Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about greed?” with specific Bible references.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “What does the Bible say about greed?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes greed in different contexts.
The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines greed as “Keen appetite for anything; eager desire to obtain.”
Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource, which captures all notable mentions of the word greed, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about complaining, scroll on for additional detail.
Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about greed and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.
What Does the Bible Say About Greed?
1 Timothy 6:10
“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.”
Proverbs 1:18-19
“And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.“
Proverbs 15:27
“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.”
Proverbs 21:26
“He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.”
Ephesians 4:19
“Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.“
Proverbs 11:24
“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”
Proverbs 11:26
“He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.”
Proverbs 16:26
“He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.”
Proverbs 13:7
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.”
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