The abundant possession of various forms of property. In the early period of Middle Eastern culture, wealth consisted of the possession of large and small cattle and slaves as well as silver and gold (Gen 24:35). Wealth is attributed to the patriarchs (Gen 13:2), godly kings (2Chr 32:27-29), and Job (Job 42:10-17). The general view is that wealth is received through God’s blessing (Deut 28:1-14), and that the wealthy ought to use their abundance to assist the poor (Deut 15:10; Job 31:16-20). But wealth came to be viewed more negatively later in the biblical period (Isa 3:13-26; Amos 6:4-7). Wealth is a contrary force competing with God, drawing away one’s basic affections (Matt 6:21; Matt 6:24; Job 22:23-26). A desire to be wealthy can destroy saving faith itself (1Tim 6:9-10). It can lead to trusting oneself rather than God (Prov 30:8-9). Thus, in the teaching of Jesus there is an incompatibility between riches and salvation (Luke 6:24; Luke 16:19-31; Luke 18:18-30); one must choose between a present material reward and a future heavenly reward (Luke 6:24; Luke 14:14; Luke 16:25; Matt 6:19-21).
