Prosperity Theology and Financial Blessings in Scripture
The concept of financial blessings in Scripture is complex, with passages indicating that God can bestow wealth while also cautioning against the dangers of riches. The "prosperity gospel" or "prosperity theology" is a modern theological movement that often emphasizes material wealth and physical health as guaranteed outcomes of faith, tithing, and positive confession. However, a broader biblical perspective presents a more nuanced view of wealth and God's goodness.
Scripture affirms that God is the ultimate source of riches and has the power to grant them [1, 8]. For instance, Deuteronomy 8:18 states that God gives the power to obtain wealth, and Haggai 2:8 declares that "To God belongs this world's riches" [1]. Proverbs 10:22 notes that "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich" [1, 10]. This can be understood as God's favor leading to material prosperity, often in conjunction with diligent effort [10]. Proverbs 8:21 also speaks of God "bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full" [6]. God's goodness is manifested in supplying temporal wants and providing for the poor [3, 4]. The Lord takes joy in prospering His people and doing them good [9].
However, the Bible also presents significant warnings and qualifications regarding wealth. Riches are described as temporary, uncertain, unsatisfying, corruptible, fleeting, deceitful, and perishable [1]. They can be an obstruction to spiritual reception [1]. Proverbs 28:20 warns that "one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished" [7]. Money can be both a blessing and a curse [11]. The New Testament further emphasizes the uncertainty of riches, advising against trusting in them (1 Timothy 6:17) [1].
Instead of focusing solely on the accumulation of wealth, Scripture frequently promotes contentment. Paul's teaching in Philippians 4:11-12 exemplifies this, as he learned to be content in all circumstances [2]. First Timothy 6:6 states that "godliness with contentment is great gain," and Hebrews 13:5 encourages contentment "with what things they have" [2]. This perspective highlights that true riches are not merely material but also spiritual, encompassing concepts like wisdom and the favor of God [1, 5]. While God can bless financially, the biblical narrative consistently prioritizes spiritual well-being and warns against the pitfalls of an undue focus on material gain.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Riches — The true riches -- Eph 3:8; 1Co 1:30; Col 2:3; 1Pe 2:7. God gives -- 1Sa 2:7; Ec 5:19. To God belongs this world's riches -- Hag 2:8. God gives power to obtain -- De 8:18. The blessing of the Lord brings -- Pr 10:22. Give worldly power -- Pr 22:7. Described as Temporary. -- Pr 27:24. Uncertain. -- 1Ti 6:17. Unsatisfying. -- Ec 4:8; 5:10. Corruptible. -- Jas 5:2; 1Pe 1:18. Fleeting. -- Pr 23:5; Re 18:16,17. Deceitful. -- Mt 13:22. Liable to be stolen. -- Mt 6:19. Perishable. -- Jer 48:36. Thick clay. -- Hab 2:6. Often an obstruction to the reception of the go”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Contentment — With godliness is great gain -- Ps 37:16; 1Ti 6:6. Saints should exhibit In their respective callings. -- 1Co 7:20. With appointed wages. -- Lu 3:14. With what things they have. -- Heb 13:5. With food and raiment. -- 1Ti 6:8. God's promises should lead to -- Heb 13:5. The wicked want -- Isa 5:8; Ec 5:10. Exemplified Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:33-37. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:13. David. -- Ps 16:6. Agur. -- Pr 30:8,9. Paul. -- Php 4:11,12.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Goodness of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ps 25:8; Na 1:7; Mt 19:17. Declared to be Great. -- Ne 9:35; Zec 9:17. Rich. -- Ps 104:24; Ro 2:4. Abundant. -- Ex 34:6; Ps 33:5. Satisfying. -- Ps 65:4; Jer 31:12,14. Enduring. -- Ps 23:6; 52:1. Universal. -- Ps 145:9; Mt 5:45. Manifested To his Church. -- Ps 31:19; La 3:25. In doing good. -- Ps 119:68; 145:9. In supplying temporal wants. -- Ac 14:17. In providing for the poor. -- Ps 68:10. In forgiving sins. -- 2Ch 30:18; Ps 86:5. Leads to repentance. -- Ro 2:4. Recognise, in his dealings. -- Ezr 8:18; Ne 2:18. Pra”
- Psalms “I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread. -- Psalms 132:15”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Favour of God, The — Christ the special object of -- Lu 2:52. Is the source of Mercy. -- Isa 60:10. Spiritual life. -- Ps 30:5. Spiritual wisdom leads to -- Pr 8:35. Mercy and truth lead to -- Pr 3:3,4. Saints Obtain. -- Pr 12:2. Encompassed by. -- Ps 5:12. Strengthened by. -- Ps 30:7. Victorious through. -- Ps 44:3. Preserved through. -- Job 10:12. Exalted in. -- Ps 89:17. Sometimes tempted to doubt. -- Ps 77:7. Domestic blessings traced to -- Pr 18:22. Disappointment of enemies an assured evidence of -- Ps 41:11. Given in answer to prayer -- Job 33:26. Pray for -- ”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 8:21 (BSB) — bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.”
- Proverbs “A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. -- Proverbs 28:20”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 5:19 (BSB) — Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Joy of God Over His People, The — Greatness of, described -- Zep 3:17. On account of their Repentance. -- Lu 15:7,10. Faith. -- Heb 11:5,6. Fear of him. -- Ps 147:11. Praying to him. -- Pr 15:8. Hope in his mercy. -- Ps 147:11. Meekness. -- Ps 149:4. Uprightness. -- 1Ch 29:17; Pr 11:20. Leads to him Prosper them. -- De 30:9. Do them good. -- De 28:63; Jer 32:41. Deliver them. -- 2Sa 22:20. Comfort them. -- Isa 65:19. Give them the inheritance. -- Nu 14:8. Illustrated -- Isa 62:5; Lu 15:23,24. Exemplified Solomon. -- 1Ki 10:9.”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 10:22: The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich,.... In the diligent use of means; see Pro 10:4; riches are from the Lord, and should be acknowledged as such, and not attributed to the industry, diligence, sagacity, and merit of men; but should be looked upon as had through the blessing of the Lord upon the labours of men; and when they come this way they come as a blessing, and with one: it may be understood of being made rich in a spiritual sense; it is the blessing, good will, and favour of God, that makes men rich in Christ; that bestows upon them his unsearchable ric”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 13:8: 13:8 Money can be a blessing or a curse (see 3:9-10; 21:6).”