READ: Luke 12:15-21
“As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” – Jeremiah 17:10-11
Labour not to be rich because ill-gotten riches can cut your life short. Those who get riches but not in the right way, can have their life cut short. Labour not to be rich because earthly riches can turn you into a fool.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:20-21
Labour not to be rich because riches can prevent you from taking up your cross and following Jesus. Riches can prevent you from entering the kingdom of God.
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. and Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Mark 10:21-23
Labour not to be rich because riches are deceptive and can deceive you.
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4:19