True Riches: A Poor Man with God is Richer than a Wealthy Man Without Him

Good morning, church! Let me ask you something: If you had to choose between a big, fancy house but no peace—or a small, humble home filled with God’s presence and joy—which would you pick? Now, before you answer, let’s look at what Proverbs 15:16says:

A poor man who is close to God is richer than the wealthiest man who is far from God.

That verse reminds us that real wealth isn’t measured in bank accounts, luxury cars, or stock portfolios. It’s measured by our relationship with God. A poor man who walks with the Lord has more than the richest man on earth who doesn’t know Him.

Let’s break this down today and talk about why a life with God is the only true wealth that matters.

The Illusion of Earthly Wealth

The world measures success in dollars and possessions. Society tells us that if we just have a little more money, a little more power, or a little more influence, we’ll finally be happy. But have you ever noticed that the wealthiest people often seem the most miserable?

How many celebrities do we see who have everything the world can offer—mansions, fame, fortune—but still struggle with depression, anxiety, and brokenness? Some of the richest people in history have died alone, miserable, and empty because they spent their whole lives chasing things that never satisfied their souls.

Why? Because wealth, without God, is an empty promise. Money can provide comfort, but it can’t buy peace. It can offer pleasure, but it can’t create lasting joy. It can build a kingdom on earth, but it cannot secure a place in heaven. Wealth fades, but the riches found in Christ last forever.

Why a Poor Man with God is Richer Than a Wealthy Man Without Him

1. Peace Over Possessions – Money can buy a bed, but not rest. It can buy a house, but not a home. It can buy entertainment, but not true joy. A poor man who trusts in God may not have much, but he has the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). That kind of peace isn’t found in financial security, but in knowing the One who holds your future in His hands.

   
   

2. Security in God, Not in Wealth – Riches can be here today and gone tomorrow. One stock market crash, one unexpected medical bill, or one job loss can take it all away. But the man who fears the Lord has security that can never be shaken. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” When your trust is in God, you have a foundation that nothing in this world can destroy.

   
   

3. Eternal Perspective – A wealthy man who is far from God might enjoy riches for a few decades, but what happens after that? Jesus tells us in Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” A man who walks with God, even in poverty, has an eternal inheritance waiting for him in heaven that no one can take away. That inheritance is worth more than anything money can buy.

   
   

The Dangers of Chasing Wealth Without God

Now, let’s be clear: Money itself isn’t evil. It’s a tool. But the Bible warns us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). When we put wealth above God, we invite all kinds of trouble into our lives.

Look at the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10. He had everything—money, status, and power—but when Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him, the man walked away sad. Why? Because his heart was tied to his wealth. He was rich in the world’s eyes but bankrupt in God’s.

Another example is found in Luke 12, in the parable of the rich fool. This man had so much wealth that he decided to build bigger barns to store it all, thinking he could retire and enjoy his riches. But God said, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20). He spent his life preparing for earthly comfort, but he neglected his soul.

Money can be a blessing when used wisely, but when it becomes the thing we serve instead of God, it leads to destruction. Wealth without God is just temporary comfort masking an eternal crisis.

How to Be Truly Rich

So, what does true wealth look like? It looks like contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” It means having a heart that trusts God no matter what. It means valuing things that last—love, faith, joy, peace—over things that fade away.

If you have a relationship with Jesus, you are already wealthier than a billionaire who doesn’t know Him. You have a Father who provides for you, a Savior who died for you, and a home in heaven that’s waiting for you. That’s real wealth!

True riches are found in:

• A heart at peace, rather than a wallet full of money.

• A life filled with love and purpose, rather than possessions.

• An eternity with God, rather than temporary luxury on earth.

Conclusion:

The next time you feel like you don’t have enough, remember Proverbs 15:16: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” Would you rather have a temporary kingdom on earth or an eternal home in heaven?

The world will always tell you that wealth is the key to happiness, but the Bible tells a different story. True riches come from walking with the Lord. A poor man who has Jesus has everything he needs. A rich man without Him has nothing at all.

Let’s pray,

Lord, help us to see wealth the way You see it. Give us hearts that seek You above all else. Teach us to be content, to trust You, and to remember that we are rich because we have You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.