In the financial sense, gain through trading. The word is also used in Scripture of spiritual gain.
Legitimate profit
As the result of hard work
Proverbs 14:23, Proverbs 21:5 See also Proverbs 31:18
There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.
As the reward of generosity
As the gift of God
It is withheld by God in judgment
Deuteronomy 28:15–20; Jeremiah 12:13; Haggai 1:9
It is for this life only
Ecclesiastes 1:3–4; 1 Timothy 6:7
Profiting by oppression
A common practice of the wicked
If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
It is often cloaked in hypocrisy
See also Ezekiel 33:31
It is against God's law
You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.
It is of little worth
See also Proverbs 11:16, Proverbs 16:8
It is short-lived
Job 20:18–19; Isaiah 23:17–18; Jeremiah 17:11
It is judged by God
Proverbs 1:18–19; Ezekiel 22:12–14; Micah 4:13; Habakkuk 2:9
Its avoidance is rewarded
Proverbs 28:16; Isaiah 33:15–16
Profiting by dishonesty
It is common amongst the wicked
It is forbidden to God's servants
Exodus 18:21; 1 Samuel 8:3; 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7
Profiting selfishly
It is common amongst the wicked
It is avoided by the godly
Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain.
Using religion for profit
In the OT
See also Numbers 22:16–17; 1 Samuel 2:12–16; Jeremiah 6:13, Jeremiah 8:10
In the NT
2 Corinthians 2:17 See also Acts 8:18–23; 1 Timothy 6:5; Titus 1:11; Jude 1:11
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
Profiting spiritually
Through the Scriptures
1 Timothy 4:13–15; 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Through wisdom
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.
Through doctrine
This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.
Through godliness and contentment
1 Timothy 6:6 See also 1 Timothy 4:8
Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.
Through chastening
Through spiritual gifts
Through service
Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 19:11–27
Through sacrifice
Matthew 19:29 parallels Mark 10:29–30, Luke 18:29–30; Hebrews 11:35
Through death
Philippians 1:21 See also Philippians 1:23
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Doubts expressed about profiting spiritually
Job 9:29–31, Job 21:15, Job 34:9, Job 35:1–3; Psalm 73:13; Ecclesiastes 2:15, Ecclesiastes 6:8; Malachi 3:14
It is better than worldly wealth
Matthew 16:26 parallels Mark 8:36, Luke 9:25
What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Unprofitable things
See also Ecclesiastes 6:11 mere words; Ecclesiastes 10:11 delayed action; Isaiah 44:10 idolatry; Philippians 3:7 legalistic works; 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 zeal without love; 1 Corinthians 14:6 speech without understanding; Hebrews 4:2 hearing without faith; Titus 3:9 needless controversy
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.