The Bible frequently speaks about worldly things and encourages believers to examine their relationship with material possessions, desires, and worldly pursuits. While the world offers fleeting pleasures, the Bible teaches that true fulfillment and purpose are found in God’s kingdom. These verses provide wisdom on how believers should view and engage with the world, urging them to prioritize eternal values over temporary, worldly concerns. Below are 30 Bible verses about worldly things, each with a brief commentary to help guide Christian living.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus teaches that earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable to decay, while treasures in heaven are eternal. This passage challenges believers to focus on spiritual wealth rather than material possessions. It reminds us that what we value most reflects where our heart lies. Believers are called to invest in eternal matters, such as love, faith, and service, which cannot be taken away by the circumstances of the world.
1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
John warns against loving the things of the world, as they are fleeting and opposed to God’s will. The desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride often lead to sin and spiritual death. This passage teaches that true fulfillment is found not in worldly things but in doing the will of God. Believers are called to resist worldly temptations and focus on eternal values that bring lasting life.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
Jesus warns against greed and materialism, reminding us that life is not about accumulating possessions. This verse teaches that our value and purpose are not determined by what we own, but by our relationship with God. It challenges believers to focus on spiritual wealth and generosity, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of worldly things. True life and satisfaction are found in seeking God’s kingdom, not in material abundance.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Paul encourages believers to focus their thoughts and priorities on heavenly, eternal matters rather than the temporary distractions of this world. This verse emphasizes that our thoughts shape our lives, and by setting our minds on God’s will, we align ourselves with His purposes. It teaches that earthly pursuits, while necessary, should not dominate our hearts and minds. Believers are called to live with an eternal perspective, keeping their focus on God’s kingdom and righteousness.
Matthew 16:26
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Jesus challenges us to consider the value of our soul over the pursuit of material success. The verse teaches that worldly success is insignificant if it costs us our relationship with God. It reminds us that nothing on earth is worth more than the eternal value of our soul. Believers are called to prioritize spiritual health and eternal life over temporary worldly gain, recognizing that what we invest in now has lasting consequences for our future.
Philippians 3:19
“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.”
Paul describes those who live for worldly pleasures and indulgence, with their minds set on earthly things. This verse teaches that a life focused solely on material desires leads to spiritual destruction. It highlights the emptiness of living for the pleasures of the flesh, which ultimately brings shame rather than fulfillment. Believers are called to set their minds on Christ and His eternal glory, seeking a higher purpose beyond the fleeting pleasures of this world.
1 Timothy 6:7-10
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 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 the root of all evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Paul reminds Timothy that material wealth is temporary, and the pursuit of riches can lead to spiritual harm. This passage teaches that contentment with what God provides is more valuable than worldly wealth. The love of money and materialism can trap people in greed and lead them away from God’s purposes. Believers are encouraged to prioritize godliness over material gain, trusting that God will provide for their needs and lead them to true peace.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
James warns against loving the world and its values, as it creates a divide between us and God. This verse teaches that when believers seek to conform to worldly desires, they are choosing a path opposed to God’s will. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God, warning that pursuing worldly pleasures and values leads to spiritual conflict with God. Believers are called to choose God’s way over the fleeting attractions of the world.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and money, or any other worldly pursuit, with equal devotion. This verse highlights the impossibility of dividing our loyalty between the eternal and the temporal. It calls believers to choose where they will place their heart: in the pursuit of God’s kingdom or in the pursuit of worldly things. The passage teaches that our hearts will be fully devoted to one or the other, urging believers to prioritize God above all else.
John 15:19
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Jesus explains that believers are set apart from the world because they belong to Him. This verse teaches that the world, with its values and systems, often opposes those who follow Christ. It reminds believers that their identity is not rooted in the approval of the world, but in their relationship with Jesus. The passage calls Christians to embrace their distinct identity, even if it leads to opposition from worldly values and pursuits.
1 John 2:16
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
John explains that the desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride are worldly, not godly. This verse teaches that the values and temptations of the world are in opposition to the will of God. It calls believers to recognize the difference between worldly desires and godly desires, urging them to reject the pull of the world. The passage encourages believers to seek God’s will over the empty pursuits of the flesh and pride, which ultimately lead to destruction.
Luke 12:33-34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus teaches that true security and treasure are found in heaven, not in earthly possessions. This verse encourages believers to invest in eternal rewards by giving to those in need and storing up treasures in heaven. It teaches that worldly possessions are temporary and subject to loss, while the rewards of generosity and righteousness are eternal. The passage calls believers to examine where their heart lies, as it will determine their actions and priorities.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
Paul urges believers to reject the sinful desires of the flesh that belong to their earthly nature. This verse teaches that worldly desires are rooted in idolatry, as they take the place of God in our lives. It calls believers to actively rid themselves of these temptations, which distract from God’s purposes. The passage emphasizes that overcoming worldly desires requires intentional effort and a commitment to living according to God’s will.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul encourages believers to resist the pressures of the world and instead allow God to transform their minds. This verse teaches that spiritual growth and discernment come through renewing our minds with God’s truth, not through conforming to worldly values. It calls believers to break free from worldly patterns and align their lives with God’s will, which is always good, pleasing, and perfect. The passage reminds us that transformation is possible through God’s work in our hearts and minds.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Paul teaches that godliness and contentment bring true wealth, contrasting it with the pursuit of material gain. This passage reminds believers that we come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing, highlighting the futility of storing up earthly possessions. It calls believers to be content with what God provides, recognizing that true wealth is found in godliness, not in material accumulation. The passage encourages a simple and contented life, focused on spiritual rather than earthly treasures.
Philippians 3:8
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
Paul expresses that worldly accomplishments and possessions are insignificant compared to knowing Christ. This verse teaches that spiritual value surpasses all earthly pursuits. Paul’s perspective challenges believers to see the world’s treasures for what they are—temporary and ultimately worthless in comparison to eternal life in Christ. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all worldly things, understanding that true gain is found in Him alone, not in material success or wealth.
Matthew 7:24-25
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Jesus teaches that those who follow His teachings build their lives on a strong, unshakable foundation. This passage contrasts a life rooted in Christ’s teachings with a life based on worldly pursuits. It illustrates that worldly things, like shifting sands, are unstable, while following Christ leads to security and endurance through life’s trials. Believers are called to build their lives on the eternal truths of God’s Word, ensuring stability amid the world’s uncertainties and storms.
Mark 8:36
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Jesus challenges the notion that material wealth and success are the ultimate goals. This verse teaches that worldly gains, no matter how vast, are meaningless if they lead to the loss of one’s soul. It highlights the eternal value of our spiritual lives compared to temporary earthly rewards. Believers are reminded to prioritize their soul’s well-being, recognizing that true fulfillment is found in following Christ, not in pursuing the fleeting pleasures and riches of this world.
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Paul encourages believers to focus on the eternal, invisible realities of God’s kingdom rather than on the temporary, visible things of the world. This verse teaches that worldly possessions and achievements are temporary, whereas the things of God’s kingdom, such as faith, love, and salvation, are eternal. It calls believers to adopt an eternal perspective, ensuring that their hearts and minds are set on the things that last forever, rather than on the fleeting nature of earthly things.
James 1:11
“For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.”
James warns that material wealth, like a plant withering in the sun, is temporary and can easily fade. This verse teaches that worldly riches are fleeting and cannot provide lasting security or satisfaction. The passage calls believers to avoid placing their trust in material wealth, knowing that it will not last. Instead, they are encouraged to focus on the eternal riches that come from a relationship with God, which cannot be destroyed by time or circumstance.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
The author of Hebrews teaches that contentment, not the love of money, is key to a fulfilling life. This verse reminds believers that God’s presence and provision are more valuable than material wealth. It encourages them to be content with what God has given them, trusting that He will always be with them. The passage challenges believers to place their trust in God’s faithfulness rather than in the pursuit of worldly riches, emphasizing that true security is found in God’s steadfast love.
Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and wealth. The pursuit of material wealth can easily become an idol, competing for our devotion. This passage reminds believers that their loyalty and priorities should be to God, not to the fleeting pleasures of the world. It calls for a single-minded devotion to God’s kingdom, warning that divided allegiance leads to spiritual instability. Believers are encouraged to evaluate their hearts and ensure their devotion is to God above all else.
Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
This passage warns against the relentless pursuit of wealth, which can lead to exhaustion and disappointment. It teaches that material wealth is temporary and uncertain, easily slipping away despite our efforts. The verse encourages believers to trust in God’s provision rather than in their own striving. It calls for a focus on godly pursuits, rather than becoming consumed by the desire for riches. True security and peace come from trusting God and living according to His will, not from wealth.
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”
Jesus challenges the rich young man to give up his material possessions in order to follow Him. This verse teaches that wealth can become a hindrance to fully following Christ if it becomes an idol or a source of security. Jesus invites believers to exchange earthly treasures for heavenly rewards, showing that spiritual fulfillment and eternal treasures are far more valuable than temporary wealth. The passage encourages believers to examine their relationship with material possessions and prioritize following Jesus above all else.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Paul acknowledges that physical exercise and health have some value, but they are temporary compared to the eternal value of godliness. This verse teaches that spiritual pursuits, such as growing in godliness, bring lasting benefits that extend beyond this life. While caring for the body is important, it should not overshadow the pursuit of righteousness and a relationship with God. The passage encourages believers to invest in their spiritual growth, which yields rewards not just in this life but in the eternal life to come.
Proverbs 11:4
“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse emphasizes the ultimate futility of wealth in the face of judgment and death. It teaches that material wealth cannot save us from the consequences of sin or from the wrath of God. Only righteousness, which comes from a relationship with God, can provide lasting security and deliverance. The passage calls believers to prioritize godly living over the accumulation of worldly wealth, recognizing that only righteousness, through faith in Christ, can offer true hope and salvation.
Matthew 10:39
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Jesus teaches that true fulfillment and life are found not in seeking personal gain but in surrendering to Him. This verse contrasts worldly pursuits with the call to follow Christ. The world encourages self-preservation and accumulation, but Jesus calls His followers to lose their lives for His sake, trusting that this will lead to true life. The passage teaches that when believers prioritize God’s kingdom over earthly pursuits, they find a deeper, more lasting fulfillment than the world could ever offer.
Mark 10:29-30
“Truly I tell you, Jesus replied, ‘No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age, and in the age to come eternal life.'”
Jesus promises abundant rewards for those who sacrifice worldly things to follow Him. This verse teaches that while following Christ may require giving up certain earthly comforts or relationships, the rewards are far greater, both in this life and in the life to come. The passage encourages believers to prioritize the kingdom of God above earthly possessions, trusting that God will bless their sacrifices with spiritual abundance. It highlights the eternal perspective that Christians are called to adopt when facing worldly challenges.
Luke 9:25
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”
Jesus emphasizes that material gain is meaningless if it results in spiritual loss. This verse teaches that the pursuit of worldly things can be destructive if it leads us away from God. It encourages believers to focus on the eternal value of their souls, which cannot be measured by material wealth or success. The passage challenges believers to prioritize spiritual health and eternal life, rather than being consumed by the fleeting desires of the world.
2 Timothy 2:4
“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier to explain how believers should approach their relationship with God. This verse teaches that believers should not become entangled in the distractions of worldly affairs but should focus on pleasing God and fulfilling His mission. It calls for a life of discipline and focus, rejecting the temptations of the world that can lead us away from God’s calling. The passage encourages believers to prioritize their service to God over the distractions of worldly pursuits.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
Jesus warns against the dangers of greed and materialism, teaching that life is not defined by how much we own. This verse calls believers to guard their hearts against the temptation to accumulate possessions, recognizing that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth. It encourages a life focused on spiritual riches, where relationships, service to others, and godly living take precedence over the pursuit of worldly things.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul urges believers to reject the patterns of the world, which focus on worldly success and pleasures, and instead be transformed by God’s truth. This verse teaches that true spiritual transformation comes through renewing the mind with God’s Word. Believers are called to align their lives with God’s will, which leads to eternal fulfillment. The passage emphasizes the importance of not being shaped by the values of the world but by the principles of God’s kingdom.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
James warns against aligning oneself with worldly values and desires, which conflict with God’s will. This verse teaches that when believers prioritize the world’s approval over God’s commands, they are effectively choosing the world over God. The passage calls for a radical commitment to God, urging believers to live in opposition to worldly temptations. It emphasizes the necessity of loyalty to God, rejecting the fleeting pleasures of the world that draw us away from Him.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
Paul calls believers to reject the sinful desires of the flesh that belong to their earthly nature. This verse teaches that worldly desires—such as lust, greed, and impurity—are forms of idolatry, as they elevate worldly things above God. Believers are called to actively eliminate these temptations and live according to God’s standards. The passage challenges Christians to be intentional in their pursuit of holiness, rejecting the idols of the world in favor of God’s righteousness.
Matthew 13:22
“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Jesus explains the parable of the sower, illustrating how the worries and temptations of worldly life can distract believers from the Word of God. This verse teaches that materialism and the pursuit of wealth can hinder spiritual growth, preventing the Word from taking root in one’s life. It calls believers to be cautious of the distractions of the world and to prioritize spiritual nourishment over worldly pursuits. The passage encourages a life that is focused on God’s truth and not consumed by earthly concerns.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not about worldly things like food and drink, but about living according to God’s righteousness, peace, and joy. This verse teaches that believers should prioritize spiritual values over material concerns, recognizing that true fulfillment is found in the presence of the Holy Spirit. It challenges the idea that worldly pleasures and possessions can bring lasting satisfaction, encouraging believers to focus on the eternal benefits of living in God’s kingdom.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Paul gives instructions for those who are wealthy, urging them not to place their trust in uncertain riches, but to place their hope in God. This passage teaches that wealth is fleeting and can easily lead to arrogance and misplaced security. Believers are called to use their wealth to do good, be generous, and store up treasure in heaven. It encourages a life of generosity and service, showing that true wealth is found in good deeds, not in the accumulation of material goods.
Proverbs 11:4
“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse emphasizes that material wealth cannot save us when facing judgment. It teaches that righteousness—living according to God’s will—is far more valuable than earthly riches. Believers are reminded that worldly possessions offer no lasting value in the face of God’s judgment. The passage encourages a focus on righteousness, as it leads to eternal life, while worldly wealth is temporary and ultimately meaningless in comparison to spiritual health and salvation.
Luke 16:19-23
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.”
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus contrasts the temporary comforts of worldly wealth with the eternal consequences of how one lives. The rich man lived in luxury without caring for the poor beggar, while Lazarus, in his poverty, was comforted in the afterlife. This passage teaches that earthly wealth is fleeting, and how we use our resources matters in eternity. It warns believers against selfishness and indifference to those in need, urging a life of compassion and generosity.
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Paul encourages believers to keep an eternal perspective, emphasizing that present difficulties and the hardships of this world pale in comparison to the glory that awaits in heaven. This verse teaches that worldly suffering, loss, and the pursuit of temporary things are nothing compared to the eternal rewards and blessings that God promises. Believers are encouraged to endure the challenges of life with faith, trusting that God’s ultimate plan for them is far greater than anything the world can offer.
2 Peter 3:10-11
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”
Peter reminds believers that the world and all its material things will one day be destroyed. This verse teaches that the temporal nature of the world should shape how believers live today. Rather than investing in worldly pursuits, believers are called to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of God’s final judgment and the coming of His eternal kingdom. It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual growth and godliness, recognizing that the things of this world will not last.
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus teaches that spiritual poverty—recognizing our need for God—is a key to entering God’s kingdom. This verse contrasts the pride and self-sufficiency that often accompany worldly wealth and success with the humility that comes from understanding our dependence on God. It teaches that those who recognize their spiritual poverty and seek God’s righteousness will be blessed with eternal life in His kingdom. The passage encourages believers to prioritize humility and dependence on God rather than the pursuit of worldly status.
2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Paul teaches that believers should focus on eternal realities rather than the temporary things of the world. This verse highlights the contrast between the visible, earthly things and the invisible, eternal things of God’s kingdom. It calls believers to set their sights on spiritual truths and the promises of God, which will never fade or pass away. The passage encourages an eternal perspective, urging believers to live in light of what is eternal, rather than becoming consumed by the fleeting nature of worldly things.
Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
Jesus illustrates the incomparable value of the kingdom of heaven through a parable about a man who joyfully sacrifices everything to obtain the treasure. This verse teaches that the pursuit of God’s kingdom should be prioritized above all earthly possessions. It encourages believers to recognize the worth of eternal life and the rewards of living for God, willing to sacrifice worldly things in exchange for the incomparable riches of God’s kingdom. The passage calls for wholehearted devotion to God’s purposes.
1 John 5:4
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
John teaches that through faith, believers overcome the world and its temptations. This verse encourages believers that the power of their faith in Christ enables them to triumph over worldly desires and challenges. It highlights the importance of staying faithful to God’s truth, which gives victory over the world’s distractions and false promises. The passage reminds us that our faith in Christ is the key to overcoming the allure of worldly things and living in victory through His power.
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