The concept of treasure is used frequently in the Bible, both in a literal sense and as a metaphor for what we value most in life. Scripture encourages us to focus not on earthly riches, which are temporary and fleeting, but on heavenly treasures that endure for eternity. These verses remind us that true treasure is found in a relationship with God, living according to His will, and investing in things that have lasting spiritual significance. Here are 30 Bible verses about treasure, each with a brief commentary.
1. Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus teaches about the temporary nature of earthly treasures. It teaches that our focus should be on accumulating heavenly treasures, which are eternal and incorruptible, reflecting the state of our hearts and our relationship with God.
2. Proverbs 15:16
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of godliness over material wealth. It teaches that living in reverence to God, even with modest means, is more valuable than having great riches accompanied by trouble and strife.
3. Luke 12:34
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus reiterates the connection between what we value and our heart’s focus. It teaches that what we treasure most reveals the true priorities of our heart, challenging us to ensure that our ultimate treasure is in God.
4. Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure. It teaches that the value of the kingdom of heaven surpasses all earthly possessions, and those who understand its worth are willing to sacrifice everything to obtain it.
5. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Paul advises the wealthy to focus on eternal riches. It teaches that true wealth is found not in material possessions but in doing good, being generous, and laying up spiritual treasures that will endure into eternity.
6. Colossians 2:2-3
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Paul speaks of the treasures found in Christ. It teaches that true wisdom and knowledge, which are the greatest treasures, are hidden in Christ, and understanding this is the key to spiritual wealth and fulfillment.
7. Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Jesus teaches about the incompatibility of serving God and wealth. It teaches that our loyalty cannot be divided between God and material wealth; we must choose to prioritize God as our ultimate treasure.
8. Proverbs 8:10-11
“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
This proverb exalts wisdom over material wealth. It teaches that wisdom and understanding, which come from God, are far more valuable than any earthly treasures, and should be sought above all else.
9. Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
Jesus advises selling possessions to give to the poor. It teaches that by giving generously and caring for others, we store up heavenly treasures that are secure and eternal, far surpassing any earthly wealth.
10. Proverbs 16:16
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
This proverb underscores the superiority of wisdom over wealth. It teaches that gaining wisdom and understanding is more valuable than accumulating gold or silver, as these qualities lead to a truly fulfilled and righteous life.
11. Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
The psalmist treasures God’s word in his heart. It teaches that the Word of God is a treasure that guards our hearts and guides us in righteousness, helping us to avoid sin and live according to His will.
12. Matthew 19:21
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”
Jesus instructs the rich young ruler on how to gain heavenly treasure. It teaches that true spiritual perfection and treasure are found in surrendering earthly possessions and following Christ wholeheartedly.
13. Isaiah 33:6
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
Isaiah speaks of God as a rich store of spiritual treasures. It teaches that God Himself is the source of our salvation, wisdom, and knowledge, and that reverence for Him unlocks the treasures of spiritual understanding.
14. 2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
Paul refers to the gospel as a treasure in jars of clay. It teaches that the power and glory of the gospel, though contained in our fragile human lives, reveal that the true strength and value come from God, not from ourselves.
15. Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
This proverb contrasts the behavior of the wise and the foolish with regard to resources. It teaches that wisdom involves not just accumulating material resources but managing them wisely, whereas foolishness leads to waste and lack.
16. James 5:3
“Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.”
James warns against the dangers of hoarding wealth. It teaches that material wealth, when hoarded selfishly, becomes worthless and even destructive, serving as a testimony against us in the end times.
17. 1 Peter 1:4
“And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
Peter speaks of the eternal inheritance awaiting believers. It teaches that our true treasure is the imperishable inheritance reserved for us in heaven, far superior to any earthly possessions that can decay or fade.
18. Psalm 119:162
“I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.”
The psalmist treasures God’s promises as valuable riches. It teaches that the promises of God are a source of great joy and are to be treasured as one would treasure a rich reward or spoil.
19. Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
The Teacher reflects on the futility of loving wealth. It teaches that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction and meaninglessness, emphasizing the emptiness of placing treasure in material gain.
20. Matthew 13:45-46
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a valuable pearl. It teaches that the kingdom of heaven is of such immense value that it is worth giving up everything else to possess, highlighting the supreme worth of spiritual treasure.
21. Psalm 19:9-10
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”
The psalmist treasures God’s decrees above gold. It teaches that God’s commandments and His word are more valuable and desirable than the finest material treasures, offering lasting righteousness and sweetness to those who follow them.
22. Proverbs 10:2
“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This proverb contrasts material wealth gained unrighteously with the enduring value of righteousness. It teaches that treasures acquired through unjust means are ultimately worthless, while righteousness brings true life and deliverance.
23. Psalm 37:16
“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.”
The psalmist highlights the value of righteousness over material wealth. It teaches that a modest amount possessed by a righteous person is more valuable than the abundant wealth of the wicked, emphasizing the true worth of a godly life.
24. Proverbs 11:4
“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This proverb warns of the limitations of wealth in times of judgment. It teaches that material wealth cannot save us in the day of God’s judgment, but righteousness—living in alignment with God’s will—offers true protection and deliverance.
25. Zephaniah 1:18
“Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath.”
Zephaniah speaks of the futility of wealth in God’s judgment. It teaches that silver and gold, no matter how abundant, are powerless to save anyone from God’s wrath, underscoring the importance of spiritual treasures over material wealth.
26. Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Jesus teaches about the impossibility of serving both God and wealth. It teaches that our loyalty and devotion must be directed to God alone, as attempting to serve both God and material wealth will lead to a divided heart and ultimately, spiritual failure.
27. Psalm 119:72
“The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.”
The psalmist values God’s law above all material wealth. It teaches that the spiritual wisdom and guidance found in God’s word are far more valuable than any amount of silver or gold, reflecting a heart that treasures divine truth.
28. Hebrews 11:26
“He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
The writer of Hebrews speaks of Moses’ choice to value Christ over earthly treasures. It teaches that choosing to suffer for Christ and value spiritual rewards over earthly treasures is a mark of true faith and forward-looking wisdom.
29. Proverbs 2:4-5
“If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
This proverb encourages seeking wisdom as one would seek treasure. It teaches that the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, with the same diligence and intensity as searching for treasure, leads to the discovery of the fear of the Lord and true knowledge of God.
30. Revelation 3:18
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
Jesus advises the church in Laodicea to seek spiritual riches. It teaches that true spiritual wealth comes from Christ, who offers refined gold—symbolizing pure faith—clothing for righteousness, and healing for spiritual blindness, all of which are far more valuable than earthly riches.
Also Read:
- 30 Bible Verses About Feeling Lost (With Commentary)
- 30 Bible Verses About Winning (With Commentary)
- 30 Bible Verses About Doing Your Best (With Commentary)
- 30 Bible Verses About Sons And Mothers (With Commentary)
- 30 Bible Verses About Changing Your Mindset (With Commentary)