Can Money Buy Happiness?

Nov 7, 2025

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“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free. If our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.” - Edmund Burke

It’s a familiar thought: If I just had a little more money, life would be better. We’ve all been there—believing that one more raise, one more purchase, one more upgrade will finally bring contentment. But as many have discovered, that thought rarely delivers what it promises.

The question “Can money buy happiness?” isn’t new, and neither is the answer. From philosophers to billionaires to biblical writers, the conclusion is the same: wealth can make life comfortable, but it cannot make life complete.

Why Money Can’t Deliver What It Promises

We don’t know how much Edmund Burke studied Scripture, but his words echo a timeless truth. Paul warned Timothy, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10). When we expect money to solve our problems or satisfy our hearts, disappointment always follows.

Financial author Ron Blue explores this in his book, Generous Living: Finding Contentment Through Giving, pointing out a deep disconnect between what we believe and how we behave. Most of us would agree that “money can’t buy happiness,” yet nearly every message in our culture insists that it can. The world doesn’t just tempt us to spend more—it trains us to depend on more.

Advertising drives this message home. Every commercial suggests that joy is only one purchase away. The right car, the latest phone, the perfect vacation—each one whispers that happiness is for sale. But when our hearts attach to things that fade, anxiety soon takes root. Instead of owning our possessions, our possessions begin to own us.

John D. Rockefeller, worth billions in today’s dollars, once admitted, “I have made many millions, but they have brought me no happiness.” Henry Ford echoed the same sentiment: “I was happier when I was doing a mechanic’s job.” And long before them, King Solomon—the wealthiest man of his day—wrote, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money; this also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

Three men, three eras, one truth: money can’t satisfy the soul.

Two Myths About Wealth

Ron Blue identifies two common lies about money:

More money brings more freedom and satisfaction. In reality, more money brings more complexity. As Ron Blue also notes in his book, “Since there are always unlimited ways to spend limited dollars, it doesn’t matter whether you make $20,000 or $200,000—you will always have choices to make.” With greater wealth comes greater responsibility and potential stress.
More money removes fear and worry. The opposite is often true. The more we have, the more we have to lose. Market downturns and unexpected crises reveal that our sense of security is fragile when it’s built on wealth.

In those moments, God invites us to a deeper trust—not in our accounts or assets, but in His character. His provision is measured not by our portfolios but by His promises.

So how do we break free from financial fear? It begins with a shift in perspective: realizing it’s not your money. You’re a steward, not an owner. Everything you have belongs to God.

Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God promises provision, not luxury. He gives enough for His purpose in your life, not necessarily for every preference.

Our role is faithfulness—to manage His resources wisely, give generously, and hold loosely what He entrusts to us. Enjoy His gifts, but never expect them to give you peace or identity. Those belong to God alone.

Finding Joy That Lasts

Psalm 37:3–5 gives us the pathway to contentment: “Trust in the Lord, and do good… Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

When we delight in God, He reshapes our desires. We stop chasing what fades and start finding joy in what lasts. True wealth isn’t measured by net worth but by contentment.

So, can money buy happiness? Not the kind that endures. It can buy comfort and convenience—but not peace, purpose, or joy. Those come only from trusting the One who provides.

When your hope rests in Christ and not your paycheck, you’ll experience what Edmund Burke described centuries ago: true freedom that never fades.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I’m 30 and trying to be proactive about my financial future. Should I consider getting long-term care insurance this early, or wait until later in life? And would adding annuities make sense at my age?
I’m a veteran with a VA loan at 6.75%, and I keep getting offers to refinance through a VA IRRRL. I’ve only been in my home for about a year, but as a single mom, lowering my payment would really help. Should I go ahead and refinance now, or wait?
My employer offers both a traditional 401(k) and a Roth option. If I switch to contributing to the Roth, will my employer match still go there, and would it also be tax-free when I withdraw it?
I recently replaced my old truck with a 2023 model, and the seller is offering an extended warranty for $4,000. It sounds comprehensive, but I’ve read many negative reviews about these plans. Are extended warranties on vehicles generally worth it?

Resources Mentioned:

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