30 Bible Verses About Greed

Greed is a theme that runs through many passages in the Bible, warning of its harmful effects on individuals and communities. This post will explore Bible verses about greed, offering both cautionary words and insights into how believers are encouraged to live generously and focus on spiritual wealth over material gain. We’ll also look at what the Bible says about money, examples of greed in biblical narratives, and the consequences that followed.

30 Bible Verses about Greed

These 30 Bible verses about greed illustrate the destructive power of unchecked desire for wealth or possessions and the importance of contentment and spiritual growth.

Proverbs 15:27 (NIV)

“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”

Luke 12:15 (NIV)

“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.’”

1 Timothy 6:9 (NIV)

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV)

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

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

Proverbs 28:25 (NIV)

“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.”

Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”

1 John 2:16 (NIV)

“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.”

Proverbs 11:28 (NIV)

“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Matthew 19:21 (NIV)

“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor.’”

Colossians 3:5 (NIV)

“Put to death…greed, which is idolatry.”

Proverbs 23:4-5 (NIV)

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.”

Mark 8:36 (NIV)

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

James 5:1-3 (NIV)

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.”

Proverbs 22:16 (NIV)

“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth will come to poverty.”

Ezekiel 22:12 (NIV)

“You take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion…”

Psalm 62:10 (NIV)

“Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”

Micah 2:1-2 (NIV)

“Woe to those who plan iniquity… They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them.”

Matthew 13:22 (NIV)

“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word.”

Proverbs 1:19 (NIV)

“Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.”

Isaiah 56:11 (NIV)

“They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough.”

Jeremiah 6:13 (NIV)

“From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.”

Habakkuk 2:5 (NIV)

“Indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest. Because he is as greedy as the grave…”

Proverbs 21:26 (NIV)

“All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.”

2 Peter 2:3 (NIV)

“In their greed, these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.”

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV)

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God…”

Isaiah 57:17 (NIV)

“I was enraged by their sinful greed; I punished them and hid my face from them…”

James 4:1-2 (NIV)

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”

Romans 1:29 (NIV)

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity…”

What Does the Bible Say About Greed?

The Bible offers clear warnings and guidance on the dangers of greed. Greed is consistently depicted as an unhealthy craving for wealth or possessions that can lead people away from God and cause a host of spiritual and personal issues. The scriptures provide insights into how greed disrupts lives, damages relationships, and hinders one’s spiritual journey.

In 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV), we read, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” This verse doesn’t just warn about money itself but specifically the love of it—a key component of greed. When people prioritize money over integrity and kindness, it opens the door to negative actions that can cause lasting harm to themselves and others. Greed, here, is shown as a powerful motivator behind many evils that can pull us away from godly values.

The book of Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) advises, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” This instruction points directly to the need for contentment over greed. Greed often leaves people feeling that they never have enough, constantly searching for more and never satisfied. By practicing contentment, believers can keep greed in check and maintain a balanced and peaceful life focused on what truly matters—faith and spiritual well-being.

Greed is even referred to as a form of idolatry in Colossians 3:5 (NIV), which says, “Put to death…greed, which is idolatry.” This verse reveals how greed can lead to placing wealth and material desires above God, effectively making these desires a false god. When greed becomes an idol, it takes the place of God in one’s heart, leading to a life that values possessions more than spiritual growth and devotion.

Jesus himself highlighted the impact of greed in Matthew 6:24 (NIV), saying, “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money.” This verse makes it clear that devotion to God and a greedy pursuit of wealth cannot coexist. Serving God requires full-hearted commitment, and greed creates a split loyalty that leads people to prioritize money over faith, ultimately steering them away from a close relationship with God.

In Proverbs 28:25 (NIV), we find another warning: “The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.” This verse suggests that greed not only disrupts one’s personal peace but also damages relationships. Greedy pursuits often lead to conflicts over resources, creating discord among people. In contrast, those who trust in God and resist greed find true prosperity—not just in material terms but also in peace, harmony, and spiritual richness.

Together, these verses show how greed creates a divide between people and God, urging believers to pursue a life of contentment, generosity, and faith. The Bible teaches that true wealth lies in a heart devoted to God and a life that values spiritual treasures over material ones.

3 Examples of Greed in the Bible

Throughout scripture, there are powerful stories that illustrate the impact of greed:

Achan’s Greed (Joshua 7:1-26): After the Israelites defeated Jericho, Achan took items that were forbidden, hiding them in his tent. This act of greed led to Israel’s defeat in the next battle and resulted in Achan’s punishment.
The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22): A young man asked Jesus how to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him, but the young man left in sorrow, as he was unwilling to part with his wealth.
Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16): For thirty pieces of silver, Judas betrayed Jesus. This act of greed is one of the most tragic examples of betrayal in the Bible, illustrating how the love of money can lead to ultimate destruction.

These stories serve as cautionary tales that highlight how greed not only affects the individual but can also harm those around them.

Punishment for Greed in the Bible

The Bible often shows that greed is not without consequences, with examples where individuals faced severe repercussions.

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): This couple kept back part of their property sale proceeds, lying to the apostles. As a result, they faced immediate judgment and lost their lives.
King Solomon: Known for his wisdom, Solomon also accumulated great wealth. However, his excessive wealth and many wives eventually led him to idol worship, turning his heart away from God.
Gehazi’s Greed (2 Kings 5:20-27): Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha, sought to obtain gifts from Naaman deceitfully. His punishment for this greed was a curse of leprosy upon him and his descendants.

These examples show that greed often brings painful consequences, reminding believers of the importance of integrity, contentment, and faithfulness to God.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that greed leads to emptiness and destruction, while a heart devoted to God and focused on contentment brings peace and purpose. The Bible verses about greed serve as a reminder to examine our desires and priorities, to ensure they align with God’s will and to seek spiritual riches that offer true fulfillment. As we reflect on these verses, let us remember the importance of generosity, faithfulness, and a heart free from the grip of greed.