Prosperity Gospel: What the Bible Says About Wealth

Throughout the Bible, wealth is discussed in many different ways. However, the idea of the "prosperity gospel", which suggests that God rewards those who have faith with material blessings, is not supported by scripture.

Instead, the Bible emphasizes the importance of charity, kindness, and generosity. In the book of Proverbs, it says "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." (Proverbs 19:17) Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus tells his followers to give to those in need and to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus himself showed anger towards the money lenders in the temple, overturning their tables and driving them out. (Matthew 21:12-13)

Furthermore, the earliest Christians lived communally, selling their possessions and pooling their resources to support one another. In the book of Acts, it says "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." (Acts 2:44-45)

It is clear from these passages that wealth should be used to benefit others, not simply to accumulate more for oneself. Yet, there are ministers who preach a "prosperity gospel" and use their positions of authority to enrich themselves while giving little to nothing back to their congregation members.

This kind of behavior is not only unethical, but it goes against the very teachings of the Bible. In the book of James, it says "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27)

In conclusion, the Bible teaches us that wealth should be used to help others, not to enrich ourselves. The idea of the "prosperity gospel" is not supported by scripture, and ministers who use their positions of authority to become wealthy while neglecting the needs of their congregation members should be called out and held accountable. Let us strive to embody the virtues of charity, kindness, and generosity, just as the earliest Christians did, and as Jesus himself exemplified.