The question of whether Christians should embrace wealth or poverty has sparked centuries of debate. On one side, some argue that Jesus’s warnings about the dangers of riches imply that Christians should live in poverty. On the other hand, proponents of the prosperity gospel emphasise that God wants His people to prosper in every area of life, including their finances. This conversation is not just theoretical; it touches on how we view God’s blessings, manage resources, and participate in His kingdom work.
Does God want Christians to die poor, or is prosperity a part of His plan for His people? This expanded exploration will examine wealth, poverty, and the purpose of prosperity in the life of a believer. Using Scripture as our guide, we will uncover a balanced, biblically grounded perspective on this important topic.
What Does the Bible Say About Wealth?
The Bible does not present wealth as inherently good or bad. Instead, it provides principles for how wealth should be viewed and used. Wealth, like any resource, can either honour God or lead people astray depending on their hearts and priorities.
1. Wealth Is Not Evil, but the Love of Money Is Dangerous
One of the most often quoted verses about money comes from 1 Timothy 6:10:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Notice that Paul does not say money itself is evil. The problem arises when money becomes an idol—when people prioritise wealth above God and His will. This misplaced love leads to greed, selfishness, and spiritual ruin.
2. Wealth Is a Blessing When Properly Stewarded
Scripture is clear that wealth can be a blessing from God when it is acquired and used in alignment with His purposes. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us:
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant.”
Wealth is a resource that God entrusts to His people to advance His kingdom, provide for their needs, and bless others.
3. God Warns Against the Dangers of Wealth
While wealth can be a blessing, it also comes with spiritual risks. Jesus gave a sobering warning in Matthew 19:23-24:
“Truly, I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, 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.”
This warning is not a condemnation of wealth itself but a reminder that riches can tempt people to trust in material possessions rather than God. The more wealth we have, the greater the challenge to keep our hearts focused on God.
Should Christians Die Poor?
1. Poverty Is Not a Biblical Requirement
The idea that Christians must live or die in poverty is not supported by Scripture. While Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross (Matthew 16:24), this does not equate to embracing poverty. Instead, it is a call to prioritise God’s kingdom above all else.
Proverbs 30:8-9 offers a balanced prayer:
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
This passage highlights the dangers of both extremes—poverty and excessive wealth—and calls for contentment with God’s provision.
2. Biblical Examples of Wealthy Believers
The Bible provides numerous examples of faithful followers of God who were blessed with wealth:
- Abraham: A man of great wealth in livestock, silver, and gold, Abraham used his resources to build altars to God and bless others.
- Job: After enduring tremendous trials, God restored Job’s fortunes, blessing him with even more than he had before (Job 42:12).
- Lydia: A successful businesswoman and early convert to Christianity, Lydia used her wealth to support Paul’s ministry and host believers in her home (Acts 16:14–15).
These examples show that wealth itself is not sinful. What matters is how it is obtained, viewed, and used.
The Purpose of Prosperity
God’s plan for prosperity is not about self-indulgence but about fulfilling His purposes. Prosperity becomes meaningful when it is aligned with God’s will and used for His glory.
1. Supporting God’s Kingdom
Wealth allows believers to fund ministries, support missionaries, and meet the needs of the poor. Malachi 3:10 calls believers to honour God with their resources:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”
Generosity enables the Church to expand its mission and serve as a light in the world.
2. Blessing Others
Prosperity equips believers to reflect God’s generosity. 2 Corinthians 9:11 explains:
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
Wealth is a tool to bless others, meet their needs, and point them to the source of all blessings—God.
3. Demonstrating God’s Faithfulness
When Christians prosper, they bear witness to God’s provision and faithfulness. Psalm 37:25 declares:
“I was young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
This testimony encourages others to trust in God as their ultimate provider.
What About the Prosperity Gospel?
The prosperity gospel emphasises God’s desire to bless His people materially, but it often risks distorting biblical truths. It is essential to approach this teaching with discernment, ensuring it aligns with Scripture.
1. Prosperity Must Have Purpose
Wealth is not an end in itself but a means to glorify God and serve others. Christians must avoid materialism and focus on using prosperity for kingdom purposes.
2. God’s Blessings Are Holistic
True prosperity includes spiritual growth, peace, and joy—not just material wealth. 3 John 1:2 expresses this balance:
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
God’s blessings encompass every aspect of life, with spiritual well-being taking precedence.
3. Beware of Misuse
While God blesses His people, wealth should never become an idol or a measure of faith. Matthew 6:33 reminds us:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The focus must always remain on God and His kingdom.
Balancing Prosperity and Faith
1. Seek Contentment
Philippians 4:11-12 teaches:
“I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.”
Whether rich or poor, contentment in God’s provision is key to living a faithful life.
2. Trust in God, Not Money
Wealth can disappear, but God’s provision is eternal. Proverbs 11:28 warns:
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
3. Use Wealth to Honor God
Christians are called to steward their resources for God’s glory. This includes tithing, giving generously, and living with integrity.
Conclusion: Should Christians Die Poor?
God does not call Christians to die poor or to live in material abundance for its own sake. Instead, He calls us to steward whatever resources we have—whether great or small—for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Wealth is a tool, not a goal. Prosperity, when aligned with God’s purposes, is a blessing that allows us to serve others, expand God’s mission, and testify to His faithfulness.
The key is not how much we have but how we use it. As Proverbs 3:9-10 reminds us:
“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.”
Let us pursue prosperity with purpose, trusting God as our provider and using His blessings to make an eternal impact. Whether rich or poor, the ultimate treasure for every believer is found in Christ, who offers riches that never fade.