world as good, from his desire that all have access to at least a modicum of property, and from the fact that material possessions within God’s covenant with Israel are a blessing for their obedience. Throughout the Old Testament, Job, Abraham, David, Solomon and a variety of other figures demonstrate that riches and godliness can coexist, at least for a time. The proverbial literature offers riches as a reward for wholesome work. The New Testament likewise recognizes an increasing number of well-to-do