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Now Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. [GEN
13:2]
The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people; the goods you may keep." But Abram replied to the king of Sodom: "I have sworn to the LORD, God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth, that I would not take so much as a thread or a sandal strap from anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I made Abram rich.'"
[GEN 14:21-23]
Then the LORD said to Abram: "Know for certain that your descendants shall be aliens in a land not their own, where they shall be enslaved and oppressed for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation they must serve, and in the end they will depart with great wealth. You, however, shall join your forefathers in peace; you shall be buried at a contented old age."
[GEN 15:13-15]
Isaac sowed a crop in that region and reaped a hundredfold the same year. Since the LORD blessed him, he became richer and richer all the time, until he was very wealthy
indeed. [GEN 26:12-13]
Jacob learned that Laban's sons were saying, "Jacob has taken everything that belonged to our father, and he has accumulated all this wealth of his by using our father's property." Jacob perceived, too, that Laban's attitude toward him was not what it had previously been. Then the LORD said to Jacob,
"Return to the land of your fathers, where you were born, and I will be with you."
[GEN 31:1-3]
Rachel and Leah answered him: "Have we still an heir's portion in our father's house? Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? He not only sold us; he has even used up the money that he got for us! All the wealth that God reclaimed from our father really belongs to us and our children. Therefore, do just as God has told you."
[GEN 31:14-16]
They carried off all their wealth, their women, and their
children, and took for loot whatever was in the houses. [GEN
34:29]
"Everyone who enters the registered group must pay a half-shekel, according to the standard of the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel. This payment of a half-shekel is a contribution to the LORD. Everyone of twenty years or more who enters the registered group must give this contribution to the LORD. The rich need not give more, nor shall the poor give less, than a half-shekel in this contribution to the LORD to pay the forfeit for their lives. When you receive this forfeit money from the Israelites, you shall donate it to the service of the meeting tent, that there it may be the Israelites' reminder before the LORD, of the forfeit paid for their lives." [EX
30:13-16]
Thus the LORD passed before him and cried out, "The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity, continuing his kindness for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness and crime and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but punishing children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for their fathers' wickedness!"
[EX 34:6-7]
'The LORD is slow to anger and rich in kindness, forgiving
wickedness and crime; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but
punishing children to the third and fourth generation for their
fathers' wickedness.' [NUM 14:18]
But when you have eaten your fill, you must bless the LORD,
your God, for the good country he has given you. Be careful not to
forget the LORD, your God, by neglecting his commandments and
decrees and statutes which I enjoin on you today: lest, when you
have eaten your fill, and have built fine houses and lived in
them, and have increased your herds and flocks, your silver and
gold, and all your property, you then become haughty of heart and
unmindful of the LORD, your God, who brought you out of the land
of Egypt, that place of slavery; who guided you through the vast
and terrible desert with its saraph serpents and scorpions, its
parched and waterless ground; who brought forth water for you from
the flinty rock and fed you in the desert with manna, a food
unknown to your fathers, that he might afflict you and test you,
but also make you prosperous in the end. Otherwise, you might say
to yourselves, 'It is my own power and the strength of my own hand
that has obtained for me this wealth.' Remember then, it is the
LORD, your God, who gives you the power to acquire wealth, by
fulfilling, as he has now done, the covenant which he swore to
your fathers. But if you forget the LORD, your God, and follow
other gods, serving and worshiping them, I forewarn you this day
that you will perish utterly. Like the nations which the LORD
destroys before you, so shall you too perish for not heeding the
voice of the LORD, your God.
[DEUT 8:10-20]
The LORD will open up for you his rich treasure house of the
heavens, to give your land rain in due season, blessing all your
undertakings, so that you will lend to many nations and borrow
from none. [DEUT 28:12]
He asked, "Who are you?" And she replied, "I am your servant Ruth. Spread the corner of your cloak over me, for you are my next of kin." He said, "May the LORD bless you, my daughter! You have been even more loyal now than before in not going after the young men, whether poor or rich. So be assured, daughter, I will do for you whatever you say; all my townspeople know you for a worthy woman."
[RUTH 3:9-11]
The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.
[1SAM 2:7]
While he was talking with them, the Philistine champion, by
name Goliath of Gath, came up from the ranks of the Philistines
and spoke as before, and David listened. When the Israelites saw
the man, they all retreated before him, very much afraid. The
Israelites had been saying: "Do you see this man coming up?
He comes up to insult Israel. If anyone should kill him, the king
would give him great wealth, and his daughter as well, and would
grant exemption to his father's family in Israel." David now
said to the men standing by: "What will be done for the man
who kills this Philistine and frees Israel of the disgrace? Who is
this uncircumcised Philistine in any case, that he should insult
the armies of the living God?" They repeated the same words
to him and said, "That is how the man who kills him will be
rewarded."
[1SAM 17:23-27]
There was a man of Maon who had property in Carmel; he was very
wealthy, owning three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. At this
time he was present for the shearing of his flock in Carmel. The
man was named Nabal, his wife, Abigail. The woman was intelligent
and attractive, but Nabal himself, a Calebite, was harsh and
ungenerous in his behavior. When David heard in the desert that
Nabal was shearing his flock, he sent ten young men, instructing
them: "Go up to Carmel. Pay Nabal a visit and greet him in my
name. Say to him, 'Peace be with you, my brother, and with your
family, and with all who belong to you. I have just heard that
shearers are with you. Now, when your shepherds were with us, we
did them no injury, neither did they miss anything all the while
they were in Carmel. Ask your servants and they will tell you so.
Look kindly on these young men, since we come at a festival time.
Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can
manage.'"
[1SAM 25:2-8]
David then asked him, "Will you lead me down to this raiding party?" He answered, "Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me to my master, and I will lead you to the raiding party." He did lead them, and there were the Amalekites scattered all over the ground, eating, drinking, and in a festive mood because of all the rich booty they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.
[1SAM 30:15-16]
The LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he came to him, he
said: "Judge this case for me! In a certain town there were
two men, one rich, the other poor. The rich man had flocks and
herds in great numbers. But the poor man had nothing at all except
one little ewe lamb that he had bought. He nourished her, and she
grew up with him and his children. She shared the little food he
had and drank from his cup and slept in his bosom. She was like a
daughter to him. Now, the rich man received a visitor, but he
would not take from his own... Instead he took the poor man's ewe
lamb..." David grew very angry with that man and said to
Nathan: "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this merits
death! He shall restore the ewe lamb fourfold because he has done
this and has had no pity."
[Taken from 2SAM 12:1-6]
Barzillai the Gileadite also came down from Rogelim and escorted the king to the Jordan for his crossing, taking leave of him there. It was
Barzillai, a very old man of eighty and very wealthy besides, who had provisioned the king during his stay in
Mahanaim.
[2SAM 19:32-33]
The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God
said to him: "Because you have asked for this - not for a long
life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your
enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right
- I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and
understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now,
and after you there will come no one to equal you. In addition, I
give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that
among kings there is not your like. And if you follow me by
keeping my statutes and commandments, as your father David did, I
will give you a long life." [1KGS 3:10-14]
Thus King Solomon surpassed in riches and wisdom all the kings of the earth. And the whole world sought audience with Solomon, to hear from him the wisdom which God had put in his heart.
[1KGS 10:23-24]
"Riches and honor are from you, and you have dominion over
all. In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give
grandeur and strength to all." [1CHRON 29:12]
O LORD our God, all this wealth that we have brought together
to build you a house in honor of your holy name comes from you and
is entirely yours. [1CHRON 29:16]
Thus David, the son of Jesse, had reigned over all Israel. The time that he reigned over Israel was forty years: in Hebron he reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem thirty-three. He died at a ripe old age, rich in years and wealth and glory, and his son Solomon succeeded him as king.
[1CHRON 29:26-28]
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, for he walked in the ways his father had pursued in the beginning, and he did not consult the
Baals. Rather, he sought the God of his father and observed his commands, and not the practices of Israel. As a result, the LORD made his kingdom secure, and all Judah gave Jehoshaphat gifts, so that he enjoyed great wealth and glory.
[2CHRON 17:3-5]
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. He prayed to the
LORD, who answered him by giving him a sign. Hezekiah, however,
did not then discharge his debt of gratitude, for he had become
proud. Therefore anger descended upon him and upon Judah and
Jerusalem. But then Hezekiah humbled himself for his pride - both
he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and therefore the LORD did
not vent his anger on them during the time of Hezekiah. Hezekiah
possessed very great wealth and glory. He had treasuries made for
his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, jewels, and other
precious things of all kinds... He built cities for himself, and
he acquired sheep and oxen in great numbers, for God gave him very
great riches. This same Hezekiah stopped the upper outflow of
water from Gihon and led it underground westward to the City of
David. Hezekiah prospered in all his undertakings. Nevertheless,
in respect to the ambassadors (princes) sent to him from Babylon
to investigate the sign that had occurred in the land, God forsook
him to test him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
[Taken from 2CHRON 32:24-27,29-31]
He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet
drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for
today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for
rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!" [NEH 8:10]
They refused to obey and no longer remembered the miracles you
had worked for them. They stiffened their necks and turned their
heads to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of
pardons, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in
mercy; you did not forsake them. [NEH 9:17]
Son, give alms in proportion to what you own. If you have great
wealth, give alms out of your abundance; if you have but little,
distribute even some of that. But do not hesitate to give alms;
you will be storing up a goodly treasure for yourself against the
day of adversity. Almsgiving frees one from death, and keeps one
from going into the dark abode. Alms are a worthy offering in the
sight of the Most High for all who give them.
[TOBIT 4:8-11]
"Do not be discouraged, my child, because of our poverty. You
will be a rich man if you fear God, avoid all sin, and do what is
right before the Lord your God." [TOBIT 4:21]
When the wedding celebration came to an end, Tobit called
his son Tobiah and said to him, "Son, see to it that you give
what is due to the man who made the journey with you; give him a
bonus too." Tobiah said: "Father, how much shall I pay
him? It would not hurt me at all to give him half of all the
wealth he brought back with me. He led me back safe and sound; he
cured my wife; he brought the money back with me; and he cured
you. How much of a bonus should I give him?" Tobit answered,
"It is only fair, son, that he should receive half of all
that he brought back." So Tobiah called Raphael and said,
"Take as your wages half of all that you have brought back,
and go in peace."
[TOBIT 12:1-5]
Since they abandoned the way of their ancestors, and acknowledged with divine worship the God of heaven, their forefathers expelled them from the presence of their gods. So they fled to Mesopotamia and dwelt there a long time. Their God bade them leave their abode and proceed to the land of Canaan. Here they settled, and grew very rich in gold, silver, and a great abundance of livestock.
[JDTH 5:8-9]
By the life of Nebuchadnezzar, king of all the earth, and by the power of him who has sent you to set all creatures aright! not only do men serve him through you; but even the wild beasts and the cattle and the birds of the air, because of your strength, will live for Nebuchadnezzar and his whole house. Indeed, we have heard of your wisdom and sagacity, and all the world is aware that throughout the kingdom you alone are competent, rich in experience, and distinguished in military strategy.
[JDTH 11:7-8]
The remaining inhabitants of Bethulia swept down on the camp of
the Assyrians, plundered it, and acquired great riches. [JDTH
15:6]
During the reign of Ahasuerus-this was the Ahasuerus who
ruled over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces from India to
Ethiopia- while he was occupying the royal throne in the
stronghold of Susa, in the third year of his reign, he presided
over a feast for all his officers and ministers: the Persian and
Median aristocracy, the nobles, and the governors of the
provinces. For as many as a hundred and eighty days, he displayed
the glorious riches of his kingdom and the resplendent wealth of
his royal estate. At the end of this time the king gave a feast of
seven days in the garden court of the royal palace for all the
people, great and small, who were in the stronghold of Susa. [ESTH 1:1-5]
That day Haman left happy and in good spirits. But when he saw
that Mordecai at the royal gate did not rise, and showed no fear
of him, he was filled with anger toward him. Haman restrained
himself, however, and went home, where he summoned his friends and
his wife Zeresh. He recounted the greatness of his riches, the
large number of his sons, and just how the king had promoted him
and placed him above the officials and royal servants.
"Moreover," Haman added, "Queen Esther invited no
one but me to the banquet with the king; again tomorrow I am to be
her guest, with the king. Yet none of this satisfies me as long as
I continue to see the Jew Mordecai sitting at the royal gate."
[ESTH 5:9-13]
As King Antiochus was traversing the inland provinces, he heard that in Persia there was a city called
Elymais, famous for its wealth in silver and gold, and that its temple was very rich, containing gold helmets, breastplates, and weapons left there by Alexander, son of Philip, king of Macedon, the first king of the Greeks. He went therefore and tried to capture and pillage the city. But he could not do so, because his plan became known to the people of the city who rose up in battle against him. So he retreated and in great dismay withdrew from there to return to Babylon.
[1MACC 6:1-4]
So Athenobius, the king's Friend, came to Jerusalem and on seeing the splendor of Simon's court, the gold and silver plate on the sideboard, and the rest of his rich display, he was amazed. When he gave him the king's message, Simon said to him in reply: "We have not seized any foreign land; what we took is not the property of others, but our ancestral heritage which for a time had been unjustly held by our enemies. Now that we have the opportunity, we are holding on to the heritage of our ancestors."
[1MACC 15:32-34]
But a certain Simon, of the priestly course of Bilgah, who had been appointed superintendent of the temple, had a quarrel with the high priest about the supervision of the city market. Since he could not prevail against
Onias, he went to Apollonius of Tarsus, who at that time was governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and reported to him that the treasury in Jerusalem was so full of untold riches that the total sum of money was incalculable and out of all proportion to the cost of the sacrifices, and that it would be possible to bring it all under the control of the king.
When Apollonius had an audience with the king, he informed him
about the riches that had been reported to him. The king chose his
minister Heliodorus and sent him with instructions to expropriate
the aforesaid wealth. [2MACC 3:4-7]
While they were imploring the almighty Lord to keep the
deposits safe and secure for those who had placed them in trust,
Heliodorus went on with his plan. But just as he was approaching
the treasury with his bodyguards, the Lord of spirits who holds
all power manifested himself in so striking a way that those who
had been bold enough to follow Heliodorus were panic-stricken at
God's power and fainted away in terror. There appeared to them a
richly caparisoned horse, mounted by a dreadful rider. Charging
furiously, the horse attacked Heliodorus with its front hoofs. The
rider was seen to be wearing golden armor. Then two other young
men, remarkably strong, strikingly beautiful, and splendidly
attired, appeared before him. Standing on each side of him, they
flogged him unceasingly until they had given him innumerable
blows. Suddenly he fell to the ground, enveloped in great
darkness. Men picked him up and laid him on a stretcher. The man
who a moment before had entered that treasury with a great retinue
and his whole bodyguard was carried away helpless, having clearly
experienced the sovereign power of God. [2MACC 3:22-28]
Antiochus, suspecting insult in her words, thought he was being
ridiculed. As the youngest brother was still alive, the king
appealed to him, not with mere words, but with promises on oath,
to make him rich and happy if he would abandon his ancestral
customs: he would make him his Friend and entrust him with high
office. When the youth paid no attention to him at all, the king
appealed to the mother, urging her to advise her boy to save his
life. After he had urged her for a long time, she went through the
motions of persuading her son. In derision of the cruel tyrant,
she leaned over close to her son and said in their native
language: "Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb
for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up,
educated and supported you to your present age. I beg you,
child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in
them; then you will know that God did not make them out of
existing things; and in the same way the human race came into
existence. Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of
your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may
receive you again with them." She had scarcely finished
speaking when the youth said: "What are you waiting for? I
will not obey the king's command. I obey the command of the law
given to our forefathers through Moses. But you, who have
contrived every kind of affliction for the Hebrews, will not
escape the hands of God." [2MACC 7:24-31]
He shall see no streams of oil, no torrents of honey or milk. Restoring his gains, he shall not enjoy them;
though his wealth increases, he shall not rejoice. Because he has oppressed the poor,
and stolen a patrimony he had not built up, Therefore his prosperity shall not endure, and his hands shall yield up his riches. Though he has known no quiet in his greed,
his treasures shall not save him. [JOB 20:17-20]
He lies down a rich man, one last time; he opens his eyes and
nothing remains to him. [JOB 27:19]
Had I put my trust in gold or called fine gold my security; Or
had I rejoiced that my wealth was great, or that my hand had
acquired abundance - Had I looked upon the sun as it shone, or
the moon in the splendor of its progress, And had my heart been
secretly enticed to waft them a kiss with my hand; This too would
be a crime for condemnation, for I should have denied God above. [JOB
31:24-28]
Who neither favors the person of princes, nor respects the rich
more than the poor? For they are all the work of his hands; in a
moment they die, even at midnight. He brings on nobles, and takes
them away, removing the powerful without lifting a hand; For his
eyes are upon the ways of man, and he beholds all his steps. There
is no darkness so dense that evildoers can hide in it. [JOB 34:19-22]
We feast on the rich food of your house; from your delightful stream you give us drink. For with you is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light. [PS
36:9-10]
Better the poverty of the just than the great wealth of the
wicked. [PS 37:16]
Listen, my daughter, and understand; pay me careful heed. Forget your people and your father's house, that the king might desire your beauty. He is your lord; honor him, daughter of
Tyre. Then the richest of the people will seek your favor with gifts. All glorious is the king's daughter as she enters, her raiment threaded with gold;
In embroidered apparel she is led to the king. The maids of her train are presented to the king.
They are led in with glad and joyous acclaim; they enter the palace of the king. [PS
45:11-16]
Hear this, all you peoples! Give ear, all who inhabit the world, You of lowly birth or high estate, rich and poor alike. My mouth shall speak wisdom, my heart shall offer insight. I will turn my attention to a problem, expound my question to the music of a lyre. Why should I fear in evil days, when my wicked pursuers ring me round, Those who trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches? One cannot redeem oneself, pay to God a ransom. Too high the price to redeem a life; one would never have enough To stay alive forever
and never see the pit. Anyone can see that the wisest die, the fool and the senseless pass away too, and must leave their wealth to
others. Tombs are their homes forever, their dwellings through all generations, though they gave their names to their lands. For all their riches mortals do not abide; they perish like the beasts. This is the destiny of those who trust in folly, the end of those so pleased with their wealth.
Like sheep they are herded into Sheol, where death will be their shepherd. Straight to the grave they descend, where their form will waste away, Sheol will be their palace. But God will redeem my life, will take me from the power of
Sheol.
Do not fear when others become rich, when the wealth of their houses grows great. When they die they will take nothing with them, their wealth will not follow them down. When living, they congratulate themselves and say: "All praise you, you do so well." But they will join the company of their forebears, never again to see the light.
For all their riches, if mortals do not have wisdom, they perish like the beasts.
[Taken from PS 49:2-21]
"That one did not take God as a refuge, but trusted in
great wealth, relied on devious plots." [PS 52:9]
Do not trust in extortion; in plunder put no empty hope. Though wealth increase,
do not set your heart upon it. One thing God has said; two things I have heard:
Power belongs to God; so too, Lord, does kindness, And you render to each of us
according to our deeds. [PS 62:11-13]
My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous
lips my mouth shall honor you! [PS 63:6]
They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth. So my people turn to them
and drink deeply of their words. They say, "Does God really know?"
"Does the Most High have any knowledge?" Such, then, are the wicked,
always carefree, increasing their wealth.
Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean, washed my hands in innocence? For I am afflicted day after day,
chastised every morning. Had I thought, "I will speak as they do,"
I would have betrayed your people. Though I tried to understand all this,
it was too difficult for me, Till I entered the sanctuary of God and came to understand their end.
You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin. How suddenly they are devastated;
undone by disasters forever! They are like a dream after waking, Lord,
dismissed like shadows when you arise. [PS 73:9-20]
You have given me the strength of a wild bull; you have
poured rich oil upon me. [PS 92:11]
For he remembered his sacred word to Abraham his servant. He brought his people out with joy,
his chosen ones with shouts of triumph. He gave them the lands of the nations,
the wealth of the peoples to own, That they might keep his laws and observe his teachings. Hallelujah! [PS 105:42-45]
Hallelujah! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in God's commands. Their descendants shall be mighty in the land,
generation upright and blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in their homes;
their prosperity shall endure forever. [PS 112:1-3]
I find joy in the way of your decrees more than in all riches.
[PS 119:14]
I rejoice at your promise, as one who has found rich spoil. [PS
119:162]
My son, should sinners entice you, and say, "Come along
with us! Let us lie in wait for the honest man, let us,
unprovoked, set a trap for the innocent; Let us swallow them up,
as the nether world does, alive, in the prime of life, like those
who go down to the pit! All kinds of precious wealth shall we
gain, we shall fill our houses with booty; Cast in your lot with
us, we shall all have one purse!" - My son, walk not in the
way with them, hold back your foot from their path! This is the
fate of everyone greedy of loot: unlawful gain takes away the life
of him who acquires it. [PROV 1:10-15,19]
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce; Then will your barns be filled with grain,
with new wine your vats will overflow. [PROV 3:9-10]
Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding! For her profit is better than profit in silver,
and better than gold is her revenue; She is more precious than corals,
and none of your choice possessions can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand,
in her left are riches and honor
[PROV 3:13-16]
"I, Wisdom, dwell with experience, and judicious knowledge
I attain. (The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;) Pride,
arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate. Mine are
counsel and advice; Mine is strength; I am understanding. By me
kings reign, and lawgivers establish justice; By me princes
govern, and nobles; all the rulers of earth. Those who love
me I also love, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches
and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than
gold, yes, than pure gold, and my revenue than choice silver. On
the way of duty I walk, along the paths of justice, Granting
wealth to those who love me, and filling their treasuries." [PROV 8:12-21]
The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the ruination of the
lowly is their poverty. [PROV 10:15]
It is the LORD'S blessing that brings wealth, and no effort can
substitute for it. [PROV 10:22]
Wealth is useless on the day of wrath, but virtue saves from
death. [PROV 11:4]
A gracious woman wins esteem, but she who hates virtue is
covered with shame. (The slothful become impoverished, but the
diligent gain wealth.) [PROV 11:16]
One man is lavish yet grows still richer; another is too sparing, yet is the poorer. He who confers benefits will be amply enriched,
and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Him who monopolizes grain, the people
curse -
but blessings upon the head of him who distributes it! [PROV 11:24-26]
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but like green leaves
the just flourish. [PROV 11:28]
One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends
to be poor, yet has great wealth. [PROV 13:7]
A man's riches serve as ransom for his life, but the poor man
heeds no rebuke. [PROV 13:8]
Wealth quickly gotten dwindles away, but amassed little by
little, it grows. [PROV 13:11]
The good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the just. [PROV
13:22]
Even by his neighbor the poor man is hated, but the friends of
the rich are many. [PROV 14:20]
Of what use in the fool's hand are the means to buy wisdom, since he has no mind for it?
[PROV 17:16]
The rich man's wealth is his strong city; he fancies it a high
wall. [PROV 18:11]
The poor man implores, but the rich man answers harshly. [PROV
18:23]
Better a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is
crooked in his ways and rich. [PROV 19:1]
Wealth adds many friends, but the friend of the poor man
deserts him. [PROV 19:4]
Like gold or a wealth of corals, wise lips are a precious
ornament. [PROV 20:15]
He who loves pleasure will suffer want; he who loves wine and
perfume will not be rich. [PROV 21:17]
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high
esteem, than gold and silver. [PROV 22:1]
Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them
all. [PROV 22:2]
The reward of humility and fear of the LORD is riches, honor
and life. [PROV 22:4]
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of
the lender. [PROV 22:7]
He who oppresses the poor to enrich himself will yield up his
gains to the rich as sheer loss. [PROV 22:16]
Toil not to gain wealth, cease to be concerned about it; While your glance flits to it, it is gone!
for assuredly it grows wings, like the eagle that flies toward heaven.
[PROV 23:4-5]
For it is by wise guidance that you wage your war, and the
victory is due to a wealth of counselors. [PROV 24:6]
For wealth lasts not forever, nor even a crown from age to age.
[PROV 27:24]
A rich man who oppresses the poor is like a devastating rain
that leaves no food. [PROV 28:3]
Better a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is
crooked in his ways and rich. [PROV 28:6]
He who increases his wealth by interest and overcharge gathers
it for him who is kind to the poor. [PROV 28:8]
The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who is
intelligent sees through him. [PROV 28:11]
The trustworthy man will be richly blessed; he who is in haste
to grow rich will not go unpunished. [PROV 28:20]
The avaricious man is perturbed about his wealth, and he knows
not when want will come upon him. [PROV 28:22]
He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who consorts
with harlots squanders his wealth. [PROV 29:3]
Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches;
(provide me only with the food I need;) Lest, being full, I deny you,
saying, "Who is the LORD?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.
[PROV
30:7-9]
I amassed for myself silver and gold, and the wealth of kings
and provinces. I got for myself male and female singers and all
human luxuries. I became great, and I stored up more than all
others before me in Jerusalem; my wisdom, too, stayed with me.
Nothing that my eyes desired did I deny them, nor did I deprive
myself of any joy, but my heart rejoiced in the fruit of all my
toil. This was my share for all my toil. But when I turned to all
the works that my hands had wrought, and to the toil at which I
had taken such pains, behold! all was vanity and a chase after
wind, with nothing gained under the sun. For what will the man do
who is to come after the king? What men have already done!
[Taken from ECCL 2:8-12]
Again I found this vanity under the sun: a solitary man with no companion; with neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his toil, and riches do not satisfy his greed. "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good things?" This also is vanity and a worthless task.
[ECCL 4:7-8]
The covetous man is never satisfied with money, and the lover
of wealth reaps no fruit from it; so this too is vanity. Where
there are great riches, there are also many to devour them. Of
what use are they to the owner except to feast his eyes upon?
Sleep is sweet to the laboring man, whether he eats little or
much, but the rich man's abundance allows him no sleep. This is a
grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches kept by
their owner to his hurt. Should the riches be lost through some
misfortune, he may have a son when he is without means. As he came
forth from his mother's womb, so again shall he depart, naked as
he came, having nothing from his labor that he can carry in his
hand. [ECCL 5:9-14]
Any man to whom God gives riches and property, and grants power
to partake of them, so that he receives his lot and finds joy in
the fruits of his toil, has a gift from God. [ECCL 5:18]
Again I saw under the sun that the race is not won by the
swift, nor the battle by the valiant, nor a livelihood by the
wise, nor riches by the shrewd, nor favor by the experts; for a
time of calamity comes to all alike. [ECCL 9:11]
I have seen under the sun another evil, like a mistake that proceeds from the ruler: a fool put in lofty position while the rich sit in lowly places.
[ECCL 10:6]
Even in your thoughts do not make light of the king, nor in the
privacy of your bedroom revile the rich. Because the birds of the
air may carry your voice, a winged creature may tell what you say.
[ECCL 10:20]
We, then, have strayed from the way of truth, and the light of
justice did not shine for us, and the sun did not rise for us. We
had our fill of the ways of mischief and of ruin; we journeyed
through impassable deserts, but the way of the LORD we knew not.
What did our pride avail us? What have wealth and its boastfulness
afforded us? All of them passed like a shadow and like a fleeting
rumor; Like a ship traversing the heaving water, of which, when it
has passed, no trace can be found, no path of its keel in the
waves. [WISDOM 5:6-10]
Therefore I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and
the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and
throne, And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did
I liken any priceless gem to her; Because all gold, in view of
her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted
mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to
have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never
yields to sleep. Yet all good things together came to me in her
company, and countless riches at her hands; And I rejoiced in them
all, because Wisdom is their leader, though I had not known that
she is the mother of these. Simply I learned about her, and
ungrudgingly do I share- her riches I do not hide away; For to
men she is an unfailing treasure; those who gain this treasure win
the friendship of God, to whom the gifts they have from discipline
commend them. [WISDOM 7:7-14]
And if riches be a desirable possession in life, what is more
rich than Wisdom, who produces all things? [WISDOM 8:5]
Thinking thus within myself, and reflecting in my heart That there is immortality in kinship with Wisdom, and good pleasure in her friendship, and unfailing riches in the works of her hands, And that in frequenting her society there is prudence, and fair renown in
sharing her discourses, I went about seeking to take her for my own. [WISDOM
8:17-18]
He who honors his father atones for sins; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. [SIRACH
3:3-4]
Rely not on your wealth; say not: "I have the power." Rely not on your strength
in following the desires of your heart. Say not: "Who can prevail against me?"
for the LORD will exact the punishment. [SIRACH 5:1-3]
Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day; For suddenly his wrath flames forth;
at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed. Rely not upon deceitful wealth,
for it will be no help on the day of wrath. [SIRACH 5:8-10]
Quarrel not with a rich man, lest he pay out the price of your
downfall; For gold has dazzled many, and perverts the character of
princes. [SIRACH 8:2]
The poor man is honored for his wisdom as the rich man is honored for his wealth; Honored in poverty, how much more so in wealth!
Dishonored in wealth, in poverty how much the more!
[SIRACH 10:29-30]
My son, why increase your cares, since he who is avid for
wealth will not be blameless? Even if you run after it, you will
never overtake it; however you seek it, you will not find it. [SIRACH
11:10]
Good and evil, life and death, poverty and riches, are from the
LORD. [SIRACH 11:14]
A man may become rich through a miser's life, and this is his allotted reward: When he says: "I have found rest,
now I will feast on my possessions," He does not know how long it will be
till he dies and leaves them to others. [SIRACH 11:18-19]
Admire not how sinners live, but trust in the LORD and wait for
his light; For it is easy with the LORD suddenly, in an instant,
to make a poor man rich. [SIRACH 11:21]
Bear no burden too heavy for you; go with no one greater or
wealthier than yourself. How can the earthen pot go with the metal
cauldron? When they knock together, the pot will be smashed: The
rich man does wrong and boasts of it, the poor man is wronged and
begs forgiveness. As long as the rich man can use you he will
enslave you, but when you are exhausted, he will abandon you. As
long as you have anything he will speak fair words to you, and
with smiles he will win your confidence; When he needs something
from you he will cajole you, then without regret he will
impoverish you. While it serves his purpose he will beguile you,
then twice or three times he will terrify you; When later he sees
you he will pass you by, and shake his head over you. [SIRACH 13:2-7]
Can there be peace between the hyena and the dog? Or between
the rich and the poor can there be peace? [SIRACH 13:17]
A proud man abhors lowliness; so does the rich man abhor the
poor. [SIRACH 13:19]
When a rich man stumbles he is supported by a friend; when a
poor man trips he is pushed down by a friend. Many are the supporters for a rich man when he speaks; though
what he says is odious, it wins approval. When a poor man speaks
they make sport of him; he speaks wisely and no attention is paid
him. A rich man speaks and all are silent, his wisdom they extol to
the clouds. A poor man speaks and they say: "Who is
that?" If he slips they cast him down. [SIRACH 13:20-22]
Wealth is good when there is no sin; but poverty is evil by the
standards of the proud. [SIRACH 13:23]
Wealth ill becomes the mean man; and to the miser, of what
use is gold? What he denies himself he collects for others, and in
his possessions a stranger will revel. To whom will he be generous
who is stingy with himself and does not enjoy what is his own?
None is more stingy than he who is stingy with himself; he
punishes his own miserliness. If ever he is generous, it is by
mistake; and in the end he displays his greed. In the miser's
opinion his share is too small; he refuses his neighbor and brings
ruin on himself. The miser's eye is rapacious for bread, but on
his own table he sets it stale. My son, use freely whatever you
have and enjoy it as best you can; Remember that death does not
tarry, nor have you been told the grave's appointed time. Before
you die, be good to your friend, and give him a share in what you
possess. Deprive not yourself of present good things, let no
choice portion escape you. Will you not leave your riches to
others, and your earnings to be divided by lot? Give, take, and
treat yourself well, for in the nether world there are no joys to
seek. All flesh grows old, like a garment; the age-old law is: All
must die. As with the leaves that grow on a vigorous tree: one
falls off and another sprouts - So with the generations of flesh
and blood: one dies and another is born. All man's works will
perish in decay, and his handiwork will follow after him. [SIRACH
14:3-19]
Remember the time of hunger in the time of plenty, poverty and
want in the day of wealth. [SIRACH 18:25]
Go not after your lusts, but keep your desires in check. If
you satisfy your lustful appetites they will make you the sport of
your enemies. Have no joy in the pleasures of a moment which bring
on poverty redoubled; Become not a glutton and a winebibber with
nothing in your purse. He who does so grows no richer; he who
wastes the little he has will be stripped bare. [SIRACH 18:30-33,19:1]
Violence and arrogance wipe out wealth; so too a proud man's
home is destroyed. [SIRACH 21:4]
I bud forth delights like the vine, my blossoms become fruit fair and rich. Come to me, all you that yearn for me,
and be filled with my fruits; You will remember me as sweeter than honey,
better to have than the honeycomb. [SIRACH 24:17-19]
Three kinds of men I hate; their manner of life I loathe
indeed: A proud pauper, a rich dissembler, and an old man
lecherous in his dotage. [SIRACH 25:2]
Stumble not through woman's beauty, nor be greedy for her wealth; The man is a slave, in disgrace and shame,
when a wife supports her husband. [SIRACH 25:20-21]
A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the LORD; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content,
and a smile is ever on his face. [SIRACH 26:3-4]
These two bring grief to my heart, and the third arouses my
horror: A wealthy man reduced to want; illustrious men held in
contempt; And the man who passes from justice to sin, for whom the
LORD makes ready the sword. [SIRACH 26:19]
For the sake of profit many sin, and the struggle for wealth blinds the eyes. Like a peg driven between fitted stones,
between buying and selling sin is wedged in. Unless you earnestly hold fast to the fear of the LORD,
suddenly your house will be thrown down. [SIRACH 27:1-3]
Many a man who asks for a loan adds to the burdens of those who
help him; When he borrows, he kisses the lender's hand and speaks
with respect of his creditor's wealth; But when payment is due he
disappoints him and says he is helpless to meet the claim. If the
lender is able to recover barely half, he considers this an
achievement; If not, he is cheated of his wealth and acquires an
enemy at no extra charge; With curses and insults the borrower
pays him back, with abuse instead of honor. Many refuse to lend,
not out of meanness, but from fear of being cheated. To a poor
man, however, be generous; keep him not waiting for your alms;
Because of the precept, help the needy, and in their want, do not
send them away empty-handed. Spend your money for your brother and
friend, and hide it not under a stone to perish; Dispose of your
treasure as the Most High commands, for that will profit you more
than the gold. Store up almsgiving in your treasure house, and it
will save you from every evil; Better than a stout shield and a
sturdy spear it will fight for you against the foe. [SIRACH 29:4-13]
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