What Does the Bible Say About Prosperity?

Sam21 · Jan 24, 2011

Lewis W said:
There are many here who can't stand prosperity preaching, so I just decided to post this article.

The Bible contains over 2,000 verses on money. That's more than on the subjects of prayer and faith combined. With that many verses on money, prosperity, and greed, what the Bible says about money should be an important consideration for anyone who wants to follow God. Bible Verses on Prosperity

In his third epistle, the apostle John writes: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth" (III John 2, KJV). That John says he wishes this "above all things" implies that he really wants his readers to financially prosper and enjoy great health.
That he adds "even as thy soul prospereth" takes away any attempt to redefine John's wishes as being symbolic of some spiritual quality. John is specifically referring to health and wealth, and saying that he wants these things for his readers, just as he wants them to grow spiritually.

What's more, if III John indeed belongs in the Bible, then John's wishes constitute divinely inspired Scripture and are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16, KJV).
Anyone tempted to think III John 2 is an anomaly in Scripture can turn to the book of Proverbs, which provides wisdom on a wide range of subjects, including money. Here are just two examples:
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, ut those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5, NKJV)
"Through wisdom a house is built, [a]nd by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." (Proverbs 24:3-4, NKJV)
Is Money the Root of All Evil?

If there are Bible verses encouraging prosperity, then has the Bible contradicted itself? Doesn't the Bible teach that money is the root of all evil?
This misconception stems from Paul's first letter to Timothy, in which he writes: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (I Timothy 6:10, KJV).
Paul doesn't say money is the "root of all evil," the King James Version translates Paul as saying that the love of money is the "root of all evil."
While other English translations, such as the New International Version, have softened I Timothy 6:10 to read that the "love of money" is "a root of all kinds of evil" (I Timothy 6:10, NIV), the KJV is perhaps closer to Paul's original meaning. Even so, Paul is associating the "love of money" with covetousness. And many would agree that coveting (a biblical term for lust and greed) is indeed the root source of every human sin.
Those inclined to dispute that last statement should consider that covetousness involves the desire to pursue one's own agenda and take that which he or she desires. Covetousness is the very essence of selfishness.
God and Money

The Bible doesn't condemn the acquisition of money or wealth. On the contrary, it provides much in the way of practical and spiritual instruction on how God's followers can achieve monetary blessings. The Bible does, however, condemn greed and it warns that material prosperity has its limits.
Anyone focused on achieving material wealth in this life is pursuing the temporal, rather than the permanent and is compromising his or her ability to follow God's calling. Jesus warns: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 6:24, NIV).
Thus, while God may indeed bless a person with financial prosperity (Proverbs 3:9-10) and while the Bible does provide instructions on how to acquire money (Proverbs 6:6-8), a follower of God must first pursue God's calling and not his or her own agenda.
The Biblical stance is clear: money is a tool; It should not be one's focus. For a follower of God, the focus must be God, and not money.

Read more at Suite101: What Does the Bible Say About Prosperity?: The Biblical Viewpoint on Making Money What Does the Bible Say About Prosperity?: The Biblical Viewpoint on Making Money

If John wanted us to have money and be healthy above everything else then that would contradict the rest of the NT. A look at the context in that place in John and the actual words will reveal that John was speaking of being sound in the truth, something that agrees with the rest of the NT, after being saved the next thing above all else is to be sound in the truth of God. The NT is specific that we are not to work to be rich, such a mind set is going away from God not toward God.

reba · Jan 24, 2011

<DIR>Luk 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luk 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Luk 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Luk 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
</DIR>Luk 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Pizzaguy · Jan 24, 2011

Pizzaguy said:
I will soon start a thread that will explain what I am about to say.....

Done:
http://www.christianforums.net/f19/pray-my-sister-33766/#post502560

Strangelove · Jan 25, 2011

Sam21 said:
If John wanted us to have money and be healthy above everything else then that would contradict the rest of the NT. A look at the context in that place in John and the actual words will reveal that John was speaking of being sound in the truth, something that agrees with the rest of the NT, after being saved the next thing above all else is to be sound in the truth of God. The NT is specific that we are not to work to be rich, such a mind set is going away from God not toward God.

Agreed.

John was simply saying a greeting to a friend 'hey man, hope everything is going well with you'. thats just a normal thing to say to a Brother. We don't need to build a whole theology behind it.

Lewis · Jan 25, 2011

Money is important, and if you think it is not please send me all your money, send me a PM for my address. Now I'll bet that not one of you will send me a dime. Money sure makes life better, I'll tell you that, now tell me that it doesn't. Now I do know for the under equipped it can be your down fall, but for a well grounded giving Christian money is a great asset to have. Would I buy a million dollar home ? You bet I would, and would I buy a Bently and a Lamborgini you bet I would, and would I travel all around the world including going to see the place of my Lords birth and walk His trails, you bet I would. And would I buy up all the real estate that I could to get richer, you bet I would. And also would I give Millions away, you bet I would.

reba · Jan 25, 2011

I must get over the brain block that connects the word prosperity to WoF.
I know God provides. We are to use what He has given us like in the parable below .
Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

<O:p</O:pOver the years looking at the RCC all the gold in the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:pVatican</ST1:p</st1:country-region>, how richly some of the church buildings are decorated . The Pope lives like a king a large number of his subjects live in extrem proverty. This is over the top beyond prosperity. The WoF guys have gotten their life style in the same manner.

Thinking about Mr Welch. , A Christian business man. He used his vineyard for juice not wine. He was true to his values. God blessed him He prospered! And the guy who started the "red shop rag' business.. Mr Interstate batteries.... God does also bless with $$$$

How we prosper matters are our gains illgotten? Did we cheat the ugly tax man? Take an ol lady's last dollar? What do we use are gain for? Pizza would use his gain to help his sister. Would we put ourselves first on our Christmas list or use the gain for his glory. Donate to Him or tell the world LOOK what i did! <O:p
SEE ME </O:p

Lewis · Jan 25, 2011

You know Reba at one time I wanted to be rich but now, I just want to live comfortable I mean I like nice things like the next guy, I like Cadillacs and nice vintage race street cars. And I would like to at least move into a 250.000 home.
But if I had a lot of money I would share much of it, feeding people and giving to the body of Christ. I have people in my family who have a lot of money, my aunt who use to hang out with the stars and who died last year tried to hang onto everything like she was going to take it to the grave, she did not leave me a dime and in the end I was there for her. I have other people in my family who live like kings in there almost half a million dollar homes. But my Aunt at the age of 81 gave her life to the Lord on her dying bed. My other people that have good money are not saved, but yet they prosper, go figure. All I can say about that is Psalms 73. But yes I would like to have some money I don't have to be rich but I would like to earn a 100.000 or 200.000 a year. And I would share.

reba · Jan 25, 2011

Why do we want more before we share? Speaking to myself every bit as much as to you. God says give and trust in Him. I say pay my bills put some food in the house then give. In my case i do not have a church o how i wish i did. Not every thing about country living is good. Could be we give as led and are not all led the exact same way...

I have more than i ever thought i would have.
our truck is not new but nice..
our home is 100+ years old needs some help but is comfortable.
we are able to have a place for mom.

I have so much to be thankful for.

A bit about money 1960s this one family was the forth richest family in the USA. Buddies wiht the Kennedy's, Mom & dad worked on their ranch, a week end get away to them... The grandmother was drunk all the time the kids were sent away to bording schools sent off to the ranch for part of the summer to camp for another part. Seems they were never happy.

I was bless to begin to see how rich my parents were they knew Jesus.

Lewis out here 250 wont get ya much of a place.....

reba · Jan 25, 2011

Your life showed up in your Aunt! WOW what a blessing! What really counts?

<DIR>1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

You have put a building block in the temple!
</DIR>

Oats · Jan 25, 2011

Money is important, but it isn't supremely important

God may want us to be successful financially, but it isn't the only way.

The only way is Jesus to be frank.

God never said we would be happy outside of Christ. Gods greatest gift is himself

Everything else is filler
-----

When all the money is gone will you hold it against God?

In the end times I bid all the prosperity people good luck

whenever that is.....

------

Jesus said will will have trouble, not a mansion here on earth

or rewards await in heaven

and we have no idea how great they will be

Lewis · Jan 25, 2011

You are right Reba, but I do share when I have money or don't have money. And when I don't I will give my time like with my church's street outreach ministry or what ever it takes to help the body of Christ.

WIP · Jan 25, 2011

Why do we want more before we share?

I say pay my bills put some food in the house then give.

I think you answered your own question didn't you? Let me put it another way. Suppose I held a six figure income, had a rather large house (more than I really need) with a similar payment, had rather large utility/heating/cooling bills due to the large house, was paying for two new expensive vehicles, had a half-dozen credit card bills, etc. Now, let's say that I'm living from paycheck to paycheck. Should I have to give or pay my bills first?

Chris · Jan 25, 2011

Lewis W said:
Money is important, and if you think it is not please send me all your money, send me a PM for my address. Now I'll bet that not one of you will send me a dime. Money sure makes life better, I'll tell you that, now tell me that it doesn't. Now I do know for the under equipped it can be your down fall, but for a well grounded giving Christian money is a great asset to have. Would I buy a million dollar home ? You bet I would, and would I buy a Bently and a Lamborgini you bet I would, and would I travel all around the world including going to see the place of my Lords birth and walk His trails, you bet I would. And would I buy up all the real estate that I could to get richer, you bet I would. And also would I give Millions away, you bet I would.

Ecclesiastes1:18
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
same goes for wealth lt doesn't bring happiness by any means it just brings more to do and worry about.
If you buy a mansion you got to clean it pay rates etc. If you buy a flash car the same plus the worry of having your possession defaced or stolen.

The one good thing wealth can do is bring about security. You may reach a point in your life where your family home is owned and the pressures of a mortgage no longer threatens a marriage. When this occurs there is more time for simple things in life without struggling in 2 jobs to get by or both husband and wife never seeing each other trying to keep the house away from repossession by the bank.

The greatest happiness comes from within not from external things. Happiness I can remember most was someone doing a selfless act to me or a similar thing in return. They are the highlights.

Also wishing for others better things and just being happy for them when they are in times of blessing rather than wishing you had what they do is a key to happiness.. and being liked!

Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile

God is love

Re gProsperity:

It should in our fair society naturally follow the christian lifestyle obeying Jesus teachings.

Be a wise steward with money and possessions

You cant out give God- give to Gods work, time and resources and it will be returned many fold.

Ephesians 6 :5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

Treat your employer with respect as if ht was Christ you serve.

Dont be a Drunkard/ Junkie.

Dont waste money on gambling.

No smoking.

Prosperity will naturally follow hard work and sensible living.

***************
Proverbs 19:15

Laziness casts into a deep sleep,
And an idle man will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 6

Warnings Against Folly

1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2 you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth.
3 So do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands:
Go—to the point of exhaustion,
and give your neighbor no rest!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
11 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
12 A troublemaker and a villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks maliciously with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up conflict.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Lewis · Jan 25, 2011

Chris said:
Ecclesiastes1:18
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
same goes for wealth lt doesn't bring happiness by any means it just brings more to do and worry about.
If you buy a mansion you got to clean it pay rates etc. If you buy a flash car the same plus the worry of having your possession defaced or stolen.

The one good thing wealth can do is bring about security. You may reach a point in your life where your family home is owned and the pressures of a mortgage no longer threatens a marriage. When this occurs there is more time for simple things in life without struggling in 2 jobs to get by or both husband and wife never seeing each other trying to keep the house away from repossession by the bank.

The greatest happiness comes from within not from external things. Happiness I can remember most was someone doing a selfless act to me or a similar thing in return. They are the highlights.

Also wishing for others better things and just being happy for them when they are in times of blessing rather than wishing you had what they do is a key to happiness.. and being liked!

Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile

God is love

Re gProsperity:

It should in our fair society naturally follow the christian lifestyle obeying Jesus teachings.

Be a wise steward with money and possessions

You cant out give God- give to Gods work, time and resources and it will be returned many fold.

Ephesians 6 :5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

Treat your employer with respect as if ht was Christ you serve.

Dont be a Drunkard/ Junkie.

Dont waste money on gambling.

No smoking.

Prosperity will naturally follow hard work and sensible living.

***************
Proverbs 19:15

Laziness casts into a deep sleep,
And an idle man will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 6

Warnings Against Folly

1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2 you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth.
3 So do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighborâ€™s hands:
Goâ€”to the point of exhaustion,
and give your neighbor no rest!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to restâ€”
11 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
12 A troublemaker and a villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks maliciously with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heartâ€”
he always stirs up conflict.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyedâ€”without remedy.
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

I found out years ago that money can't make you happy internally, and I do know that it can cause you much sorrow. But I still would like to have much more money than what I have. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Chris · Jan 25, 2011

Lewis W said:
I found out years ago that money can't make you happy internally, and I do know that it can cause you much sorrow. But I still would like to have much more money than what I have. And there is nothing wrong with that.

I think that is the comon ground all humanity has.

I remember with a lot of fondness a time in my early 20's I was very broke- student.

I would go camping in the forest with my bible and hike up to a lookout and read/ pray. those poor times of not much worry helped me a lot. Also they were happy times i learned to find happiness in simpler things. I still look forward to doing those simple things. Nothing brings me more happiness on this world than being in nature I see and feel god in it, maybe I am lucky in that is my wealth.

I know i am weird but my idea of wealth is like this:

Cars houses and buildings bring me sadness to look at them, every one of them is produced by mercilessly bulldozed Forrest, another lost paradise and displaced native people shot and killed to removed them from their homes. Does God want me to long for that! To me the answer is no ( but that is me). every thing produced comes at a high cost to the world.

Tv- represents everything that is wrong in our society- Slothfulness, greed, lies and moral corruption. Dont care about those.

My computer, clothing ( and life's necessities) people and nature is generally all I want.. That's it!.. and dinner that's vegetarian

after thought - a beer occasionally too!.. how could I forget that!

I do empathize with you being short of cash It sucks if you cant afford the things you "need"

WIP · Jan 25, 2011

Cars houses and buildings bring me sadness to look at them, every one of them is produced by mercilessly bulldozed Forrest, another lost paradise and displaced native people shot and killed to removed them from their homes. Does God want me to long for that! To me the answer is no ( but that is me). every thing produced comes at a high cost to the world.

My computer, clothing ( and life's necessities) people and nature is generally all I want.. That's it!.. and dinner that's vegetarian

These are contradictory statements. Your computer is not a life necessity. Actually, clothing doesn't have to be either. Do you live in a home, drive a car, use appliances, use electricity, have indoor plumbig, eat, etc? If so, why? If these brings such sadness why continue to do what you detest?

If you grow food or eat meat, you are displacing some portion of nature and killing living organisms. It's not possible to live on this planet without influencing our environment in some way, shape, or form. The very fact that we breathe, live, and die results in expelling greenhouse gases. What solution do you propose as people continue to grow in numbers?

Chris · Jan 25, 2011

WIP said:
These are contradictory statements. Your computer is not a life necessity. Actually, clothing doesn't have to be either. Do you live in a home, drive a car, use appliances, use electricity, have indoor plumbig, eat, etc? If so, why? If these brings such sadness why continue to do what you detest?

If you grow food or eat meat, you are displacing some portion of nature and killing living organisms. It's not possible to live on this planet without influencing our environment in some way, shape, or form. The very fact that we breathe, live, and die results in expelling greenhouse gases. What solution do you propose as people continue to grow in numbers?

the love of them dude and the acquisition of them as a driving force to obtain happiness.. you get me now I hate it that i have to have any of it at all. If your idea of prosperity is suvs and mansions you are gonna hurt something in the world to gratify your desires!
have you ever seen a forest trashed personally? it is sickening. I am a vegetarian, I don't eat meat its gross for the reason you said. and put a solar panel set on the roof to power our electricity.

i was writing how things are for me, they may not be your views on it and, i respect your choices and live with my own they bring me peace.

reba · Jan 25, 2011

I found out years ago that money can't make you happy internally, and I do know that it can cause you much sorrow. But I still would like to have much more money than what I have. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Not one darn thing wrong with that. I would bet you would give all you had if it meant the salvation of your Aunt.

WIP · Jan 25, 2011

My point was this. Nobody is exempt and wealth is a matter of relative opinion. If we look into ourselves with honest and open eyes, we would recognize the truth that for each and every one of us, the definition of "rich" is "anyone that has more than I do."

The problem isn't having money. The problem is where our treasure is. Be content with what you have and do what you can to help those less fortunate than yourself.

Lewis · Jan 25, 2011

reba said:
Not one darn thing wrong with that. I would bet you would give all you had if it meant the salvation of your Aunt.

Yes I would have Reba, now I don't have to worry about her. My cousin went to the hospice one day, and my aunt told him that she was scared because she knew that she was dying. And he told her that there is a way that she could have everlasting life, and that your life does not have to end here. And she excepted and asked Jesus to come into her heart, and about 2 weeks later she was gone.

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What Does the Bible Say About Prosperity?

Sam21

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Strangelove

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Lewis

reba

Lewis

reba

reba

Oats

Lewis

WIP

Chris

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Chris

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WIP

Chris

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reba

WIP

Lewis