What Did Jesus Say about Wealth? 

During his Mediterranean tour in 23 CE, a wealthy Roman citizen and Stoic became greatly interested in Jesus’ teaching. Following numerous private discussions, the man asked Jesus what he would do with wealth if he had it. Jesus answered: “I would bestow material wealth for the enhancement of material life, even as I would minister knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual service for the enrichment of the intellectual life, the ennoblement of the social life, and the advancement of the spiritual life. I would administer material wealth as a wise and effective trustee of the resources of one generation for the benefit and ennoblement of the next and succeeding generations.”

But the man wanted to know specifically what he should do with his considerable wealth. Jesus believed he was sincere in his inquiry, and he gave him advice about the responsibilities of wealth. He advised him to analyze the ways that he had acquired his wealth, citing the following ten possible sources of income and how to manage them.

Inherited wealth – riches derived from parents and other ancestors.If you are the custodian of inherited wealth, you have a moral duty to pass on legitimate wealth to future generations, deducting a fair share for the present. Refrain from perpetuating any dishonesty or injustice tied to ancestral wealth. If any part was acquired through fraud, allocate it according to your sense of justice, generosity, and restitution. Manage the rest responsibly, using discernment and sound judgment in bequeathing riches to your successors.

Discovered wealth – riches derived from the resources of the earth.Those who benefit from discoveries should consider their brief time on earth and strive to share these findings for the greater good. While deserving a reward, discoverers shouldn't selfishly monopolize the advantages gained from uncovering nature's resources.

Trade wealth – riches obtained as a fair profit in the exchange and barter of material goods.In the world of trade and barter, fair and legitimate profit is justified. Every tradesman and merchant deserves just compensation, and the principles of justice, honesty, and fairness should guide all sources of wealth. Honest traders should apply the same standards to their profits as they would to others in similar transactions.

Unfair wealth – riches derived from the unfair exploitation or the enslavement of one’s fellows.Those who know and seek to do the divine will cannot engage in the oppression of wealth. True nobility rejects the accumulation of riches through the enslavement or unfair exploitation of others. Wealth derived from the suffering of oppressed individuals is morally cursed and spiritually tainted. Such wealth should be returned to those who have been wronged or to their descendants. A lasting civilization cannot be founded on defrauding laborers of their rightful earnings.

Interest wealth – income derived from the fair and just earning possibilities of invested capital.Legitimate wealth is entitled to fair interest when borrowed and lent. Ensure that the capital you lend is clean (fair) before claiming interest. Avoid the practice of usury (charging an unreasonably high rate of interest) and refrain from using money-power for unfair advantage over others. Resist the temptation to charge usury, especially to a struggling brother in financial distress.

Genius wealth – riches accruing from the rewards of the creative and inventive endowments of the human mind.If you acquire wealth through genius and inventive talent, don’t claim an unfair share of rewards. Recognize your debt to ancestors, progeny, race, nation, and circumstances. Treat fellow humans justly and fairly in the distribution of wealth. By recognizing others as brothers and following principles of justice, honesty, and fairness, you can navigate economic rewards and social justice impartially.

Accidental wealth – riches derived from the generosity of one’s fellows or taking origin in the circumstances of life.Individuals shouldn't personally claim wealth that comes their way through time and chance. Accidental riches are something like a trust, meant for the benefit of one's social or economic group. However, those who possess such wealth should have a significant say in its wise and effective distribution. Civilized individuals won't always view everything they control as personal and private possessions.

Stolen wealth – riches secured by unfairness, dishonesty, theft, or fraud.If any part of your fortune comes from fraud, dishonest practices, or unfair methods, promptly return these ill-gotten gains to their rightful owners. Make amends to cleanse your fortune of dishonest wealth.

Trust funds – wealth lodged in your hands by your fellows for some specific use, now or in the future.The trusteeship of one person's wealth for others is a solemn responsibility. Safeguard this trust, and only take what all honest individuals would permit for yourself.

Earned wealth – riches derived directly from your personal labor or your efforts of mind and body.The portion of your fortune earned through fair and equitable mental and physical efforts is genuinely yours. You have the right to hold and use it, as long as its use doesn't harm others.

Finally, Jesus advised this wealthy Roman to be a just steward of his wealth, divide it into these ten parts and administer each according to the laws of justice, equity, fairness, and efficiency. In cases of doubt, lean towards merciful and unselfish consideration for those in need or facing undeserved hardships.

Jesus was a man of his time; he lived and worked in the world as he found it, and was not a reformer in the area of economics. However, he did not look favorably on the injustice related to the unequal distribution of wealth. He was not against possessing wealth and property, but he was against its unfair distribution. While he understood the need for social justice and industrial fairness, he never offered any rules for achieving them. However, he did say: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Jesus wasn't directly involved in the financial matters of the apostles, except for distributing alms. However, he consistently denounced the unjust exploitation of the vulnerable by the more powerful and intelligent, asserting that such mistreatment contradicted the ideals of the heavenly kingdom's brotherhood.

True life is not measured by possessions. Happiness and joy do not solely come from wealth, which, in itself, is not a curse. However, the love of riches can blind one to spiritual realities and the joys of the kingdom of God.

Jesus shared the parable of a rich man who was overly focused on material wealth, which is temporary, but neglecting spiritual treasures, which are eternal. In the end, he lost both his life and all of his wealth to robbers, emphasizing the importance of being rich toward God and eternal realities. "What shall it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul?”

Possessing honorable wealth is not a sin, but it becomes sinful when material possessions divert your focus from spiritual pursuits. Honest wealth is acceptable if your true treasure is in heaven, aligning your heart with higher values. The key distinction lies in whether wealth leads to selfishness or is managed with a spirit of stewardship and generosity.

Jesus reminded us that all wealth is temporary. Too often, the love of money makes it hard to see spiritual things or even destroys them. It's important to recognize the danger of wealth becoming our master instead of our servant.