Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5465 profit
In the financial sense, gain through trading. The word is also used in Scripture of spiritual gain.
Legitimate profit
As the result of hard work
Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 21:5 See also Proverbs 31:18
As the reward of generosity
Proverbs 11:24; Luke 6:38
As the gift of God
Deuteronomy 8:18
It is withheld by God in judgment
Deuteronomy 28:15-20; Jeremiah 12:13; Haggai 1:9
It is for this life only
Ecclesiastes 1:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:7
Profiting by oppression
A common practice of the wicked
Ecclesiastes 5:8-9
It is often cloaked in hypocrisy
See also Ezekiel 33:31
It is against God's law
Leviticus 25:37
It is of little worth
See also Proverbs 11:16; Proverbs 16:8
It is short-lived
Job 20:18-19; Isaiah 23:17-18; Jeremiah 17:11
It is judged by God
Proverbs 1:18-19; Ezekiel 22:12-14; Micah 4:13; Habakkuk 2:9
Its avoidance is rewarded
Proverbs 28:16; Isaiah 33:15-16
Profiting by dishonesty
It is common amongst the wicked
Jeremiah 22:17
It is forbidden to God's servants
Exodus 18:21; 1 Samuel 8:3; 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7
Profiting selfishly
Isaiah 56:11
It is avoided by the godly
Psalm 119:36
Using religion for profit
In the OT
See also Numbers 22:16-17; 1 Samuel 2:12-16; Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 8:10
In the NT
2 Corinthians 2:17 See also Acts 8:18-23; 1 Timothy 6:5; Titus 1:11; Jude 11
Profiting spiritually
Through the Scriptures
1 Timothy 4:13-15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Through wisdom
Proverbs 3:13-14
Through doctrine
Titus 3:8
Through godliness and contentment
1 Timothy 6:6 See also 1 Timothy 4:8
Through chastening
Hebrews 12:10
Through spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12:7
Through service
Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27
Through sacrifice
Matthew 19:29 pp Mark 10:29-30 pp Luke 18:29-30; Hebrews 11:35
Through death
Philippians 1:21 See also Philippians 1:23
Doubts expressed about profiting spiritually
Job 9:29-31; Job 21:15; Job 34:9; Job 35:1-3; Psalm 73:13; Ecclesiastes 2:15; Ecclesiastes 6:8; Malachi 3:14
It is better than worldly wealth
Matthew 16:26 pp Mark 8:36 pp Luke 9:25
Unprofitable things
See also
Ecclesiastes 6:11 mere words; Ecclesiastes 10:11 delayed action; Isaiah 44:10 idolatry; Philippians 3:7 legalistic works; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 zeal without love; 1 Corinthians 14:6 speech without understanding; Hebrews 4:2 hearing without faith; Titus 3:9 needless controversy
5310 exploitation 5311 extortion 5587 trade 5628 work 5833 diligence 5869 greed 7774 prophets, false 8260 generosity 8714 dishonesty 8767 hypocrisy 8790 oppression 8827 selfishness
