What does “lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth” mean?

When Jesus says not to lay up treasures on earth, he is warning against living for money, possessions, or status as if those were our real security. Earthly treasures wear out, can be eaten, ruined, or stolen. The problem is not owning things, but making them your main goal and comfort. Jesus is calling people away from a life centered on getting and keeping wealth, and away from anxious hoarding that forgets God and the needs of others.

What are “treasures in heaven” in this passage?

Treasures in heaven are the lasting rewards and joys that God gives to his people, which cannot decay or be taken away. This includes being with God, sharing in his kingdom, and the good that comes from a life of faith, love, and obedience. We “lay up” treasure in heaven when we trust Christ, seek the things that please God, and use what we have on earth to honor him and care for others, instead of just storing it up for ourselves.

Why does Jesus mention moth, rust, and thieves here?

Jesus mentions moth, rust, and thieves to show how uncertain earthly wealth really is. In his day, fine clothes, stored grain, and gold or silver were key signs of wealth. Moths could eat clothes, rot or vermin could ruin stored food, and thieves could break into houses and steal money and valuables. By using these pictures, Jesus is saying that every kind of earthly treasure is weak and temporary, so it makes no sense to build your life on it.

What does “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” mean?

This line explains why our choice of treasure matters so much. Your “treasure” is whatever you value most and chase after. Your “heart” is your inner self, your desires, thoughts, and hopes. Jesus is saying that your heart always follows what you treasure. If your treasure is on earth, your heart will be tied down to earthly things. If your treasure is with God, your heart will be set on him and on the life to come.

How does this teaching about treasure relate to giving to the poor?

This passage fits with other teachings of Jesus that connect heavenly treasure with generosity. Using your earthly goods to help those in need and to serve God is one way of “laying up” treasure in heaven. Instead of piling up wealth only for yourself, you place it in God’s hands by sharing it for his purposes. That kind of giving does not mean buying salvation, but it does show a heart that values God and people more than money.

Was Jesus saying believers must never save money or own possessions?

This passage is not a blanket command that no one may own anything or plan wisely. The warning is against a greedy, fearful attitude that hoards wealth and lives as if this life is all there is. Faithful readers have applied this by saying we should hold what we have loosely, be ready to give, and not measure our life by what we own. The key question is whether our trust is in God or in money and possessions.

How can I tell if I am laying up treasure on earth or in heaven?

A good way to tell is to ask: What do I think about most? What do I fear losing the most? What do I use my time, money, and energy for? If most of your focus is on getting more stuff, comfort, or human praise, your treasure is likely on earth. If your main concern is to know God, obey him, love others, and use your resources for his purposes, you are laying up treasure in heaven. The pattern of your choices over time reveals where your heart really is.

How does this teaching about treasure affect daily life today?

This teaching challenges how we work, spend, save, and give. It pushes back against living only for a higher income, bigger house, or nicer things. Instead, it invites us to see money as something God has entrusted to us, not as our god. In daily life, that can mean being content, giving generously, refusing to cheat or cut corners for gain, and making decisions based on what has value in eternity, not just what seems profitable right now.

Matt.6.19

Matthew 6:19

KJV Jesus

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Treasures in Heaven

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.