Does Righteousness Require Wealth? Examining the Claim of Scriptural Financial Demands. Question 13.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, challenges those who criticize financial prosperity by asking:

“How can a righteous man leave an inheritance to his children’s children when you believe wealth is wicked and poverty is righteous?”

He cites Proverbs 13:21-22 and claims that there is a spiritual law in which the wealth of the wicked passes to the righteous. Shuttlesworth further argues that fulfilling the “rudimentary requirements of Christianity”—such as tithing, caring for the needy, and leaving an inheritance—requires financial overflow. He critiques a “religious mindset” that he claims blinds people to these scriptural commands, quoting 1 Timothy 5:8 to support his argument.

This blog will critically evaluate Shuttlesworth’s claims, contextualize the Scriptures he cites, and provide a balanced, biblically sound perspective on wealth, stewardship, and Christian responsibility.

1. Proverbs 13:21-22: The Wealth of the Wicked

The Text

Proverbs 13:21-22 states:

“Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”

Shuttlesworth’s Interpretation

Shuttlesworth interprets this verse as a spiritual law, suggesting that wealth will inevitably transfer from the wicked to the godly. He uses this claim to support the idea that financial prosperity is a key part of righteousness.

Contextual Analysis

Wisdom Literature: Proverbs often conveys general principles rather than absolute promises. The verse highlights the long-term benefits of righteousness and the fleeting nature of wealth gained through wickedness.
Spiritual vs. Material Inheritance: While leaving an inheritance is commendable, the Bible emphasizes spiritual inheritance as paramount (e.g., 1 Peter 1:3-4). Material wealth is not the sole or ultimate measure of obedience or righteousness.

Balanced Interpretation

The “wealth of the wicked” passing to the righteous reflects God’s justice and sovereignty, not a guarantee of financial transfer to all believers. The focus is on God’s provision and the enduring blessings of a righteous life, not on material accumulation.

2. The Financial Requirements of Christian Obedience

Caring for Others

Shuttlesworth argues that fulfilling biblical commands—such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and supporting widows and orphans—requires financial abundance. He references 1 Timothy 5:8:

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

While financial resources are often needed to care for others, Scripture emphasizes stewardship, generosity, and sacrificial giving rather than wealth as prerequisites for obedience.

Mark 12:41-44: The widow who gave two small coins is praised for her faith and generosity, not her wealth.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: God loves a cheerful giver, emphasizing the heart behind giving over the amount.

The Role of Overflow

While financial overflow can enhance one’s ability to give, the Bible does not teach that wealth is necessary to fulfill God’s commands. Believers are called to trust God’s provision and steward their resources wisely, whether in abundance or scarcity (Phil. 4:11-13).

3. Addressing Misconceptions About Money and Righteousness

The “Religious Mindset” Argument

Shuttlesworth critiques what he calls a “religious mindset” that equates money with evil. However, this misrepresents most critics of prosperity theology. The Bible warns against the love of money (1 Tim. 6:10), not money itself, and prioritizes spiritual riches over material wealth.

A Biblical Perspective on Wealth

Warnings Against Wealth: Jesus frequently warns about the dangers of wealth, such as in Matthew 19:24: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Stewardship Over Accumulation: Parables like the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) teach that hoarding wealth without regard for God’s purposes is foolish and spiritually dangerous.

The Spiritual vs. Material Inheritance

Shuttlesworth asserts that inheritance is “more than spiritual,” but the Bible consistently prioritizes spiritual blessings:

1 Peter 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.”

4. A Balanced View of Wealth and Obedience

Biblical Principles

Trust in God’s Provision: Believers are called to rely on God for their needs, trusting that He will provide the means to fulfill His purposes (Matt. 6:33).
Stewardship and Generosity: Faithful stewardship, not financial abundance, is the key to fulfilling God’s commands (Luke 16:10).
Spiritual Riches: The ultimate inheritance is eternal life and the blessings of knowing God (Eph. 1:18).

Costi Hinn’s Critique

In God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, Costi Hinn critiques prosperity theology for focusing on material wealth at the expense of spiritual priorities. He warns that equating financial success with obedience can mislead believers and distort the gospel.

5. Critical Evaluation of Shuttlesworth’s Claims

Misleading Statements

Shuttlesworth conflates financial abundance with biblical obedience, implying that wealth is necessary to fulfill God’s commands. This perspective risks distorting Scripture and placing undue emphasis on material prosperity.

A Call for Balance

In Playing with Holy Fire, Dr. Michael Brown calls for a balanced theology that acknowledges God’s provision without idolizing wealth. True biblical obedience is characterized by faithfulness, generosity, and trust in God’s sufficiency, regardless of financial status.

Conclusion: Does Righteousness Require Wealth?

While financial resources can support Christian obedience, the Bible does not teach that wealth is necessary for fulfilling God’s commands. Proverbs 13:21-22 highlights the enduring blessings of a righteous life, but these blessings are not limited to material wealth.

Shuttlesworth’s claims risk oversimplifying the biblical message by overemphasizing financial prosperity. True righteousness is demonstrated through faith, stewardship, and sacrificial generosity, reflecting God’s heart and advancing His Kingdom purposes.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)