apart from the Lord
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I bought menservants and maidservants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were before me in Jerusalem: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11)
Things more valuable than riches
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. (Job 28:15-19)
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. (Psalm 37:16)
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. (Psalm 119:14)
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. (Psalm 119:72)
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. (Psalm 119:127)
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (Proverbs 3:13-16)
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it. (Proverbs 8:10-11)
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (Proverbs 8:18-21)
Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. (Proverbs 15:16)
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. (Proverbs 16:8)
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather than silver! (Proverbs 16:16)
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:19)
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. (Proverbs 19:1)
Gold there is, and rubies many: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. (Proverbs 20:15)
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and favour is better than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. (Proverbs 28:6)
Much required from those who have been given much
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:48)
Blessings of wealth
Righteous will be rewarded with prosperity
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid. (Proverbs 13:21)
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. (Proverbs 15:6)
Wealth for person who meditates on Word of God
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)
The prosperous will worship the Lord
All they that be fat upon earth shall eat, and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: even he that cannot keep alive his own soul. (Psalm 22:29)
Praying for prosperity
That I may see the well-being of Your chosen ones, That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, That I may glory with Your inheritance. (Psalm 106:5)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.” (Psalm 122:6-7)
The Lord bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. (Psalm 128:5)
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2)
Rich godly people
Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions which they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. (Genesis 12:5)
Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. (Genesis 13:2)
Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. (Genesis 15:13-14)
Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. (Genesis 24:1)
Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. (Genesis 24:16)
The Lord has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. (Genesis 24:35)
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. (Genesis 26:12-14)
Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys. (Genesis 30:43)
Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” So he urged him, and he took it. (Genesis 33:11)
Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put a gold chain around his neck. (Genesis 41:42)
And you have told my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Make haste and bring my father down here.” (Genesis 45:13)
Then they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, and Jacob and all his descendants with him. (Genesis 46:6)
So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly. (Genesis 47:27)
So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents. And besides, when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he spoke to them, saying, “Return with much riches to your tents, with very much livestock, with silver, with gold, with bronze, with iron, and with very much clothing; and divide the spoil of your enemies among your brethren.” (Joshua 22:8)
There was a relative of Naomi’s husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech. His name was Boaz. (Ruth 2:1)
O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, Who clothed you in scarlet, with luxury; Who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. (2 Samuel 1:24)
And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, ... However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. (1 Kings 10:4, 7)
Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked understanding for yourself, to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. (1 Kings 3:11-13)
Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. (1 Chronicles 29:23)
So he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor; and Solomon his son reigned in his place. (1 Chronicles 29:28)
Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the lives of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king— wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you have had, nor any after you shall have.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12)
And King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. (2 Chronicles 9:22)
Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in Jehoshaphat’s hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. (2 Chronicles 17:5)
And some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; also the Arabians brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats. So Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:11-12)
Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. (2 Chronicles 18:1)
Hezekiah had very great riches and honor. And he made himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of desirable items; storehouses for the harvest of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of livestock, and folds for flocks. Moreover he provided cities for himself, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had given him very much property. This same Hezekiah also stopped the water outlets of the upper Gihon, and directed the water to the west side of the City of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. (2 Chronicles 32:27-30)
And they took strong cities and a rich land, And possessed houses filled with all goods, Cisterns already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and grew fat, And delighted themselves in Your great goodness. (Nehemiah 9:25)
Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and very many servants; so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. (Job 1:3)
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon. (Daniel 3:30)
Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. (Matthew 27:57)
You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! ... To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. We are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we endure; (1 Corinthians 4:8, 11-12)
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:11-18)
Lord delights in prosperity of His servants
Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” (Psalm 35:27)
Not all will prosper
Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. (Hebrews 11:36-40)
Jesus is worthy to receive riches
...saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)
The wise can become rich
The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly. (Proverbs 14:24)
How wealth is acquired
Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3-4)
Things that keep people from wealth
He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. (Proverbs 21:17)
He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty. (Proverbs 22:16)
Dangers of wealth
Loving wealth
Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them. (Psalm 62:10)
Pride
With your wisdom and your understanding You have gained riches for yourself, And gathered gold and silver into your treasuries; By your great wisdom in trade you have increased your riches, And your heart is lifted up because of your riches— (Ezekiel 28:4-5)
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17)
Rich should not be proud because life is short
Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a scorching heat than it withers the grass; so the grass withers, and its flower falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits. (James 1:9-11)
Boast in Lord not riches
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, who exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Riches afford a sense of security
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty. (Proverbs 10:15)
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem. (Proverbs 18:11)
Now in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.” Lord, by Your favor You have established my mountain to stand firm; You hid Your face, and I was troubled. (Psalm 30:6-7)
Those who trust in riches
For he sees wise men die; Likewise the fool and the senseless person perish, And leave their wealth to others. Their inner thought is that their houses are forever, Their dwelling places to all generations; They call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not abide; He is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:10-12)
Wealth tends to separate people
Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, herds, and tents. Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you depart to the right, then I will go to the left.” And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tents even as far as Sodom. (Genesis 13:5-11)
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we are.” (Genesis 26:12-16)
Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob. For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock. (Genesis 36:6-7)
Woe to those who join house to house; They add field to field, Till there is no place Where they can dwell alone in the midst of the land! (Isaiah 5:8)
Riches can separate Christians
For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you. (1 Corinthians 11:18-22)
Riches are deceitful/can choke fruitfulness
The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18)
And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. ... And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. ... Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. (Matthew 13:4-5, 7, 22)
Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. ... And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. ... And these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:2-3, 7, 18-19)
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. ... Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. (Luke 8:7, 14)
Hard for rich to enter Kingdom
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:16-26)
Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:17-27)
Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:28-30)
Rich who do not know Lord will be separated from Him for eternity
...“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.’ (Luke 16:19-25)
Rich think they are wise
The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor man who has understanding searches him out. (Proverbs 28:11)
How the rich treat the poor
The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly. (Proverbs 18:23)
The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)
But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? (James 2:6-7)
Wealth can contribute to forgetting the Lord
...so it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full— then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (Deuteronomy 6:10-12)
...a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end— then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:9-18)
...for when I have brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey, of which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and filled themselves and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods and serve them; and they will despise Me and break My covenant. (Deuteronomy 31:20)
Two things I request of you (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to 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. (Proverbs 30:7-9)
I spoke to you in your prosperity, But you said, ‘I will not hear.’ This has been your manner from your youth— That you did not obey My voice. The wind shall eat up all your rulers, And your partners shall go to captivity. Surely then you will be ashamed and humiliated For all your wickedness. (Jeremiah 22:21-22)
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. (Revelation 3:17-18)
Wealth creates envy
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. (Genesis 26:12-14)
And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we are.” (Genesis 26:16)
Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” (Genesis 31:1)
Curses of wealth
Curse of kidnapping
The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, But the poor hears no rebuke. (Proverbs 13:8)
Curse of lack of sleep
The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. (Ecclesiastes 5:12)
Woes pronounced upon the rich
Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. (Luke 6:24)
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches are rotted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. (James 5:1-5)
Why do the wicked prosper?
For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord. The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. His ways are always prospering; Your judgments are far from his sight; As for all his enemies, he sneers at them. (Psalm 10:3-5)
Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. ... For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. For a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, and it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:1-2, 7, 9-11)
Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as a necklace for them; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return to them, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. When I thought about how to understand this, It was too painful for me— Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. How they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. (Psalm 73:1-20)
A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches. (Proverbs 11:16)
Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are all the untrustworthy happy? You have planted them, and they have taken root; They grow, they also bring forth fruit. You are near in their mouth And far from their mind. (Jeremiah 12:1-2)
Ungodly rich
Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel, and the man was very rich. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. And the man was churlish and evil in his doings; he was of the house of Caleb. (1 Samuel 25:2)
When he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days—one hundred and eighty days in all. (Esther 1:4)
And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king. (Esther 5:11)
Their land is also full of silver and gold, And there is no end to their treasures; Their land is also full of horses, And there is no end to their chariots. (Isaiah 2:7)
When your wares went out by sea, You satisfied many people; You enriched the kings of the earth With your many riches and your merchandise. (Ezekiel 27:33)
And now I will tell you the truth: Behold, three more kings will arise in Persia, and then the fourth shall be far richer than them all; by his strength, through his great riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. (Daniel 11:2)
Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. (Luke 19:2)
Commanded not to seek prosperity of particular people
You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever. (Deuteronomy 23:6)
Now therefore, do not give your daughters as wives for their sons, nor take their daughters to your sons; and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land, and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever. (Ezra 9:12)
Wrong way to prosper
Some prosper by sinning without acknowledging sin
Ephraim said, ‘Surely I have become rich; I have found wealth for myself; In all my labors they shall find in me no iniquity that is sin.’ (Hosea 12:8)
Those who buy them slay them and go unpunished; and those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the Lord, for I am rich’; and their own shepherds do not pity them. (Zechariah 11:5)
Some act religious to prosper
So Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will prosper me, since I have a Levite as priest!” (Judges 17:13)
Miscellaneous
If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; (Proverbs 2:4)
Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a winged creature may tell the matter. (Ecclesiastes 10:20)
People sometimes deceive as to their financial status
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. (Proverbs 13:7)
Money used to illustrate the value of the Kingdom of God
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-46)
Righteous living equated with silver
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. (Proverbs 10:20)
Judgement on wealthy, ungodly nations
Therefore the abundance they have gained, And what they have laid up, They will carry away to the Brook of the Willows. (Isaiah 15:7)
O you who dwell by many waters, Abundant in treasures, Your end has come, The measure of your covetousness. (Jeremiah 51:13)
And say to Tyre, ‘O you who are situated at the gateway of the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coastlands, thus says the Lord God: “O Tyre, you have said, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’ ... Tarshish was your merchant because of your many kinds of wealth; they traded with you in silver, iron, tin, and lead. Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders; they traded human beings and vessels of bronze for your wares. Those of the house of Togarmah traded horses, steeds, and mules for your merchandise. The men of Dedan were your traders; many coastlands were your merchants. They brought you ivory tusks and ebony as payment. Syria was your merchant because of your many kinds of goods; they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple stuff, embroidered work, fine linen, corals, and rubies. Judah and the land of Israel were your traders; they traded wheat of Minnith, cakes, honey, oil, and balm for your merchandise. Damascus was your merchant because of your many kinds of goods, because of your many kinds of wealth, in wine of Helbon and white wool. Vedan and Javan traded yarn for your wares. Bright iron, cassia, and cane were among your merchandise. Dedan was your trader in saddlecloths for riding. Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your traders; they traded with you in lambs, rams, and goats. The merchants of Sheba and Raamah were your traders; they traded choice spices, all kinds of precious stones, and all kinds of gold for your wares. Haran, Canneh, Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Assyria, and Chilmad were your traders. They were your traders in choice clothing, in blue and embroidered cloth, in chests of multicolored apparel, bound with cords, well-supplied with cedarwood. The ships of Tarshish were carriers of your merchandise. You were filled and very heavy in the midst of the seas. (Ezekiel 27:3, 12-27)
Israel empties his vine; He brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit He has increased altars; According to the bounty of his land They have embellished his sacred pillars. Their heart is divided; Now they are held liable. He will break down their sacred pillars; He will destroy their altars. (Hosea 10:1-2)
Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh! For all the merchant people are cut down; All those who bear silver are cut off! ... Therefore their goods shall become a booty, And their houses a desolation; They shall build houses, but not inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards, but not drink their wine. ... Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them In the day of the Lord’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land. (Zephaniah 1:11, 13, 18)
And Tyre built herself a tower, Heaped up silver like the dust, And gold like the mire of the streets. Behold, the Lord will cast her out; He will strike her power in the sea, And she will be devoured by fire. (Zechariah 9:3-4)
The king was not to become too rich
But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. (Deuteronomy 17:16-17)
Kings disobeyed command not to become too rich
And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. (1 Kings 4:26)
The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, besides that from the tradesmen, and from the traffic of the merchants, and from all the kings of Arabia, and from the governors of the country. King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. And he made three hundred shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round at the back; there were armrests on either side, and two lions stood beside the armrests. Twelve lions stood there on the one side and the other, on the six steps; nothing like this had ever been made for any other kingdom. All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None were of silver, for this was considered nothing in the days of Solomon. And the king had merchant ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years the merchant ships came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys. So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. The whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his heart. Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, at a set rate year by year. And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland. And Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the king’s traders received them from Kue at a price. (1 Kings 10:14-28)
And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. And the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland. And Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue, and the king’s traders received them from Kue at a price. They imported and exported chariots from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver apiece, and horses for a hundred and fifty shekels apiece; so through them these were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria. (2 Chronicles 1:14-17)
Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you, setting you on His throne to be king for the Lord your God! Because your God has loved Israel and established them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.” Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, spices in great quantity, and precious stones; there never were any spices such as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. Also, besides the wares that Solomon’s servants and Hiram’s servants brought, the king’s servants brought gold from Ophir, and algum wood and precious stones. And the king made steps from the algum wood for the house of the Lord and for the king’s house, also harps and stringed instruments for the singers; and there never had been seen such as these before in Judah. And King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked, much more than she had brought to the king. Then she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants. Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, besides that from the traders and merchants who brought wares, and from all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country. And King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield. And he made three hundred shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. The throne had six steps, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and armrests on either side of the place for seating, and two lions standing beside the armrests. Twelve lions stood there on the one side and the other, on the six steps. The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland. And they brought horses for Solomon from Egypt and from all lands. (2 Chronicles 9:8-27)
Prophecy
And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor. (Psalm 45:12)
And Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his treasures—the silver and the gold, the spices and the precious ointment, and all his armory—all that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominions that Hezekiah did not show them. ... Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord. ‘And some of your sons who will issue from you, whom you will beget, they shall take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” (Isaiah 39:2, 4-6)
Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. ... Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the Lord your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you. ... Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings may be led in procession. (Isaiah 60:5-6, 9, 11)
But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. (Isaiah 61:6-7)
...and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. (Haggai 2:7)
Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; the Lord will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.”’” (Zechariah 1:17)
...‘Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed through the former prophets, when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the South and the Lowland were inhabited?’” (Zechariah 7:7)
And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” (Revelation 6:15-16)
He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:16-17)
The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. (Revelation 17:4)
For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” (Revelation 18:3)
And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruits that your soul longed for have gone from you, and all the things which were rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, “Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.” Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, “What is like this great city?” They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, “Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.” (Revelation 18:11-19)
Prospects of wealth used as motivation
And you shall dwell with us, and the land shall be before you. Dwell and trade in it, and acquire possessions for yourselves in it. Then Shechem said to her father and her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give. Ask me ever so much dowry and gift, and I will give according to what you say to me; but give me the young woman as a wife.” (Genesis 34:10-12)
These men are at peace with us. Therefore let them dwell in the land and trade in it. Indeed, the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us as wives, and let us give them our daughters. ... Their livestock, their property, and all their animals will be ours, will they not? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us. (Genesis 34:21, 23)
And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house an exemption in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:25)