35 Bible verses about Material things

Today we will talk about Bible verses about Material things. Many Christians do not know what this means. The Bible teaches us important lessons about our relationship with worldly possessions and how we should prioritize our spiritual lives over material wealth. It invites us to think deeply about what it truly means to have and to hold—and to understand that while material things can be nice, they are not the essence of our existence. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and reflect on our place in the grand design of life.

Bible Verses About Material Things

Prioritizing Spiritual Over Material

As we navigate through life, the Bible reminds us to prioritize our spiritual walk over material things. We often find ourselves chasing after possessions, thinking that they will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, verses in the Bible encourage us to focus on our relationship with God and what He desires for us. We are reminded that our true treasure lies not in our earthly belongings, but in the love, peace, and joy that comes from living in alignment with God’s will. When we choose to seek God first, we unlock true contentment and richness that material items can never satisfy.

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Luke 12:15

“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'” – Luke 12:15

Philippians 4:11-13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:11-13

1 Timothy 6:7-8

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” – 1 Timothy 6:7-8

Matthew 16:26

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” – Matthew 16:26

Understanding True Riches

In our pursuit of life, it’s easy to become blinded by the shiny allure of material wealth. But the Bible teaches us that true riches are found not in the things we own, but in our relationships—especially our relationship with God. We are called to understand that what we have on earth is temporary, and the love of Christ is what truly enriches our lives. With this perspective, we begin to value the eternal aspects of life more than the fleeting treasures that don’t last.

Revelation 3:17-18

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” – Revelation 3:17-18

Proverbs 11:4

“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” – Proverbs 11:4

James 2:5

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” – James 2:5

Proverbs 23:4-5

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” – Proverbs 23:4-5

Matthew 19:21

“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” – Matthew 19:21

Generosity and Sharing

Generosity is a hallmark of living a life that reflects God’s love. As we read about material things in the Bible, we cannot overlook the call to be generous. When we give freely to others instead of hoarding our possessions, we embody the spirit of Christ. This act of sharing creates a cycle of love and kindness that enriches everyone involved and allows us to experience the joy of giving. We are reminded that what we have is a gift from God, and sharing it not only blesses others but also fills our hearts with gratitude and contentment.

2 Corinthians 9:7

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Acts 20:35

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35

Proverbs 11:25

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

Luke 6:38

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38

1 John 3:17-18

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:17-18

The Temporary Nature of Wealth

As we learn more about material things through biblical verses, we must keep in mind their transient nature. Wealth can be lost or gained quickly, making it an unreliable source of stability. The Bible reassures us that while we may still need to participate in the economy of life, placing our hope in material possessions is misguided. When we embrace the understanding that our earthly wealth will one day fade, we can invest our hearts and hopes into things eternal—namely, our relationship with God and the legacy we leave behind.

Proverbs 27:24

“For riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.” – Proverbs 27:24

Ecclesiastes 5:10

“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10

1 Peter 1:24-25

“For ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” – 1 Peter 1:24-25

Job 1:21

“He said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.'” – Job 1:21

Luke 12:33-34

“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Luke 12:33-34

Contentment in Any Circumstance

Contentment is key when it comes to our relationship with material things. The Bible teaches us that even in the presence of abundance or lack, being content allows us to embrace the beauty in our current situation. When we focus on being grateful for what we have instead of yearning for more, we uncover peace and happiness. This mindset unlocks the door to appreciating God’s provision in our lives, regardless of our material circumstances. We realize that contentment means finding joy and appreciation in every moment, no matter what material wealth we possess.

Hebrews 13:5

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5

1 Timothy 6:6

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6

Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Psalm 37:16

“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.” – Psalm 37:16

Proverbs 15:16-17

“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.” – Proverbs 15:16-17

The Dangers of Materialism

The Bible also highlights the dangers of materialism, cautioning us to be mindful of how easily we can become obsessed with possessions. When we prioritize material things above our relationship with God and the health of our souls, we risk straying from our faith. The love of possessions can lead to anxiety, comparison, and an insatiable craving for more that never satisfies. Therefore, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against the pitfalls of materialism, remembering instead that our identity is found in Christ—not in what we own.

1 John 2:15-17

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

Mark 10:23-25

“Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!’ The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.'” – Mark 10:23-25

Proverbs 28:20

“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” – Proverbs 28:20

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24

Luke 8:14

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” – Luke 8:14

Trusting God for Provision

Life can sometimes feel daunting, especially when we face financial challenges and uncertainty. Thankfully, we are encouraged to trust God for our needs. The Bible teaches us that God is our provider and cares deeply for us. Just as He provides for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, He will surely meet our needs as well. This mindset frees us from anxiety about material things, allowing us to walk in faith and confidence, knowing that God has our best interests at heart.

Matthew 6:25-26

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:25-26

Psalm 37:25

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Luke 12:22-23

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.’” – Luke 12:22-23

Final Thoughts

As we have explored these Bible verses about material things, we have come to see the importance of understanding our relationship with wealth and possessions. We have learned that while material things are a part of life, they should never overshadow our commitment to God or our spiritual well-being. Embracing a mindset of generosity, contentment, and trust in God’s provision fills our hearts with lasting joy, which surpasses any fleeting happiness that material possessions can bring.

By focusing on spiritual riches, being generous, and remaining content in any circumstance, we align ourselves more closely with God’s will for our lives. We are reminded that true happiness comes from the love of God and the relationships we foster with others, and not from an abundance of material wealth. Let us continue to seek after eternal treasures, and keep our hearts centered on what truly matters.

Through God’s grace, we can navigate the complexities of life with the wisdom that comes from His Word. May we journey together in faith as we choose to prioritize our spiritual growth and embrace the blessings that come from living a life grounded in God’s love.

Further Reading

5 Ways You Can Make a Difference to Change the World!

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30 Powerful Best Bible Verses For Girls (With Commentary)

30 Powerful Best Bible Verses For Girlfriend (With Commentary)

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