The Bible teaches that a person's wealth and material possessions are not the ultimate measure of their worth or success. In Proverbs, wisdom is emphasized as the key to true prosperity, with warnings against exploiting the poor and vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 22:16. The book of James critiques the wealthy who hoard their riches, while Proverbs 21:20 and 28:22 caution against the fleeting nature of earthly wealth. Jesus also addresses the issue of materialism in Mark 7:6-9, highlighting the importance of inner purity and devotion to God over outward displays of wealth.
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Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter.
Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.
Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. ” He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition.