25 Bible Verses About Worldly Things (With Commentary)
In a materialistic world, it’s easy to become consumed by worldly pursuits and possessions. The Bible offers perspective on the transient nature of worldly things and encourages us to prioritize eternal values. Join me as we explore these verses and reflect on the importance of seeking God’s kingdom above earthly treasures.
Bible Verses About Worldly Things
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.”
This verse reminds us to prioritize eternal treasures rather than earthly possessions. It encourages us to focus on building a relationship with God and investing in things that have eternal value.
It is a reminder that worldly possessions are temporary and can be lost or destroyed, but treasures in heaven are everlasting and cannot be taken away.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not being consumed by worldly desires. It warns against loving the things of the world, such as seeking after pleasure, material possessions, and prideful accomplishments.
Instead, it encourages us to focus on doing the will of God, which leads to eternal life. It serves as a reminder that worldly desires are temporary and will ultimately fade away, while a life dedicated to following God has lasting significance.
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.”
This verse warns against aligning ourselves too closely with the world and its values. It uses strong language to highlight the severe consequences of choosing worldly friendship over a relationship with God.
As Christians, we are called to stand apart from the world and live in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ. This verse reminds us that we cannot serve both God and the world, and by choosing the ways of the world, we are turning against God.
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.”
This verse challenges us to resist the pressures and influences of the world and instead seek transformation through the renewing of our minds. It encourages us to align our thoughts and actions with God’s will.
It reminds us that conforming to the ways of the world can hinder our ability to discern and understand God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives. By intentionally renewing our minds, we position ourselves to live in accordance with God’s desires.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This verse exhorts us to direct our thoughts and focus toward heavenly and eternal matters, rather than becoming consumed by the concerns of this world.
It serves as a reminder that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven and that we should prioritize spiritual and eternal truths over temporary worldly distractions. By keeping our minds fixed on heavenly realities, we align ourselves with God’s perspective and purposes.
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.”
This verse describes those who are driven by worldly desires, highlighting the destructive consequences of prioritizing earthly pleasures and selfish pursuits.
It serves as a warning about where our focus and desires should be. Instead of being consumed by earthly things, we should strive to have our minds set on heavenly and eternal values, knowing that temporal pleasures are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of finding contentment in godliness rather than pursuing worldly gain or possessions.
It serves as a reality check, reminding us that we enter and leave this world with nothing, emphasizing the temporary nature of worldly possessions. Great gain, according to this verse, comes from pursuing godliness and finding contentment in our relationship with God.
Mark 8:36
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
This verse poses a thought-provoking question that challenges the pursuit of worldly success and wealth over the salvation of our souls.
It challenges the notion that worldly achievements and possessions are worth sacrificing our eternal destiny for. As Christians, our ultimate priority should be the state of our souls and our relationship with God, rather than amassing worldly wealth or status.
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.’”
This verse cautions against the danger of greed and the belief that our worth and satisfaction come from accumulating possessions and material wealth.
It reminds us that true life and fulfillment do not come from worldly abundance, but from cultivating a relationship with God and finding contentment in Him. It encourages us to be vigilant and guard our hearts against the allure of greed.
1 Corinthians 3:19-20
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.’”
This verse challenges the notion that worldly wisdom holds ultimate value or significance. It reminds us that God’s perspective differs greatly from the wisdom of this world.
It serves as a reminder that the pursuits and knowledge that the world deems important may be deemed foolish or futile by God. It encourages us to seek true wisdom from God, rather than relying solely on human wisdom and understanding.
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 verse warns against the dangers of tirelessly striving after riches and relying on our own abilities to accumulate wealth.
It reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and cautions against placing our trust in them. Instead of wearing ourselves out with the pursuit of wealth, we are encouraged to prioritize godly virtues and cultivate a heart that seeks after the eternal.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
This verse provides a sobering reflection on the pursuit of worldly pleasures, accomplishments, and wealth.
It recounts the experience of King Solomon, who had unrivaled access to every form of worldly pleasure and achievement. Yet, at the end of it all, he found it to be empty and meaningless, likening it to chasing after the wind.
This verse reminds us that if our focus and satisfaction are solely on earthly pursuits, we will ultimately be left feeling empty and unfulfilled. It challenges us to seek a higher purpose and find our fulfillment in God.
Galatians 1:10
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
This verse reminds us that seeking the approval of others or trying to please people can lead us away from being faithful servants of Christ.
It encourages us to prioritize God’s approval and live in a way that aligns with His will, even if it means going against the desires or expectations of others. It challenges us to examine our motives and ensure that our actions are driven by a desire to honor and serve God, rather than seeking worldly acceptance.
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
This verse contrasts the temporary nature of worldly things with the enduring and eternal truth of God’s word.
It serves as a reminder that everything in this world, no matter how beautiful or valuable, will eventually fade away. However, the word of God remains forever unchanged and provides a solid foundation on which we can build our lives.
It encourages us to put our trust in God and His unchanging truth, rather than seeking security or fulfillment in the temporary pleasures and possessions of this world.
Galatians 6:14
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
This verse emphasizes the transformative power of the cross and the importance of boasting solely in what Christ has done for us.
It encourages us to detach ourselves from the values and priorities of the world, recognizing that through Christ we have been crucified to the world, and the world to us. It challenges us to find our identity and worth in Christ alone, rather than seeking validation or satisfaction from worldly sources.
Romans 8:5-6
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
This verse contrasts the mindset of those who prioritize worldly desires with those who are led by the Holy Spirit.
It highlights that living according to the flesh leads to spiritual death, while living in accordance with the Spirit leads to life and peace. It challenges us to examine our thought patterns and desires, ensuring that our minds are set on what the Spirit desires rather than being driven solely by worldly cravings.
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse reminds us that as Christians, we are called to live as foreigners and exiles in this world, prioritizing holiness and abstaining from sinful desires.
It recognizes that worldly desires and temptations can have a detrimental impact on our spiritual well-being, waging war against our souls. It encourages us to resist the pull of sinful desires and strive for holy living, knowing that our true citizenship is in heaven.
1 John 5:4-5
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
This verse declares the victory we have as children of God over the ways of the world.
It emphasizes that our faith in Jesus as the Son of God is the key to overcoming the pull and influence of the world. It reminds us that our strength and victory come from our belief in Christ, enabling us to live in a way that goes against the prevailing values and desires of the world.
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.’”
This verse encourages us to prioritize contentment and trust in God’s provision, rather than being driven by the love of money and worldly possessions.
It reassures us of God’s faithfulness and promise to never leave or forsake us, reminding us that our security and worth come from Him, rather than material wealth. It challenges us to find contentment in God’s presence and provision, rather than constantly seeking after more.
Proverbs 16:8
“Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
This verse highlights the importance of valuing righteousness and integrity over worldly gain achieved through injustice or unrighteous means.
It challenges the notion that material wealth or success, obtained at the expense of others or through dishonest means, is more valuable than a life lived with integrity and righteousness. It reminds us that true wealth lies in a life that honors God and upholds moral values.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse encourages us to approach all aspects of our lives with the intention of bringing glory to God, rather than seeking self-gratification or worldly approval.
It serves as a reminder that every action we take, no matter how mundane or ordinary, can be an opportunity to honor God and reflect His character. It challenges us to align our desires and motivations with God’s purposes, seeking to glorify Him above all else.
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. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse reveals the impossibility of serving both God and worldly wealth. It indicates that we must choose where our allegiance lies.
It challenges us to examine our priorities and intentions, ensuring that we are not being consumed by the pursuit of financial gain or worldly success at the expense of our relationship with God. It calls us to wholeheartedly devote ourselves to God alone, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from Him.
1 Timothy 6:17
“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.”
This verse provides guidance for those who have been blessed with material wealth in this present world.
It encourages them to guard against arrogance and reliance on wealth, recognizing the uncertainty of worldly riches. Instead, they are called to put their hope in God, who is the ultimate provider and giver of every good thing. It reminds us that while earthly possessions can be enjoyed, our ultimate hope and trust should be in God.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
This verse highlights the high calling of discipleship and the requirement of self-denial and daily commitment to follow Jesus.
It challenges us to let go of our own desires, ambitions, and plans in order to fully submit to Christ. It reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus involves sacrifice and a willingness to carry our cross, which can include forsaking worldly priorities and desires. It calls us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else.
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?”
This verse emphasizes the eternal significance of our souls and the futility of gaining worldly success or possessions at the expense of our spiritual well-being.
It challenges us to consider the cost of worldly pursuits and encourages us to prioritize the salvation and well-being of our souls above all else. It highlights the value and worth of our eternal destiny and cautions against allowing worldly pursuits to distract us from the ultimate purpose and goal of our lives.
What Does the Bible Say About Worldly Things?
The Bible addresses the concept of worldly things in several places, warning us about the dangers of being too focused on material possessions and temporary pleasures. In 1 John 2:15-17, we are cautioned against loving the world or the things in the world, as they are in opposition to the will of God. Instead, we are called to prioritize our spiritual growth and eternal values over the pursuit of worldly treasures.
Jesus also teaches about the transient nature of worldly possessions in Matthew 6:19-21, encouraging us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. This passage highlights the importance of seeking God’s kingdom above all else and trusting Him to provide for our needs.
Furthermore, the book of Ecclesiastes offers valuable insights into the futility of chasing after worldly pleasures and pursuits. It emphasizes that true fulfillment can only be found in fearing God and obeying His commandments.
As Christians, we are reminded to set our hearts on eternal things and to use our earthly resources to glorify God and serve others. While God may bless us with material blessings, we are called to be good stewards of these gifts, using them to further His kingdom and demonstrate His love to the world.
Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to maintain a balanced perspective on worldly things, recognizing their temporary nature and prioritizing the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God and the advancement of His purposes in the world.
