Bible Answers

What Does the Bible Say About Money?

The Bible speaks about money constantly, and its concern is the heart rather than the dollar amount. It is "the love of money" — not money itself — that Paul calls "a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Wealth is not condemned; Scripture includes wealthy faithful people, and it commends diligence, saving, and generosity. But it warns that money makes a terrible master: "You can't serve both God and Mammon" (Matthew 6:24).

Scripture's positive vision is stewardship and contentment. Everything ultimately belongs to God, so believers are managers, called to work honestly, give generously, avoid greed, and trust God to supply their needs (Philippians 4:19). Contentment — "godliness with contentment is great gain" — is presented as the antidote to both the anxiety of poverty and the idolatry of wealth.

Key Bible Verses

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:10 (WEB)

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.

Matthew 6:24 (WEB)

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (WEB)

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is money the root of all evil?
No — the verse is often misquoted. 1 Timothy 6:10 says 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.' Money itself is neutral; it is greed and the craving for wealth that Scripture warns against.
Is it a sin to be rich?
Scripture does not condemn wealth itself; several faithful people in the Bible were wealthy. It warns against loving money, trusting in riches, and neglecting generosity and justice. The call is to steward wealth faithfully and hold it loosely.