What Psalms Are for Money & Luck?

The Bible book of Psalms is a collection of songs and poems composed by various writers, relating the best way to attain prosperity, security and success. Some websites encourage the use of the Psalms as lucky charms, believing that merely reading them will bring a person money or good fortune. The Bible’s message, however, shows that personal choice and a relationship with God determine an individual’s level of happiness. At Isaiah 65:11, the prophet specifically warns against seeking association with the gods of Luck and Destiny.

Americans tend to measure prosperity and success by how much money a person makes. So did Asaph, the man who composed Psalm 73 about 3,000 years ago. He envied the rich, who always seemed to have the advantage, even if they engaged in immoral and criminal activity. Yet after considering their outcome, he decided he wasn’t seeing the situation clearly. Eventually, he concluded that having a relationship with God offers the best life now and in the future. While Ecclesiastes 7:12 acknowledges that money serves as a protection, a truly wise person focuses on acquiring spiritual knowledge rather than financial gain. Psalm 112 relates that to be righteous, a person with money must also show a generous, giving attitude toward those in need.

Psalm 23 has provided consolation and assurance to many millions of Bible readers throughout the ages. King David, its author, recalls his days as a young boy tending sheep, and he compares God to our grand shepherd who keeps us safe, well nourished and out of harm’s way. Even when death looms near, God comforts us on an emotional and spiritual level. Psalm 115:16 tells readers that the earth, not heaven, is mankind’s home, and Psalm 37:29 assures righteous individuals that they will live on it forever, free from crime and other problems that currently interfere with a sense of peace and security.

The author of Psalm 119 strongly held that navigating through a dark and uncertain world requires divine guidance. In the 105th verse, he likened God’s word to a lamp that lights his feet and illuminates his path, helping him clearly see the best course of action to take now and down the road. Such familiarity with God’s word requires an honest and diligent search into it, yet many people find the Bible challenging to comprehend. A spiritual coach can help an individual to gain the most benefit from it, just as teachers help their students grasp difficult subjects in school. Psalm 119:127 refers to scriptural principles as more valuable than fine gold for achieving personal satisfaction and fulfillment in life.

The first chapter of Psalms reveals God’s secret to happiness. In essence, contentment and joy result when humans agree that God’s requirements are beneficial, not burdensome. With gratitude, they live their lives accordingly and rely on him for guidance. Positive association, regular Bible study, and making decisions based on scriptural principles create stable individuals not easily shaken when problems arise. In contrast, according to verses 4 through 6, people who do not follow God’s advice are quickly toppled by adversity.