Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 6:19

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:" — Matthew 6:19 (ASV)

The prohibition of this verse could well be rendered “stop storing up treasures”; the time for a decisive break has come. The love of wealth is a great evil (1 Timothy 6:10), calling forth frequent warnings. For heirs of the kingdom to hoard riches in the last days (James 5:2–3) is particularly shortsighted. Yet as with many of Jesus’ prohibitions in this sermon, it would be foolhardy so to absolutize this one that wealth itself becomes an evil. Elsewhere the Scriptures require a man to provide for his relatives (1 Timothy 5:8), commend work and provision for the future (Proverbs 6:6–8), and encourage us to enjoy the good things the Creator has given us (1 Timothy 4:3–4; 1 Timothy 6:17). Jesus is concerned about selfishness; his disciples must not lay up treasures for themselves.

The “treasures on earth” might be clothing that could be attacked by moths.

Fashions changed little, and garments could be passed on. They could also deteriorate. “Rust” refers not only to the corrosion of metals but to the destruction effected by rats, mildew, and the like. Less corruptible treasures could be stolen.