25 Bible Verses About Greed (With Commentary)

Feeling overwhelmed by the pull of material desires? It’s no secret—greed can cling tightly, disrupting our inner peace. This article shines a light on biblical wisdom, serving as your guide to understanding and overcoming greed.

Discover timeless truths within these lines..

Warnings Against Greed

Luke 12:15

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

In Luke 12:15, we’re told to watch out for all kinds of greed. A person’s life isn’t about how much they own, even if they have a lot. This Bible verse makes it clear—it’s not smart to chase after things you can buy or hold.

True value comes from what’s in your heart and spirit, not from stuff you gather up. So let go of that urge to get more and more; choose lasting treasures instead.

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."

The Bible warns about the dangers of loving money too much. 1 Timothy 6:10 tells us that this love is at the root of all kinds of evil. People who want to be rich sometimes turn away from their faith and end up with a lot of sadness because they made bad choices.

It’s not just about wanting money; greed can lead us down wrong paths we didn’t expect. The verse in 1 Timothy shows how an unhealthy focus on wealth can hurt our lives and others around us, even making good-hearted people do things they regret later.

Hebrews 13:5

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Hebrews 13:5 tells us not to love money. It says be happy with what you have because God has said He will never leave us or give up on us. This verse is a strong message against greed.

It helps us remember that we don’t need to keep wanting more things to feel safe or important; God’s always with us, and He’s all we need.

Colossians 3:5

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"

Colossians 3:5 tells us to think of our earthly parts as dead to bad things. These bad things include sexual sins, wanting dirty stuff, wild hearts, evil wishes, and greed. Greed here is like worshiping a statue instead of God.

This verse reminds us that we must stop doing these wrong things because they are a form of idol worship. It’s like saying no more to something harmful. We say goodbye to greed and all its friends—bad desires that hurt our lives.

Ephesians 5:3

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;"

Ephesians 5:3 has a strong message—it tells us to say no to greed, along with sexual immorality and all impurity. It’s like the verse is saying, “Don’t even let these things be named among you.” Think about it as keeping your life clean from wanting too much and doing wrong for selfish pleasure.

It’s interesting how this piece of Scripture groups greed with bad sexual behavior. They are both about chasing what we want without thinking of others or what’s right. The Bible makes it clear; these things have no place in a person who wants to live a good and holy life.

The Dangers of Greed

Proverbs 15:27

"He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."

Proverbs 15:27 teaches us a strong lesson. It says wanting too much money can ruin your family. A person who loves getting rich in bad ways fills their home with trouble. But hating bribes keeps you safe and sound.

The Bible makes it clear – chasing after cash the wrong way is dangerous. Love for unfair money goes against being wise and good in God’s eyes. People who say “no” to dirty money, they’re the ones who’ll have a peaceful life.

Proverbs 1:19

"So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof."

Greed for unjust gain swipes away the lives of those who grab it. This wisdom from Solomon shows how wanting too much, in a bad way, can lead to trouble or even violence. It’s like a warning sign—don’t chase after things the wrong way because it could end up really bad for you.

People who are greedy often hurt others and themselves without even knowing it at first. They think they want wealth and stuff so much that they forget what’s right and fair. The verse tells us being selfish and nasty to get more is never worth it.

Proverbs 28:25

"He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat."

Proverbs 28:25 tells us that wanting too much can cause fights. Trusting the Lord, though, brings a good life. This Bible verse says if we chase after more and more things, it can make us hard to get along with.

But, if we lean on God instead of trying to grab all we can, we’ll do better off. It’s about choosing trust over grabbing for wealth—and finding real peace in that choice.

Proverbs 11:6

"The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness."

Good people stay safe because they are honest and fair. But those who only want to get rich fall into trouble because of their bad desires. Proverbs 11:6 teaches us this lesson. It tells us living right is our shield against the hunger for more and more money or stuff.

Greed can trap you, but being true and good sets you free.

1 Corinthians 5:11

"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."

In 1 Corinthians 5:11, we get a clear warning. It tells us not to hang out with someone who says they follow Jesus but is greedy or does other bad things. This isn’t just about being mean—it’s telling us to live right and keep away from folks who don’t take their faith seriously.

This part of the Bible makes it super clear that if people are saying one thing and doing another, especially being greedy, we shouldn’t be okay with that. We need to stick to what’s good and true, showing others what it means to really walk the talk as Christians.

Contentment Over Greed

Philippians 4:11-12

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

Philippians 4:11-12 tells us being happy with what we have is a big win. It’s like finding treasure without digging for gold. These verses remind us to depend on God, not cash or cool stuff.

Life gets tough when greed takes over, turning our homes upside down.

We learn from these words to stay calm and content, even when everyone around wants more and more. Trusting God for our needs keeps us away from the trap of always wanting things we don’t have.

This way, we can live peaceful lives, full of real joy that doesn’t fade away like new gadgets or fancy clothes do.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

Godliness with contentment is great wealth. This idea comes from 1 Timothy 6:6-8. It tells us that wanting more all the time can trap you and bring trouble. Instead, we should be happy with what we have—food and clothes are enough.

These verses help us see what’s really important and not get lost chasing money.

They remind us to be okay with our lives as they are. We don’t need lots of stuff to live a good life in God’s eyes. Focusing on being good people and staying happy with the little things can make us truly rich inside where it counts.

Luke 3:14

"And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."

Soldiers asked John the Baptist what they should do to live right. He told them, “Don’t take money from others by force or accuse anyone falsely—be happy with your pay.” This verse in Luke 3:14 is all about being content and not letting greed take over.

It shows us that taking more than we need can hurt others and ourselves. Even those with power have to keep their wants simple and fair, just like everyone else.

John’s words remind us it’s important to be honest and not let wanting more make us do bad things. Being okay with what we have can save us a lot of trouble. The Bible tells us this again and again because living without greed helps bring peace into our lives – peace we can share with others.

Proverbs 30:8-9

"Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain."

Proverbs 30:8-9 teaches us to pray for just enough—not too much or too little. Asking for only what we need keeps us from the sins of greed and lying. The verses show that it’s better to have a simple, honest life than one full of lies and the love for money.

They tell us to trust in God’s care instead of trying to get rich or trick others. This way, our hearts stay true, and we can live without being proud or greedy.

Proverbs 16:8

"Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right."

It’s better to have a little, with the right heart, than lots of money that you got by doing wrong. Proverbs 16:8 tells us this truth. It warns us about trying to get rich in bad ways.

God sees what we do and can punish those who are not fair or good. The things we buy won’t last forever, but being just and kind is worth much more than gold or cash.

Greed and Injustice

James 5:1-6

"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you."

James 5:1-6 gives us a strong message about the wrongs of treating people unfairly for money. It warns rich folks who get their wealth by being hard on those who work for them. The passage tells us that just having cash isn’t what God wants – He looks at how we use our money to help others.

We’re told not to just pile up treasures for ourselves, but be kind and caring with what we have. Money should be something that helps ease pain, not cause it.

Isaiah 56:11

"Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."

Isaiah 56:11 shows us how bad greed can be. It talks about leaders who are like hungry dogs, always wanting more. These people do not get what is truly important. They only care for themselves and their own gain.

This part of the Bible tells us to watch out for such selfishness because it can hurt us and others around us. We learn that being greedy is not what God wants for anyone’s heart.

Amos 8:4-7

"Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat? The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works."

Amos 8:4-7 tells us to be fair and honest, especially when we trade. This part of the Bible says cheating poor people is very bad. It shows that being greedy and crushing those who don’t have much leads to trouble.

Back then, Israel was full of sin and too much greed. God noticed and didn’t like it at all. He wanted them—and us—to live right, care for others, and not just think about getting more for ourselves.

Micah 2:2

"And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage."

Micah 2:2 shines a light on those who let greed control them. It talks about money-lenders lying in bed at night, thinking of ways to take away farmers’ land. They did not care about hurting others.

This verse shows us how bad things were in Judah back then, with lots of people being unfair and greedy for more money and land.

The Bible uses this part to warn us about wanting what isn’t ours. It tells us that it’s wrong to take fields and houses from others just to make ourselves richer. God sees this, and Micah 2:2 is telling us there will be consequences for such actions.

Habakkuk 2:9

"Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!"

Habakkuk 2:9 hits hard against the desire to pile up wealth through shady ways. It tells off folks who grab more and build fancy houses with money that’s not clean. This verse is a shout-out from the past, warning us today about the trap of wanting too much for ourselves — no good comes from it.

The words paint a clear picture: greed leads to trouble, and chasing honor by stepping on others just isn’t worth it. It’s like a red flag waving, telling us to stop and think before we get carried away by selfish dreams.

Overcoming Greed with Generosity

Acts 20:35

"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

“Give, and it shall be given unto you.” That’s the heart of Acts 20:35—showing that sharing with others is a true blessing. By helping out, we get joy and find that giving beats getting every time.

Paul told this to church leaders in Ephesus because he knew what mattered most was not hanging onto stuff, but living with an open hand. This verse shakes up our ideas about money and shows us the real treasure is in heaven, not here on earth.

Acts 20:35 flips greed on its head by saying happiness comes from generosity, not gathering wealth. Instead of clinging to our things, we’re called to care for others—and that’s where true riches are found.

It echoes Jesus’ teaching about laying up treasures where they last forever, setting us free from the chase after more. So rather than letting dollars rule our hearts, this message nudges us towards a life full of giving and God’s kind of joy.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 teaches us about giving with joy. It says if we give just a little, we will get back a little. But if we give a lot, we’ll get back a lot! This part of the Bible tells us God loves it when we share happily.

We shouldn’t give because we feel forced. Instead, sharing should come from our hearts because that makes God happy. When we choose to be generous instead of greedy, good things grow from it.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Paul tells people in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 to not put their hope in money, which comes and goes. Instead, he says to do good and be rich in good works. By doing this, we store up treasure for ourselves as a strong base for the future.

This way, we can take hold of what is truly life. He warns us that loving money too much can be very bad and lead us away from God’s ways.

We should use our wealth to help others instead of just trying to get more for ourselves. When we share what we have, it pleases God and helps spread His love around the world. Paul knew that being generous was better than wanting things all the time because it brings blessings back to us too.

Luke 6:38

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Luke 6:38 tells us to give a lot, because that’s how we’ll get a lot back. It’s like when you fill a cup with flour — press it down, shake it together, and let it spill over. That’s how much you will get back if you’re generous.

Jesus taught this to show giving is not just about money or things but also about love and kindness. The more good we put out into the world, the more comes back to us.

Proverbs 22:9

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."

Proverbs 22:9 tells us a simple truth: be kind and share with the poor. This brings God’s blessings. If you have a “bountiful eye,” it means you see those in need and help them out of goodness.

It’s not just about money—it’s caring for others, showing mercy, sharing what we have. Such generosity reflects the kingdom of heaven where kindness rules over greed. So, open your hand, give freely, and watch blessings flow—both to others and back to you!

Conclusion

In the end, greed is not good. The Bible is clear about that. It tells us to love people, not things or money. Sharing and being happy with what we have are key. Let’s choose generosity over greed and live better lives because of it!

FAQs

1. What do Bible verses say about greed?

Bible verses tell us that greed—wanting too much—is not good; it’s the opposite of what God wants for us. Verses like “You shall not covet” show that wanting more all the time can lead to bad things.

2. Are there any stories in the Bible about people who were greedy?

Yes, there are stories about people being greedy. One is about a man named Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who took a vineyard from Naboth, which was very wrong.

3. Can greed keep you out of the Kingdom of God?

Many verses warn that loving money or stuff too much can get in the way of following God’s path. It’s like when Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 to seek God’s kingdom first instead of chasing after wealth.

4. Does praying help with fighting off greedy thoughts?

Prayer can be powerful! Talking to Our Lord through prayer helps clear your mind and ask for strength to overcome evil desires like greed.

5. How does baptism relate to getting rid of greed?

When someone gets baptized, it’s like they’re starting fresh and saying goodbye to old ways, including being greedy—kinda like they’re born again into living as God wants them to live.

6. What should I remember every day so I’m not tempted by greed?

It might help if you think about what Jesus said in Matthew 6:34—don’t worry so much about tomorrow or things we don’t have; focusing on today is enough.