Biblical Answer

Is it wrong to want to be wealthy?

No, it is not wrong to want to be wealthy. In fact, Proverbs 8:18 says, "Riches and honor are hers, and she is the delight of her children." The Bible does not condemn wealth, but rather warns against the dangers of it. The problem is not with wealth itself, but with the heart that pursues it. Jesus himself was wealthy, yet he became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). This teaches us that wealth is not the issue, but rather our relationship with God and our motivations for pursuing it.

The Bible teaches us to seek the kingdom of God first and to live a life of righteousness (Matthew 6:33). When we seek God's kingdom, we are not guaranteed wealth, but we are promised life (Proverbs 10:2). This means that our focus should not be on accumulating wealth, but on living a life that honors God. We should not set our hearts on wealth, but on following God's ways. As Proverbs 28:6 says, "Better to be poor and godly than to be rich and dishonest."

Ultimately, the question is not whether it is wrong to want to be wealthy, but whether our pursuit of wealth is motivated by a desire for God's kingdom or our own selfish desires. If we are seeking wealth to honor God and live a life of righteousness, then it is not wrong to want to be wealthy. However, if we are seeking wealth for our own selfish desires, then it is a problem. As Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). Our hearts should be set on following God, not on accumulating wealth. I can be so rich in my own poverty, or in the awareness of the fact that I am nobody, that I will never be a disciple of Jesus. Or I can be so rich in the awareness that I am somebody that will never be a disciple. Am I willing to be destitute and poor in spirit, and rich in following God? That is the question.