The Christian teaching on wealth, money and poverty in the old testament
Answer Text: The Christian teaching on wealth, money and poverty.Wealth in the Old Testament-The Old Testament teaches that wealth is a blessing from God, a sign of His love.-It is clear from the Genesis story of creation, that God intended humanity to be rich, that is to have sufficient provisions for our needs.-They were however expected to be just and good stewards and not indiscriminately exploit the resources of the earth: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden to till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15)-In the book of Deuteronomy 28:1-14, the promise of wealth is linked to obedience to the Covenant. Those who obey God’s laws and the teachings of the prophets would be prosperous and live long lives.-Those who possess wealth are also expected to acknowledge God as thesource of their riches. Individuals like Abraham, David, Solomon and Job are depicted as being blessed with wealth because they were righteous.-Wealth that was unjustly acquired is condemned. Eg. Jezebel was corrupt and ordered Naboth and his family murdered so that his family land could be acquired by Ahab. Prophet Amos condemned the wealthy for their injustice to the poor and acquisition of wealth through cheating and exploiting the poor.-Wealth should be used to help the needy for the rich have social obligation to help them.-Wealth is an instrument to enable us live decently and help others. The Old Testament commanded the Israelites to tithe and hence contribute to maintaining the Temples and its staff as well as religious activities.
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