Materialismo
O materialismo é uma armadilha espiritual. A Bíblia alerta que o amor ao dinheiro é raiz de todos os males e nos chama a buscar tesouros no céu, não na terra.
O perigo das riquezas
Que aproveita ao homem ganhar o mundo inteiro e perder a sua alma? O materialismo engana e afasta do que realmente importa.
for what is a man profited if he may gain the whole world, but of his life suffer loss? Or what will a man give as an exchange for his life?
for what will it profit a man, if he may gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
and those intending to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many desires, foolish and hurtful, that sink men into ruin and destruction,
for we brought nothing into the world—because neither are we able to carry out anything; but having food and raiment—with these we will suffice ourselves;
for we brought nothing into the world—because neither are we able to carry out anything; but having food and raiment—with these we will suffice ourselves;
Tesouros no céu
Ajuntai tesouros no céu, onde traça e ferrugem não consomem. O bom nome vale mais que muitas riquezas, e a sabedoria supera o ouro.
Do not treasure up to yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust disfigure, and where thieves break through and steal, but treasure up to yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust disfigure, and where thieves do not break through nor steal,
for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Jesus said to him, "If you will to be perfect, go away, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me."
A name is chosen rather than much wealth, || Than silver and than gold—good grace.
To get wisdom—how much better than gold, || And to get understanding—to be chosen [more] than silver!
Better [is] a little with the fear of YHWH, || Than much treasure, and tumult with it.
Contentamento e generosidade
Grande ganho é a piedade com contentamento. A cobiça é idolatria, mas a generosidade traz alegria e bênção.
but it is great gain—the piety with contentment;
Charge those rich in the present age not to be high-minded, nor to hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who is giving to us all things richly for enjoyment—
[Be] without covetous behavior, being content with the things present, for He has said, "No, I will not leave, no, nor forsake you,"
Put to death, then, your members that [are] on the earth—whoredom, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and the covetousness, which is idolatry—
And He said to them, "Observe, and beware of the covetousness, because his life is not in the abundance of one’s goods."
Whoever is loving silver is not satisfied [with] silver, nor he who is in love with stores [with] increase. Even this [is] vanity.
As he came out from the belly of his mother, naked he turns back to go as he came, and he does not take away anything of his labor, that goes in his hand.
O invisível acima do visível
As coisas que se veem são temporais; as que não se veem são eternas. Devemos fixar os olhos no que é permanente e verdadeiro.
we [are] not looking to the things seen, but to the things not seen; for the things seen [are] temporary, but the things not seen [are] continuous.
The wealth of the rich [is] the city of his strength, || And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.
Wealth does not profit in a day of wrath, || And righteousness delivers from death.
For wealth makes wings to itself, || It flies to the heavens as an eagle.
All the day desiring he has desired, || And the righteous gives and does not withhold.
Put vanity and a lying word far from me, || Do not give poverty or wealth to me, || Cause me to eat the bread of my portion,
also the women in like manner, in orderly apparel, to adorn themselves with modesty and sobriety, not in braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or clothing of great price, but—which becomes women professing godly piety—through good works.
and of the multitude of those who believed, the heart and the soul were one, and not one was saying that anything of the things he had was his own, but all things were in common to them.