Don’t store up gold - Aua le faaputua auro

Scripture Focus: Teuteronome 17:14-17

When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
- Deuteronomy 17:14-17 (KJV)

Study:

This passage from Deuteronomy gives instructions regarding the appointment and conduct of a king for Israel. God commands that the king must be chosen from among the people, not a foreigner, emphasizing leadership rooted in community. Importantly, the king is cautioned not to accumulate excessive wealth—specifically silver and gold—nor to multiply horses or wives in a way that would lead his heart away from God. The focus is on humility, faithfulness, and dependence on God rather than personal riches or power. This establishes a principle that earthly wealth, including gold, should not become a source of pride or distraction from God's purposes.

Application:

Today, this passage reminds us to guard against the temptation to store up excessive wealth or material possessions that might lead us away from God’s will. Just as the king was warned about multiplying silver and gold, we too are called to prioritize spiritual riches over earthly wealth. Our hearts should be anchored in God and His kingdom, not in accumulating possessions. This encourages a life of contentment, generosity, and trust in God’s provision rather than in financial security alone.

Reflection Questions:

• In what ways might accumulating wealth become a distraction from your relationship with God?
• How can you ensure that your priorities honor God over material possessions?
• What steps can you take to cultivate contentment and generosity in your life?
• Are there areas where you feel tempted to seek security in wealth rather than in God’s provision?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to keep my heart focused on You and not on earthly riches. Teach me to be content with what I have and to trust in Your provision. Guard me from the temptation to let wealth become my priority, and lead me to live generously and humbly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: Bible study, Deuteronomy 17, biblical leadership, wealth in the Bible, spiritual priorities, Christian living, contentment, generosity, trusting God, gold, materialism, faithfulness