What Is the Origin of Having 'More Money Than God'?

　　The saying of having “More Money Than God” is not found in the Bible. It is an old idiom that has been passed down through many generations. Having “More Money Than God” is an idiom that means, “To be extremely rich; to enjoy the benefits or luxuries of great wealth.” In other words, if someone says to you, “You have more money than God,” it means you are extremely wealthy.

　　

Can Anyone Have More Money Than God?

The exact origin of the idiom “More Money Than God” is not known. In the sixth century, there was a saying, “rich as Croesus.” Croesus was the richest man in the known world during his rule from 540-546 BC. He ruled in Western Asia Minor in Lydia, and it is believed that the Lydians during this time were the first people to mint coins as monetary money (Ibid.).

　　King Croesus was extraordinarily rich, therefore, the saying “rich as Croesus” started spreading across the known world after the time of Croesus’ death. It is possible that somehow the phrase “rich as Croesus” morphed into “More Money Than God.”

　　This is not entirely certain, but rather, a theory as there is not much research done on the origin of the idiom having “More Money Than God.” Taken in the literal sense, having “More Money Than God” is not a very good idiom or phrase because technically God does not have any money. There is no need for God to have money because He owns everything.

　　Psalm 24:1 tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Likewise, Psalm 50:10 tells every animal is God’s own possession. The Lord is the owner and Creator of everything in the world and in the heavens. Nobody can be richer than God because everything is His own possession.

　　It is true that God does not own money, but God is greatly rich because He is the Owner of everything, including mankind. Money is needed to live daily life on earth; however, God does warn us about loving money.

　　In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, Paul says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). Similarly, Jesus tells us we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).

　　A person will either love one or the other. In other words, you cannot serve both God and money. There is nothing wrong with having money or saving money, but there is something wrong with an obsessive love for money.

　　People yearn after money because they think if they can make enough money, they can be secure and have all that they could ever need or want. The Bible tells us something that is radically different.

　　Solomon was the richest man in the Bible and yet he wrote these words, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10, ESV). King Solomon had great riches and yet he was still not happy.

　　He used his money to purchase for himself horses from Egypt, the finest of food, and many women for his harem. Despite having all these things, Solomon was still unhappy. It is not until later in life that Solomon realizes the very thing that will make him happy is to follow God and keep His commands (Ecclesiastes 12:1-14).

　　In the same way, following God and being faithful to God is what will bring us lasting joy. Money may give us the impression of happiness and power, but too much money can lead to corruption. The love of money certainly will lead to a life of sin and misery.

　　As Christians, we are already richly blessed because we know the Savior of our souls. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Since we have this true promise from God, we need to rely on Him and find our joy in Him — not money.

　　

The Riches of Christ

God may not have material money, such as coins, bills, or gold, but He is rich in His love, kindness, and mercy to mankind. God is without sin, which means He can never be corrupted by anything, including money. God is light — there is no darkness in Him at all (1 John 1:5). When a person becomes a believer, the individual becomes rich in Christ.

　　Even though we may not have the income of a king, we have someone far greater — Jesus Christ. No amount of money can pay for forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. Only by placing faith in Christ can a person receive forgiveness of their sins, redemption, and eternal life (John 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-9).

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　　Once you have accepted Christ, you are rich because you already have everything you could ever need or want. Knowing Jesus brings lasting joy to our souls that money simply cannot. Forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life are all given to you as soon as you place faith in Christ. No amount of money can buy these precious gifts.

　　The Lord promises to be with us every step of our life and He never leaves us (Psalm 23). We cannot say the same thing for money. Money comes and goes as it is never certain. Even if a person has great wealth, their wealth could easily be taken away in an instant due to a robbery.

　　With Christ, your forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life can never be taken away or stolen by another person. Once a person is a Christian, they are forever a Christian. The riches of Christ extend into every area of our lives.

　　He is there for us in the bright times and in the dark times. The Lord gives us real peace that the world cannot give to us. Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

　　

Why Does This Matter?

We do not need to be afraid because God is with us. Even if we do not have a lot of money, we are rich in God. The love, mercy, and kindness of God are blessed upon us each day. The very fact of the sun rising to symbolize a new day attests to God’s love for us.

　　The Lord will provide for us even if we may not be the richest person as far as money goes in this world. However, we are immensely rich in the blessings, goodness, and love of God in Christ our Lord.

　　The next time you hear someone say you have “more money than God,” use it as an opportunity to share the truth of the gospel. Even though we might not be rich by the standards of the world, we are richly blessed in Christ. Christians have many things that money cannot buy and that is forgiveness of sins, redemption, and eternal life in Christ.

　　For further reading:

　　Does the Prosperity Gospel Seek God or Money?

　　Did Paul Teach That 'Money Is the Root of All Evil'?

　　What Does it Mean ‘Where Your Treasure Is There Your Heart Is Also’?