HUMANITY in general, believing substance to be material, considers wealth to consist of an accumulation of material things or their equivalent in the form of money. As a consequence of this false belief in matter as having reality, power, and ability to bestow benefits, mortals have come to view and sanction the acquisitive motive and process, not only as normal and indispensable, but also as a dominant factor in human experience.
In this general acceptation the word "wealth" is identical with material riches and possessions. Such, however, is not the derivation or root meaning of the word. It is helpful to note that the primary signification of the term "wealth" is found in the conditions and qualities of weal, prosperity, well-being, and happiness.
In sharp contrast, moreover, to the belief of wealth as material, hence limited, is the Scriptural declaration which portrays the wealth of God, or true substance, as wholly spiritual and infinite. We read in Psalms, "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." This teaching of true wealth as belonging to God is shown specifically with reference to man in the proclamation that man is the child of God, and therefore His heir. St. Paul says, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."
