Hoarding Wealth: A Sinful Bible Perspective

The Bible teaches that there are two types of hoarding: one is sinful, and the other is not. For example, in Genesis 41:49, Joseph stored grain in great abundance, which was considered good. However, sinful hoarding is considered a type of lust and is part of the fallen human nature of trusting in material things rather than God. The Bible warns against hoarding and encourages giving, as it can lead to idolatry and a false sense of security.

Hoarding as a sin

Hoarding is considered a sin in the Bible, but not all forms of hoarding are deemed sinful. The Bible differentiates between hoarding for self-preservation and leaving God out of the picture, and hoarding for the good of others.

The Bible warns against the dangers of greed, materialism, and idolatry, which can lead to hoarding. It encourages followers to give to those in need and to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where they can be destroyed or stolen.

Compulsive hoarding is considered a form of idolatry, where the hoarder places possessions before God. This type of hoarding is a result of human nature and our fallen state, where we seek security in material possessions rather than in God. It is characterized by the compulsive acquisition of items that appear to have no personal significance, such as junk mail or trash, and the inability to discard them. Hoarding can start mild but can progress to extreme proportions, replacing human relationships and impairing daily functioning.

However, the Bible also provides examples of proper hoarding, such as Joseph storing grain in great abundance (Genesis 41:49) and the Israelites collecting manna and quail to last them through the Sabbath (Exodus 16).

Therefore, the Bible teaches that hoarding is not inherently sinful, but the intent and motive behind it are essential to determine if it is wrong. It is a matter of weighing one's heart and asking God to reveal our motives.

Hoarding as a mental health issue

Hoarding is a recognised mental health issue, categorised as a disorder in itself, separate from OCD, although it often occurs in conjunction with other mental health disorders. It is characterised by the compulsive, chronic acquisition of large amounts of items or animals, and the inability to discard them. This results in clutter that disrupts the ability to use living spaces and interferes with everyday living. The items hoarded are often of little or no monetary value and may be what others consider rubbish. The reasons for hoarding are not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked with anxiety or some form of loss, and it is often accompanied by feelings of isolation, depression, and being misunderstood by others.

The prevalence of hoarding disorder is approximately 2.6%, with higher rates for those over 60 and those with other psychiatric diagnoses, especially anxiety and depression. Hoarding behaviours typically begin in the teenage years and increase in severity with age. It can be challenging to treat hoarding disorders because many people who hoard do not see it as a problem or are unaware of how it is affecting their lives and the lives of those around them. Some may recognise they have a problem but feel ashamed or humiliated to seek help.

From a biblical perspective, hoarding is seen as a result of human nature and our fallen state. It is believed that we naturally trust in things rather than God, and so we seek security in the material world. The Bible explains that we live in a cursed world that is dying due to sin (Genesis 3:17-24). This means we have weakness in our minds, bodies, and spirits. Hoarding is human nature gone awry. We yearn to feel at peace and satisfied, and having many items seems like a way to assuage our fears and deal with anxiety. However, hoarding ultimately leaves us feeling empty and becomes controlling rather than helpful.

To overcome hoarding, one must learn to make healthy decisions, resist the urge to buy or acquire more, dispose of unneeded items, and develop organisational skills. For milder forms of hoarding, this may be a learned process of logic, considering one's goals and the consequences of certain behaviours. For more severe forms, more intensive emotional healing may be required, possibly with the assistance of medication. Working with a biblical counsellor or a professional organiser can also help provide insight and develop strategies to manage hoarding tendencies.

The Bible's view on wealth

The Bible offers a complex perspective on wealth, acknowledging its potential benefits and pitfalls. While it does not condemn wealth accumulation, it provides crucial guidelines and principles for managing wealth responsibly and ethically. Here is an exploration of the Bible's view on wealth through several key themes.

God's Ownership and Stewardship

The Bible asserts that God owns everything in heaven and on earth (Psalm 24:1). This understanding establishes humans as stewards or managers of God's possessions. We are entrusted with resources and are accountable for how we utilise them. This perspective challenges any sense of entitlement or arrogance that may accompany wealth. Instead, it promotes a mindset of responsibility and gratitude.

Wealth as a Tool for Gospel Advancement

The Bible emphasises that wealth should be used as a means to advance the gospel and fulfil God's will. Wealth is not an end in itself but a tool for ministry and good deeds. Believers are encouraged to be generous, share their blessings, and invest in eternal treasures rather than earthly possessions (Matthew 6:19-21). This perspective shifts the focus from materialism to spiritual advancement.

Wealth is Not a Guarantee

While God owns everything, the Bible acknowledges that wealth is not guaranteed for everyone. Jesus recognised that poverty would persist (John 12:8), and the Bible consistently emphasises caring for the poor and vulnerable (Proverbs 14:31, 19:17, 22:9, 28:27, 29:7). This theme underscores the importance of using wealth to help those in need, promoting a more equitable distribution of resources.

Wealth is Not a Sign of Spiritual Elite Status

The Bible cautions against equating wealth with spiritual superiority. In fact, it often highlights the challenges that wealth can pose to spiritual growth, such as the difficulty for the rich to choose Christ over wealth (Luke 18:22-23) or enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:25). Wealth can be a distraction from what truly matters, and believers are warned against serving two masters (Matthew 6:24) and the deceitfulness of riches (Mark 4:19).

Wealth as a Responsibility

The Bible views wealth as a significant responsibility. Believers are called to work hard, invest wisely, and give generously (2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7). It is not enough to accumulate wealth; one must also use it to build God's kingdom and help those in need. This perspective shifts the focus from self-interest to serving others and advancing God's work.

In conclusion, the Bible's view on wealth centres around stewardship, responsibility, and using wealth for spiritual advancement and caring for others. While wealth is not inherently sinful, it is a powerful tool that must be handled wisely and ethically, always prioritising God and eternal treasures over material possessions.

The Bible's view on charity

The Bible has a lot to say about charity and helping those in need. It encourages people to be generous and to not close their hearts to those who are less fortunate.

In the Old Testament, there is a focus on taking care of the poor and the widow. For example, in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, it says: "If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks."

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of charity and giving. Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). He also instructed his followers to sell their possessions and give to the poor (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:33).

The Bible also talks about the attitude with which we should give. We should give cheerfully and not reluctantly or under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). We should also give in secret and not to be seen by others (Matthew 6:1-4).

The Bible promises rewards for those who are generous. Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Similarly, Proverbs 22:9 states, "The generous will be blessed, for they give some of their food to the poor."

Overall, the Bible's view on charity is that it is important to help those in need and to be generous with our possessions. We should give cheerfully and not out of obligation, and we should not expect anything in return. By doing so, we reflect God's love and provision for us.

The Bible's view on materialism

The Bible offers a nuanced view of materialism, acknowledging that while earthly possessions are not inherently evil, excessive attachment to them can lead to spiritual emptiness and a disconnect from God.

Materialism, in the sense of an imbalanced lifestyle with an excessive focus on worldly possessions, is discouraged in the Bible. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus advises his followers:

> "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This passage highlights the fleeting nature of material possessions and encourages believers to prioritize eternal treasures in heaven over earthly wealth.

The Bible also emphasizes that serving God and wealth are incompatible. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states, "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." This verse underscores the importance of keeping God as the central focus of one's life, rather than material possessions.

Additionally, the Bible warns against the pursuit of wealth and greed. Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." Similarly, 1 Timothy 6:9-10 cautions, "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."

Instead of pursuing material wealth, the Bible encourages contentment and trust in God's provision. Philippians 4:11-12 says, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the importance of generosity and sharing. In 1 Timothy 6:18, believers are instructed to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." This stands in contrast to hoarding, which is often associated with anxiety and a lack of trust in God's provision.

In summary, the Bible's view on materialism is that earthly possessions are not inherently wrong or evil, but they should not be the primary focus of one's life. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God, practice contentment and generosity, and trust in God's provision rather than hoarding earthly treasures.

Frequently asked questions