Does Wickedness Carry a Financial Blessing and Holiness a Financial Curse? Question 21.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, poses the rhetorical question:

“Does wickedness carry a financial blessing and holiness a financial curse?”

He accuses critics of prosperity theology of rejecting biblical teachings on material blessings and cites Psalm 1:1-6 to argue that the Bible supports financial prosperity for the righteous. However, his argument manipulates Scripture by equating holiness with financial wealth and ignoring the biblical reality that many faithful Christians have lived in poverty.

This blog evaluates Shuttlesworth’s claims and examines Psalm 1 in its proper theological and hermeneutical context, addressing the dangers of conflating righteousness with material prosperity.

1. Analyzing Shuttlesworth’s Interpretation of Psalm 1

The Text

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away” (Psalm 1:1-4, NIV).

Shuttlesworth’s Claim

Shuttlesworth uses this passage to argue that holiness brings financial blessings, while wickedness leads to loss. He frames the prosperity of the righteous as a material promise, dismissing theological critiques of prosperity theology as baseless.

Contextual and Hermeneutical Analysis

The Meaning of “Prosper”: The Hebrew word for "prosper" (ṣālaḥ) in Psalm 1:3 refers broadly to success and well-being, not specifically financial wealth. It conveys the idea of thriving in one’s God-given purpose, which may or may not include material blessings.
Metaphorical Imagery: The image of a tree planted by streams of water symbolizes spiritual vitality and stability, grounded in a life devoted to God’s Word. It does not imply a guarantee of financial abundance.
Holistic Prosperity: Psalm 1 emphasizes spiritual blessings—fruitfulness, perseverance, and flourishing in one’s relationship with God—not material wealth.

2. Biblical Examples of Poverty and Holiness

Faithful Christians Who Lacked Wealth

Shuttlesworth’s argument that holiness leads to financial blessings ignores the reality that many righteous people in Scripture and history were not materially wealthy:

Jesus:
- Jesus lived a life of simplicity, stating, “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).
- His life demonstrates that material wealth is not a measure of holiness or favor with God.
The Apostles:
- Paul experienced material lack and hardship while faithfully serving Christ (Philippians 4:12).
- The early church included both wealthy benefactors (e.g., Lydia in Acts 16:14-15) and impoverished believers (2 Corinthians 8:2).
The Macedonian Churches:
- Despite “extreme poverty,” the Macedonians were commended for their generosity and faithfulness (2 Corinthians 8:1-2).

Biblical Warnings About Wealth

The Danger of Riches:
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
The Prioritization of Spiritual Riches:
- Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”

3. Misleading Implications of Shuttlesworth’s Argument

Conflating Wealth with Holiness

Shuttlesworth risks implying that poor Christians are less holy by suggesting that holiness brings financial blessings. This view is unbiblical and contradicts the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”Jesus blesses those who are humble and dependent on God, not those who are materially wealthy.

Overlooking the Diversity of Christian Experiences

Shuttlesworth’s claims fail to account for the varied economic circumstances of believers, both in Scripture and throughout history. Faithfulness to God often involves suffering, persecution, and material lack (2 Corinthians 11:27).

4. A Biblical View of Prosperity

Holistic Prosperity in Scripture

The Bible teaches that true prosperity encompasses spiritual growth, relational health, and alignment with God’s purposes:

3 John 1:2: “I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”Prosperity is multidimensional and not limited to financial wealth.

The Role of Stewardship

Believers are called to steward their resources—whether abundant or limited—for God’s glory and the good of others:

1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Eternal Perspective

The Bible consistently points believers toward eternal treasures rather than earthly wealth:

Colossians 3:1-2: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

5. Evaluating Shuttlesworth’s Attitude

Manipulating Words and Creating Doubt

Shuttlesworth’s rhetorical style often frames critics of prosperity theology as rejecting biblical truth, creating unnecessary doubt and division. His oversimplification of Scripture ignores the complexities of biblical teachings on wealth and holiness.

A Contrast with the Apostolic Attitude

The apostles and early church leaders emphasized contentment, generosity, and reliance on God’s provision, rather than equating material wealth with spiritual blessing:

Philippians 4:11-13: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Conclusion: Does Wickedness Carry a Financial Blessing and Holiness a Financial Curse?

Shuttlesworth’s question misrepresents the biblical teaching on wealth and holiness. While Psalm 1 celebrates the prosperity of the righteous, its focus is on spiritual flourishing, not financial gain. The Bible clearly teaches that holiness does not guarantee material wealth, and poverty is not a sign of unrighteousness.

True prosperity in Scripture is found in faithfulness to God, contentment in all circumstances, and the eternal rewards of knowing Christ. By prioritizing spiritual growth and stewardship, Christians can reflect God’s heart and advance His Kingdom, regardless of their financial status.

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

(PhD Student)