Riches, ungodly use of

Ungodly people often make the possession of wealth a priority. They do not understand the true nature of wealth, and they do not realise that they will have to face God in judgment.

The ungodly grow rich

Psalm 73:12 See also Luke 19:21; James 2:6–7

Behold, these are the wicked — always carefree as they increase their wealth.

The ungodly misuse riches

They often obtain their riches unjustly

Proverbs 10:2 See also 1 Kings 20:5; Proverbs 13:11, Proverbs 21:6, Proverbs 22:16; Jeremiah 17:11; Micah 2:1–5, Micah 6:10–12; Habakkuk 2:6–11

Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

They accumulate and hoard their riches

Proverbs 11:26 See also Job 27:16–17; Proverbs 3:27; Ecclesiastes 2:26, Ecclesiastes 5:10–14; James 5:1–3

The people will curse the hoarder of grain, but blessing will crown the one who sells it.

They trust in their riches

Psalm 49:5–6 See also Job 31:24; Psalm 52:7; Proverbs 11:28; Jeremiah 9:23–24, Jeremiah 48:7

Why should I fear in times of trouble, when wicked usurpers surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches.

The ungodly suffer difficulties because of their riches

Proverbs 15:6 See also Proverbs 10:16, Proverbs 13:7–8, Proverbs 15:16–17

The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.

The ungodly, like all people, must leave their riches to others

Psalm 49:10 See also Psalm 39:6; Ecclesiastes 2:18–21; Luke 12:20

For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others.

Jesus Christ warned the rich of their danger

Luke 6:24 See also Luke 12:15, Luke 16:25

But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.

Examples of the ungodly rich

Nabal

1 Samuel 25:2–3

Rich young ruler

Mark 10:17–23 parallels Matthew 19:16–24, Luke 18:18–25