Table of Contents

On Covetousness - William Gouge

Scripture References

COVETOUSNESS

by William Gouge (1575–1653)

Of the Nature of Covetousness

Covetousness is an immoderate desire of riches. The apostle implieth as much, under this phrase, boulomenoi ploutein they that will be rich (1 Timothy 6:9); under that word, will, a desire, and that insatiable desire, is comprised. The notation of both the words before mentioned, namely, love of silver and desire of having more, do demonstrate that covetousness consisteth in a desire.

Desire of riches is not simply covetousness, for a man may lawfully pray for them. So much is intended in the fourth petition. Now what a man may pray for, he may desire, with the same limitations as he may pray for it. Therefore it is an immoderate desire: that is, when a man is not content with that portion which God by his providence in a lawful and warrantable course doth afford unto him, but (according to the apostle’s phrase) he will be rich; he will have more than God alloweth him in a fair way; and if he cannot otherwise get more, he will be discontent.

The general object of covetousness is riches. Under this word all the commodities of this world are comprised, and withal abundance of them, yea, more than is necessary. Things necessary may be desired, but not superfluity (Proverbs 30:8).

This sin is especially in the heart. One may have little, and yet be covetous; and one may be rich, and yet free from covetousness.

Of the Practice of Covetousness in Getting Wealth

Covetousness is practiced three ways:

1. In getting.

2. In keeping.

3. In spending what a man hath.

1. When wealth is gotten unconscionably or immoderately, it is a sign of a covetous heart.

That is said to be unconscionably gotten which is gotten against any duty whereunto conscience is bound, as—

a.) Against any particular precept. Therein Achan covetously transgressed (Joshua 7:21).

b.) Against piety; as they which buy and sell on the Sabbath-day for gain (Nehemiah 13:16).

c.) Against justice; as Ahab, who by Naboth’s unjust death got his vineyard (1 Kings 21:19).

d.) Against charity; as the rich man that took the poor man’s sheep to entertain his friend (2 Samuel 12:6).

e.) Against equity; as Gehazi, who got that which his master refused (2 Kings 5:20).

f.) Against truth; as Ananias and Sapphira with a lie kept back part of that which was devoted to the church, (Acts 5:2).

g.) Against all these; which was Judas his sin in betraying his Master for thirty pieces of silver, (Matthew 26:15).

Whatsoever is by force or fraud, by stealing, lying, or any other indirect course gotten, is an effect of covetousness. It argueth an over-greedy desire. If it were not so, no means would be used but that which is lawful; and in the use of them men would depend on God, and be content with that portion which he by his providence affords them.

An immoderate getting is, when men spend their wit, pains, and time in getting the goods of this world, and rather than fail, lose their meal’s meat, and sleep, and other refreshments, yea, and neglect the means of getting heavenly treasure: they are only and wholly for the things of this world. If spiritual and temporal blessings cannot stand together, temporals shall be preferred and spiritual neglected: as the Gadarenes, for fear of losing more swine, prayed Christ to depart from their coast (Mark 5:17); and they who, for their farm and oxen’s sake, refused to come to the Lord’s supper (Luke 14:18f).

Of the Practice of Covetousness in Keeping Wealth

Covetousness in keeping wealth is practiced two ways:

1. When men hoard up all that they can, though they have enough for the present, yet fearing want for the future, treasure up whatsoever they can get. So did the rich fool in the Gospel. His ground bearing fruit plentifully, his mind was presently set upon enlarging his barns to lay up for many years to come (Luke 12:15–21). The wise man doth set out this covetous practice, ‘There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches’ (Ecclesiastes 4:8). These are they that take thought for the morrow; that is, cark and care for the future time, which Christ expressly forbiddeth (Matthew 6:34). They think that whosoever want, they will not.

2. When men hoard up only for themselves, they care not what treasure for the future the commonwealth or the church hath against times of need and trial, nor do they care for the flock of the poor.

Of the Practice of Covetousness in Spending

A covetous practice in spending is manifested two ways:

1. By spending too sparingly and too niggardly in all things, as when men live under their degree and place, when they regard not decency in apparel or other like things, when they afford not necessaries to themselves or to those that are under their charge—these are pinch-pennies. Thus doth the wise man set out such a one, ‘A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth: yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof’ (Ecclesiastes 6:2).

2. By being too prodigal in some things, as in housekeeping, in apparel, in their pleasures on themselves, wives, and children, but are too strait-handed in all works of charity, and in contributions to church and state. Nabal was such a one. He made a feast in his house ‘like the feast of a king,’ but yet refused to refresh David’s soldiers in their necessity with any part of his provision (1 Samuel 25:11,36). And such a one was Dives; he was ‘clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day,’ yet refused to feed Lazarus with the crumbs that fell from his table (Luke 16:19–21). These may be counted pound-prodigal, and penny-covetous.

Of the Heinousness of Covetousness

There are many circumstances concerning covetousness which do much aggravate the heinousness thereof; for—

1. It is a deceiving sin. It blinds the understanding and corrupts the judgment in a main point of happiness: for the covetous man ‘maketh gold his hope, and fine gold his confidence’ (Job 31:24). This is further manifest by the titles that are usually given to it, as ‘substance,’ and ‘goods.’ They who get much wealth, are said to be made for ever; and they who lose much, to be undone for ever. The rich man, when his corn exceedingly increased, thus saith to his soul, ‘Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry’ (Luke 12:19). Upon this conceit of happiness, wealth so stealeth away a man’s heart, and so inflames his affections, as he maketh it his god. Justly therefore is a covetous person called an idolater (Ephesians 5:5), and covetousness idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

2. It is an insatiable sin. ‘He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase’ (Ecclesiastes 5:10). In this respect covetousness is like a dropsy, which increaseth thirst by much drinking; and like a fire, which by addition of fuel is the more fierce. The desire of a covetous man ariseth from abundance, and in that respect is unnatural; for nature is satisfied with sufficiency. Hunger and thirst cease when a man hath eaten and drunk that which is sufficient.

3. It is a galling sin. It works a continual vexation, and takes away all the comforts of this life. The apostle saith, that ‘they which covet after money, pierce themselves through with many sorrows’ (1 Timothy 6:10). There is a threefold woe that accompanieth covetousness—

- a.) A woe of labour and toil in getting wealth;

- b.) A woe of care and trouble in keeping it;

- c.) A woe of grief and anguish in parting with it. Nothing makes death more unwelcome than a covetous desire of the things of this world.

4. It is an ensnaring sin. ‘They that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare’ (1 Timothy 6:9). Wealth, as it is a bait to allure men to snap thereat, so it is a snare fast to hold them, and a hook to pull them down to perdition. ‘How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!’ (Mark 10:23). This snare kept the farmers from the wedding feast (Luke 14:18–19). It keeps many from the word; yea, it steals away the heart of those that come to the word; for ‘their heart goeth after their covetousness’ (Ezekiel 33:31).

5. It is a mother sin. ‘The love of money is the root of all evil’ (1 Timothy 6:10). Fitly therefore doth the prophet thus style it ‘evil covetousness’ (Habakkuk 2:9). There is no evil which a covetous man will forbear. His covetousness puts him on to all evil. It is a root of impiety. It draws the heart from God, so as there can be no true love nor fear of God in a covetous heart. It makes a man be of that religion which is professed in the place where he liveth, though it be palpable idolatry. A covetous man can swallow all manner of oaths, yea, and perjury itself. For gain he will profane the Sabbath. It makes inferiors purloin from their superiors, and superiors to neglect their inferiors. It is a cause of much rebellion, of many treasons, murders, thefts, robberies, deceit, lying, false witness, breach of promise, and what not.

6. It is a growing sin. The longer men live in the world, the more covetous they use to be after the world. Old men are commonly the most covetous. Herein it differeth from other violent sins, which by age abate in their violence.

7. It is a devouring sin. ‘The deceitfulness of riches choke the word’ (Matthew 13:22). Covetousness is like Pharaoh’s lean cows, ‘which did eat up the fat cows; and when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still as ill-favoured as at the beginning’ (Genesis 41:20–21).

8. It is a crying sin. ‘The cries of them which are oppressed’ by covetous persons ‘enter into the ears of the Lord.’ Hereupon an apostle bids them ‘weep and howl’ (James 5:1ff). Covetousness causeth a curse from man and God. ‘He that withholdeth corn’ (as the covetous man will when he can), ‘the people shall curse him.’ As for God’s curse, ‘the wrath of God cometh upon men because of these things’ (Ephesians 5:5–6). The apostle reckoneth ‘covetous persons’ among those that ‘shall not inherit the kingdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 6:10).

Of Remedies Against Covetousness

For preventing or redressing covetousness, these rules following are to be observed:

1. The judgment must rightly be informed in these two points:

- a.) In the nature of true happiness.

- b.) In the vanity and deceitfulness of riches.

Many learned men lack this point of understanding.

It is the blindness of a man’s mind that maketh him place a kind of happiness in the things of this world, whereby he is brought even to coat upon them. If therefore we shall be rightly instructed that happiness consisteth in matters of another kind than this world affords, and that the things of this world are so vain as they can afford no solid comfort to a man, especially in spiritual distress, and so uncertain as they may suddenly be taken away from men, or men from them, surely their immoderate desire of riches could not be but much allayed. He that said, ‘There be many that say, Who will shew us any good O Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us’ (Psalm 4:6), well discerned the difference betwixt earthly and heavenly blessings. So did he who said, ‘Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death’ (Proverbs 11:4).

2. The will and heart of man must follow the judgment well informed, and raise themselves up to that sphere where true happiness resteth. ‘Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth’ (Colossians 3:2). This will keep the heart from coating on things below; for ‘where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’ (Matthew 6:21). A beast which is feeding in fair and fresh pasture will not stray into a bare and barren heath; much less will an understanding man, that finds the sweetness of spiritual and heavenly blessings, feed upon earthly trash. This made Paul account all outward things but dung, because his heart had tasted of the sweetness of Christ (Philippians 3:8f).

3. A man’s confidence must be placed on God and his providence. God’s providence is an overflowing and ever-flowing fountain. The richest treasures of men may be exhausted; God’s cannot be. Be therefore fully resolved of this, that ‘God will provide’ (Genesis 22:8). This casting of our care on God’s providence is much pressed in Scripture, as Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:25–26, etc. By experience we see how children depend on their parents’ providence. Should not we much more on our heavenly Father? This resting upon God’s providence is the more to be pressed in this case, because nothing makes men more to misplace their confidence than riches. ‘The rich man’s wealth is his strong city’ (Proverbs 10:15).

4. Our appetite or desire of riches must be moderate. Herein be of his mind who thus prayed, ‘Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me’ (Proverbs 30:8). This is the main scope of the fourth petition (Matthew 6:11). Be content, therefore, with that portion which God gives thee, and be persuaded it is best for thee. This lesson had Paul well learned (Philippians 4:11). Contentedness and covetousness are directly opposite, as light and darkness. The apostle here in this text opposeth them.

5. We must pray against covetousness, as he who said, ‘Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness’ (Psalm 119:36). We ought the rather to pray to God against it, because it is a hereditary disease, and in that respect the more hardly cured. It was one of Christ’s greatest miracles to cure one that was born blind (John 9:32).

Of Well-Using Abundance

In case God by his providence give abundance, as he gave to many of the patriarchs—to Job, David, Solomon, and others—great care must be taken about well-using the same. For that end let these rules following be observed. Some of them are negative, and some affirmative.

1. Negative rules are such as these:

a.) ‘Abuse not the world’ (1 Corinthians 7:31). By the world is meant the things of the world—all manner of earthly commodities. These are abused when they are esteemed above that for which they were given—when they are preferred before spiritual and heavenly things.

b.) ‘Set not your heart on riches if they increase’ (Psalm 62:10). Delight not too much in them.

c.) ‘Trust not in uncertain riches’ (1 Timothy 6:17). Do not so place thy confidence on them, as if happiness were to be found in them.

d.) ‘Let not the rich man glory in his riches’ (Jeremiah 9:23), nor be puffed up by them. There is nothing in them to make a man proud of them.

e.) Let not thy wealth move thee to scorn the poor. This is it which an apostle taxeth in rich men; saying, ‘Ye have despised the poor’ (James 2:6).

f.) Let them not occasion thee to oppress others. The aforesaid apostle implieth that rich men are prone hereunto, where he saith, ‘Do not the rich oppress you?’ (James 2:6). The rich man that took his poor neighbour’s lamb to entertain a traveller, oppressed him (2 Samuel 12:4).

2. Affirmative rules are such as these:

a.) ‘Honour the Lord with thy substance’ (Proverbs 3:9). So order the goods of this world which God giveth thee, as with them thou mayest maintain the service of God, and promote piety.

b.) Be ‘rich in good works’ (1 Timothy 6:18). According to the abundance which God hath given thee, abound in works of charity. He that had five talents gained thereby five other talents (Matthew 25:20).

c.) ‘Make friends of thy riches’ (Luke 16:9). They are made friends when they are so used as they may be evidences, and thereby give testimony of our piety, charity, justice, and other like graces.

d.) Seriously and frequently meditate on the account that men are to give of using their wealth. We are not lords of our riches, but stewards; and a steward must give an account of his stewardship (Luke 16:2). That which the wise man saith to the young man, may be applied to a rich man, ‘For all these things God will bring thee into judgment’ (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

e.) Be ready to let go whatsoever God shall be pleased to take away. Of this mind was he who, when he had lost all that he had, thus said, ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’ (Job 1:21).

f.) Trust in the Lord. This advice doth the apostle give to rich men (1 Timothy 6:17); for this very end, to draw them from trusting in riches. He doth therefore thus infer the one upon the other, ‘Trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living Lord.’

Of Examination of a Man’s Self About Covetousness

Covetousness being such a sin, as hath been declared, in the nature, practice, and heinousness of it, it nearly concerns every Christian to consider how far it hath seized on him, and how guilty he stands thereof. This duty lieth on every one in these especial respects:

1. Covetousness doth especially consist in the inward desire of a man, which is best known to himself. A man’s desire is one of the things of a man which no man knoweth, ‘save the spirit of man which is in him’ (1 Corinthians 2:11).

2. It is so hereditary a disease, as no man is altogether free from it. It will in some degree or other be found in the best, if they thoroughly sift themselves. Certainly he found himself addicted thereto who thus prayed to God, ‘Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness’ (Psalm 119:36); yet he was ‘a man after God’s own heart’ (Acts 13:22).

3. It is so deceiving a sin, covering itself under the veil of prudence, providence, good husbandry, thriftiness, harmlessness, and sundry other presences, as if it be not thoroughly examined, it will hardly be discerned.

4. It is so eating, fretting, and consuming a sin, as if it be not searched out, but suffered to lurk and grow, it may prove like the thorns which soak out the heart of the earth, and make the seed fruitless (Matthew 13:22). The heart of many that frequent the word ‘goeth after their covetousness’ (Ezekiel 33:31). This covetousness in the heart of a professor may prove like the wild gourds that were put into the pot of pottage (2 Kings 4:39–40); and like that accursed thing that was by Achan brought into the camp of the Israelites (Joshua 7:11).

5. Many, for want of thorough trying of themselves in this case, think better of themselves than there is cause. The Pharisees were covetous, yet they thought too highly of themselves (Luke 16:14–15).

Of Rules to Find Out Covetousness

It is in vain for any to search after that which he knows not how to find out. God himself having exhorted Joshua and the elders of Israel to search out the accursed thing that was hid in the camp, gave him advice and direction how to do it (Joshua 7:13–14). I hold it meet, therefore, here to add a direction.

1. Observe the inward wishes of thine heart. If they be especially for the things of this world, they argue a covetous disposition. Covetousness is styled ‘the lust of the eye’ (1 John 2:16); that is, an inward inordinate desire arising from the sight of such and such a thing (Joshua 7:21). Many things may be seen which are not desired, but if desired, and that inordinately, there is covetousness.

2. In things which differ, mark what is preferred. If earthly things be preferred before heavenly, temporal before spiritual, that disposition is covetous. Such was the disposition of those who are invited to the king’s supper, and refused to go (Luke 14:18f.); and the disposition of the Gadarenes (Mark 5:17).

3. In the means of getting, consider whether they be just and right, or no; for all unjust and undue ways of getting, arise from covetousness. A mind free from it will rest content with that portion which by the divine providence shall be allotted (Jeremiah 22:17; Micah 2:12).

4. Compare with the stint which thou first settest to thyself, the issue that followeth. If, upon the obtaining of the first desire, a man remain unsatisfied, and his desire be more and more enlarged, he hath a covetous heart. For example, a poor man thinks if he could get ten shillings a week, it would serve his turn; he hath it, but then he desireth ten shillings a day; he hath that also, yet is not satisfied; from shillings his desire ariseth to pounds, and yet is not satisfied. These are such of whom the prophet thus speaketh, ‘Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth’ (Isaiah 5:8). Such a one is said to ‘enlarge his desire as hell’ (Habakkuk 2:5).

5. Well weigh the effects of thy desire of riches. If thoughts thereupon break thy sleep, and care thereabouts consume thy flesh, and labour and toil therein take up all thy time, and impair health and strength, that desire is immoderate—it is plain covetousness (Ecclesiastes 2:23, 5:12). This argueth a greediness after ‘filthy lucre,’ as the apostle terms it (1 Timothy 3:3).

6. Take notice of thy disposition in hoarding up and keeping wealth, and sparing to spend it; for covetousness consisteth as much (if not more) in keeping as in getting. The rich man in the parable herein especially manifested his covetousness (Luke 12:19). The Lord, therefore, for avoiding covetousness, forbids from laying up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19).

7. Observe thy manner of spending. If it be too sparingly, niggardly, and basely, if under thy degree and means, if against health and strength in general, not affording what is needful thereunto; or against special occasions, not affording physic or other requisites in sickness, or help of surgery in case of wounds, sores, or other maladies; or against the charge that belongs unto thee, as wife, children, servants, kindred, and neighbours; or against the duty and due which thou owest to the poor, state, and church; or in what thou doest in any of the aforesaid kinds, thou doest perforce so as otherwise thou wouldst not of it, surely this kind of spending savoureth rank of covetousness (Ecclesiastes 5:18).

Of Over-Rash Censuring Others of Covetousness

Covetousness being a heinous sin, and exceedingly disgraceful to the profession of the true faith, we ought to be very tender about laying it to the charge of professors. It cannot be denied but that many professors are too guilty thereof: yet withal it cannot be denied but that many others are too rash in censuring professors. It may be that to lay covetousness to one’s charge will not bear an action in our courts of justice, but in God’s court of justice it may prove a matter of condemnation.

Men may more safely judge themselves hereabouts than others. For covetousness is an inward inordinate desire; and a man may better know the kind and qualification of his own desire than of others (1 Corinthians 2:11).

The grounds which, ordinarily, men have of judging professors is suspicion or surmise, to which the apostle giveth this attribute, ‘evil’ (1 Timothy 6:4); for surmises are evil in their quality, and in their effects.

Ordinary surmises are such as these:

1. Such a man is very industrious and painful in his calling; he riseth early; he sitteth up late.

Answer. It may be that a good conscience about employing and improving his talent to the best advantage he can, putteth him on to that diligence, and not covetousness.

2. He lives not according to his estate, but much under it.

Answer. Thou mayest surmise his estate to be greater than it is. Dost thou know all his losses, all his debts, his manifold charges, and several ways of laying out

3. He is not liberal to the poor.

Answer. He may be prudent in well ordering his charity; and conscionable in observing this rule of Christ, ‘When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth’ (Matthew 6:3).

4. He layeth up much.

Answer. Thou canst not tell what part of his estate he layeth up, nor to what ends. The apostle prescribeth it as a duty belonging to parents to lay up for their children (2 Corinthians 12:14).

Of Contentedness, What It Is

Contentedness is a satisfaction of the mind concerning the sufficiency and fitness of one’s present condition.

This general matter of contentedness, a satisfaction of mind, doth not only put a distinguishing difference betwixt contentedness and covetousness, but also sheweth that they are diametrically contrary one to another: for a covetous mind is never satisfied with any estate: and a contented mind is never unsatisfied with any.

This satisfaction useth to accompany such things as God bestoweth on such as he taketh an especial care of. Such persons having long life are satisfied therewith. God with the blessing giveth satisfaction (Psalm 91:16). ‘The meek shall eat and be satisfied’ (Psalm 22:26). God ‘will satisfy the poor with bread’ (Psalm 132:15). When God promiseth to send corn, wine, and oil as a blessing, it is added, ‘ye shall be satisfied therewith’ (Joel 2:19,26).

This satisfaction is said to be of the mind, to shew that it extends itself as far as covetousness doth; which is an inward inordinate desire of the mind. A contented person doth not only forbear outward indirect courses of getting more and more; but doth also restrain the motions of his mind or soul, from desiring more than God is willing to allot unto him.

The sufficiency mentioned in the description, hath not reference to any set quantity or measure which the contented person propounds to himself; but only to the wise providence of God, who doth give to every one of his what is sufficient for him: answerably a contented person so accounts his own estate, and is satisfied. She that made this answer, to him that would have spoken to the captain of the host for some reward to her, ‘I dwell among mine own people,’ was such a contented one (2 Kings 4:13).

This word fitness is added, to shew that contentedness extends itself not only to the things which are needful for man’s livelihood, as food and raiment (1 Timothy 6:8), but also to the several estates hereunto man is subject: as of peace and trouble, ease and pain, honour and dishonour, prosperity and adversity. Contentedness makes a man account that estate, be it joyous or grievous, whereunto God brings him, to be the fittest and seasonablest for him.

The present condition wherewith a contented mind is limited in this text, admits a double reference. One to the time past; wherein though his condition hath been better, yet he repineth not at the alteration thereof.

The other reference is to the time to come; wherein though he have never so great hope of bettering himself, yet for the present he remaineth content with his present condition.

Of the Grounds of Contentedness

The grounds of contentedness are such as follow:

1. Knowledge of God’s disposing providence; that he ordereth all things in heaven and earth, according to his own will (Psalm 115:3, 135:6). Hence we may safely infer that our estate, whatsoever it be, great or mean, plentiful or scanty, quiet or troublesome, is ordered by God. ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away’ (Job 1:21). ‘I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things’ (Isaiah 45:7). Who would not, who should not, be content with that estate which God provideth for him?

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Scripture References

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations in the end-note section are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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.”

Proverbs 30:7–9, “Two things I ask of you;

deny them not to me before I die:

8Remove far from me falsehood and lying;

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the food that is needful for me,

9lest 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.”

Joshua 7:20–21, “And Achan answered Joshua, ‘Truly I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.’”

Nehemiah 13:15–18, “In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. 16Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! 17Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, ‘What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disastera on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.’”

1 Kings 21:19, “And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’”

2 Samuel 12:4–6, “‘Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.’ 5Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.’”

2 Kings 5:19b–20, “But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, 20Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, ‘See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.’”

Acts 5:1–2, “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Matthew 26:14–15, “Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.”

Mark 5:15–17, “And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17And they began to beg Jesusd to depart from their region.”

Luke 14:16–20, “But he said to him, ‘A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.” 19And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.” 20And another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”’”

Luke 12:15–21, “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.’ 16And he told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17and he thought to himself, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” 18And he said, “I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’” 20But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” 21So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’”

Ecclesiastes 4:7–8, “Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, ‘For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?’ This also is vanity and an unhappy business.”

Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Ecclesiastes 6:1–2, “There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.”

1 Samuel 25:10–11,36, “And Nabal answered David’s servants, ‘Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. 11Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?’

36Then David received from her hand what she had brought him. And he said to her, ‘Go up in peace to your house. See, I have obeyed your voice, and I have granted your petition.’”

Luke 16:19–21, “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.”

Job 31:24–28, “If I have put my trust in gold

or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’

25if I have rejoiced over my great wealth,

the fortune my hands had gained,

26if I have regarded the sun in its radiance

or the moon moving in splendor,

27so that my heart was secretly enticed

and my hand offered them a kiss of homage,

28then these also would be sins to be judged,

for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.”

Luke 12:15–21, “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.’ 16And he told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17and he thought to himself, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” 18And he said, “I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’” 20But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” 21So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’”

Ephesians 5:5, “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

Colossians 3:5, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

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.”

1 Timothy 6:10, “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.”

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.”

Mark 10:23, “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!’”

Luke 14:16–20, “But he said to him, ‘A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.” 19And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.” 20And another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”’”

Ezekiel 33:31, “And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain.”

1 Timothy 6:10, “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.”

Habakkuk 2:9–11, “Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,

to set his nest on high,

to be safe from the reach of harm!

10You have devised shame for your house

by cutting off many peoples;

you have forfeited your life.

11For the stone will cry out from the wall,

and the beam from the woodwork respond.”

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.”

Genesis 41:17–21, “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Behold, in my dream I was standing on the banks of the Nile. 18Seven cows, plump and attractive, came up out of the Nile and fed in the reed grass. 19Seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I had never seen in all the land of Egypt. 20And the thin, ugly cows ate up the first seven plump cows, 21but when they had eaten them no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were still as ugly as at the beginning. Then I awoke.’”

James 5:1–6, “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3Your 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. 4Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.”

Ephesians 5:5–6, “For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

1 Corinthians 6:9–10, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Psalm 4:6, “There are many who say, ‘Who will show us some good?

Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!’

7You have put more joy in my heart

than they have when their grain and wine abound.”

Proverbs 11:4, “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

but righteousness delivers from death.”

Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Philippians 3:8–11, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”

Genesis 22:6–8, “And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ 8Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together.”

Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden on the LORD,

and he will sustain you;

he will never permit

the righteous to be moved.”

1 Peter 5:6–7, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Matthew 6:25–26, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Proverbs 10:15, “A rich man’s wealth is his strong city;

the poverty of the poor is their ruin.”

Proverbs 30:7–9, “Two things I ask of you;

deny them not to me before I die:

8Remove far from me falsehood and lying;

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the food that is needful for me,

9lest 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.”

Matthew 6:11, “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Philippians 4:11–13, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I 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. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Psalm 119:36, “Incline my heart to your testimonies,

and not to selfish gain!”

John 9:32, “Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.”

1 Corinthians 7:29–31, “This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.”

Psalm 62:10, “Put no trust in extortion;

set no vain hopes on robbery;

if riches increase, set not your heart on them.”

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. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Jeremiah 9:23–24, “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, 24but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’”

James 2:5–7, “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? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?”

James 2:5–7, “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? 6But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?”

2 Samuel 12:4–6, “‘Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.’ 5Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.’”

Proverbs 3:9–10, “Honor the LORD with your wealth

and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

10then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

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. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Matthew 25:20, “And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’”

Luke 16:8–9, “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 9And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth,d so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.”

Luke 16:1–2, “He also said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2And he called him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.”’”

Ecclesiastes 11:9, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

Job 1:21, “And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.’”

1 Timothy 6:17, “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. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

1 Corinthians 2:11, “For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

Psalm 119:36, “Incline my heart to your testimonies,

and not to selfish gain!”

Acts 13:22, “And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’”

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.”

Ezekiel 33:31, “And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain.”

2 Kings 4:39–40, “One of them went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. 40And they poured out some for the men to eat. But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, ‘O man of God, there is death in the pot!’ And they could not eat it.”

Joshua 7:11, “Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings.”

Luke 16:14–15, “The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15And he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’”

Joshua 7:13–14, “Get up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the LORD, God of Israel, “There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.” 14In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes. And the tribe that the LORD takes by lot shall come near by clans. And the clan that the LORD takes shall come near by households. And the household that the LORD takes shall come near man by man.’”

1 John 2:16, “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. 16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Joshua 7:20–21, “And Achan answered Joshua, ‘Truly I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.’”

Luke 14:16–20, “But he said to him, ‘A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.” 19And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.” 20And another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”’”

Mark 5:15–17, “And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17And they began to beg Jesusd to depart from their region.”

Jeremiah 22:17, “But you have eyes and heart

only for your dishonest gain,

for shedding innocent blood,

and for practicing oppression and violence.”

Micah 2:12, “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob;

I will gather the remnant of Israel;

I will set them together

like sheep in a fold,

like a flock in its pasture,

a noisy multitude of men.”

Isaiah 5:8, “Woe to those who join house to house,

who add field to field,

until there is no more room,

and you are made to dwell alone

in the midst of the land.”

Habakkuk 2:5, “Moreover, wine is a traitor,

an arrogant man who is never at rest.

His greed is as wide as Sheol;

like death he has never enough.

He gathers for himself all nations

and collects as his own all peoples.”

Ecclesiastes 2:23, “For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.”

Ecclesiastes 5:12, “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.”

1 Timothy 3:2–3, “Therefore an overseera must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,b sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”

Luke 12:19, “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’”

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, 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Ecclesiastes 5:18–19, “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoymenth in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:11, “For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

1 Timothy 6:3–5, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.”

Matthew 6:3–4, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

2 Corinthians 12:14, “Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”

Psalm 91:16, “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

16With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 22:25–26, “From you comes my praise in the great congregation;

my vows I will perform before those who fear him.

26The afflictedd shall eat and be satisfied;

those who seek him shall praise the LORD!

May your hearts live forever!”

Psalm 132:13–18, “For the LORD has chosen Zion;

he has desired it for his dwelling place:

14‘This is my resting place forever;

here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15I will abundantly bless her provisions;

I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16Her priests I will clothe with salvation,

and her saints will shout for joy.

17There I will make a horn to sprout for David;

I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

18His enemies I will clothe with shame,

but on him his crown will shine.”

Joel 2:19,26, “The LORD answered and said to his people,

‘Behold, I am sending to you

grain, wine, and oil,

and you will be satisfied;

and I will no more make you

a reproach among the nations.

26You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,

and praise the name of the LORD your God,

who has dealt wondrously with you.

And my people shall never again be put to shame.’”

2 Kings 4:13, “And he said to him, ‘Say now to her, “See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?”’ She answered, ‘I dwell among my own people.’”

1 Timothy 6:8, “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”

Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in the heavens;

he does all that he pleases.”

Psalm 135:6, “Whatever the LORD pleases, he does,

in heaven and on earth,

in the seas and all deeps.”

Job 1:21, “And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.’”

Isaiah 45:7, “I form light and create darkness;

I make well-being and create calamity;

I am the LORD, who does all these things.”