Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5591 treasure

5591 treasure

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5591 treasure

Highly valued objects or accumulated riches. Treasure has at best only short-term benefit but can bring spiritual dangers. Spiritual treasure is of eternal value and comes from knowing and serving God.

The limitations of accumulated treasure

It is easily lost

Isaiah 64:11 See also 2 Kings 24:13; Jeremiah 15:13; Jeremiah 17:3; Jeremiah 20:5; Lamentations 1:10-11; Hosea 13:15; Ob 6; Matthew 6:19; James 5:2-3; Revelation 18:14

It is no security against God's displeasure

Proverbs 11:4 See also Job 20:20; Jeremiah 51:13; Ezekiel 7:19; Hosea 9:6; Zephaniah 1:18; Luke 12:16-21

It does not satisfy

Ecclesiastes 5:10 See also Psalm 39:6; Haggai 1:6

The spiritual dangers of accumulated treasure

It can lead to pride

1 Timothy 6:17 See also Deuteronomy 8:13-14; Ezekiel 7:20; Ezekiel 28:4-5; Daniel 4:30

It can lead a person away from God

Revelation 3:17 See also Job 31:24-25,28; Proverbs 11:28

It can lead to greed

Luke 12:15 See also 1 Timothy 6:9-10

Acquiring it can lead to dishonesty

Joshua 7:21; Psalm 62:10; Proverbs 21:6

It can lead to idolatry

Exodus 32:2-4; Isaiah 2:7-8; Ezekiel 7:20; Ezekiel 16:17

Spiritual treasure

Treasure consists in knowing God and his wisdom

Colossians 2:2-3 See also Job 28:12-19; Proverbs 2:4; Proverbs 3:13-15; Proverbs 8:10-11; Proverbs 24:3-4; Isaiah 33:6

God's word is supreme treasure

Job 23:12; Psalm 19:9-10; Psalm 119:72,127

The kingdom of God is supreme treasure

Matthew 13:44 See also Matthew 13:45-46,52

Spiritual treasure is more important than material possessions

Hebrews 11:26 See also Job 22:23-25; Matthew 13:44-46

It is of eternal value

It is gained through generosity and wisdom

Matthew 19:21 pp Mark 10:21 pp Luke 18:22 See also Proverbs 8:21; Proverbs 15:6; 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Treasure reveals true commitment

Matthew 6:21 pp Luke 12:34 See also Matthew 6:24 pp Luke 16:13

Believers willingly give God their treasures

Matthew 2:11 See also Exodus 35:22; Joshua 6:24; 1 Chronicles 29:3-5

God's people are his treasured possession

Deuteronomy 7:6 See also Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18; Psalm 135:4; Malachi 3:17

The gospel as treasure in clay jars

2 Corinthians 4:7