Dear Chuck,

I’m inspired by what I’m hearing from some financial influencers. Does God want me to “get rich,” and if so, where is the biblical support for it? 

Praying for Prosperity 

Dear Praying for Prosperity, 

The vast majority of the financial industry is built around programs to help you “get rich,” save and protect what you have, or invest and grow your money so you can have long-term financial security. But very, very few “financial influencers,” as you call them—even those who market to Christians—will help you understand what the Bible actually says about riches or wealth. 

Motives, Attitudes, and Values Matter to the Lord 

Becoming a millionaire, centi-millionaire, or billionaire is an assumed badge of honor and worthy life purpose. That is a false assumption according to the Bible. Most financial service providers obscure or omit any mention of biblical teaching on greed, selfishness, coveting, idolatry, or the virtues of contentment, self-sacrifice, and generosity. Few ever mention the people listed in Hebrews 11, who lost everything but were commended for their genuine, exemplary faith. 

Hebrews 11 offers a striking contrast to our success-driven culture. Often called the “Hall of Faith,” it celebrates men and women who trusted God under extraordinary circumstances. Some experienced remarkable victories. Yet others suffered imprisonment, torture, mockery, homelessness, and even death. They went about in sheepskins and goat skins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. Their lives were measured by steadfast obedience, not by financial success.

For those who are struggling with financial stress or pain, the desire to improve your financial situation is not inherently wrong. In fact, the Bible says those who do not provide for their family are “worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

Scripture commends diligence, wise stewardship, and careful planning. However, Christians must be discerning because not every financial message that uses biblical language is truly rooted in biblical truth. Today, the “get rich” industry comes in many forms, and much of it is directed specifically toward believers.

Beware of the Prosperity Promoters 

Prosperity teachers often promise that if you have enough faith, sow enough money, or speak the right words, God is obligated to bless you with financial abundance. This message appeals directly to our natural desire for comfort, success, and wealth. Yet it stands in direct opposition to the teachings of Scripture. Jesus never promised His followers a life of earthly riches. Instead, He called them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). The apostles frequently experienced hardship, persecution, imprisonment, and poverty while faithfully serving Christ.

While the prosperity gospel is easier to recognize, there is another message that can be even more subtle—and perhaps more dangerous. It is what could be called the “soft prosperity gospel.”

This version rarely asks people to send money to a television ministry or promises miraculous checks in the mail. Instead, it offers practical financial advice mixed with select biblical principles. It assumes that becoming wealthy is always the desired outcome and evidence of God’s blessing. Scripture is sometimes presented less as God’s revelation for holy living and more as a formula for achieving the life you’ve always wanted.

The problem isn’t that biblical principles often lead to financial stability. They do! Honesty, diligence, generosity, avoiding debt, and wise planning frequently produce positive financial outcomes. The problem is when accumulating wealth replaces faithfulness to God. Placing our security, identity, and significance in money is a sin. 

While Scripture consistently examines the heart before addressing money, the soft prosperity gospel often ignores deeper questions. Why do you want to be wealthy? What motivates your financial goals? Are you seeking to glorify God or to satisfy personal desires? 

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?
Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
You desire and do not have, so you murder.
You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.
You do not have, because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

James 4:1–3 ESV

“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 6:10 ESV

Biblical Financial Principles

Contentment is a virtue largely absent from the get-rich industry. Yet Paul wrote that he learned to be content in whatever circumstances he faced (Philippians 4:11). His joy was rooted in his relationship with Christ. In a culture constantly encouraging us to upgrade, accumulate, and compare ourselves with others, contentment becomes a powerful testimony. Christ is enough.

Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The early Church shared generously with one another. Faithful stewardship is about increasing our capacity to serve God and bless others by managing resources wisely.

Christians should certainly work diligently, eliminate debt, save wisely, invest prudently, and prepare for the future. These are all biblical principles. But they must never become substitutes for wholehearted devotion to Christ. Nothing we ever have in our hands is permanent! 

Satan rarely tempts believers by making greed appear ugly. It’s disguised as wisdom, ambition, influence, or “just wanting to provide for our family.” Yet when the pursuit of wealth begins to dominate our thoughts, define our identity, or replace our trust in God, it becomes a spiritual trap.

This world is not our home. Our greatest treasure is not found in possessions, bank accounts, investment portfolios, or business success. It is found in Christ alone and the future He promises. 

So be discerning. Beware of anyone who promises quick riches or portrays wealth as the ultimate measure of God’s blessing. Examine your motives honestly. Pursue faithfulness above fortune, contentment above comparison, and generosity above accumulation. 

God has not called us to “get rich.” He’s called us to be faithful with everything He entrusts to us.

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