Is this teaching biblical?
Meyer's declaration equates God's blessing with material comfort, implying that poverty equals divine disfavor. But Jesus declared the poor blessed, James says God chose the poor to be rich in faith, and Paul learned contentment in both abundance and lack. Biblical blessing is spiritual — it has nothing to do with bank accounts.
What did Joyce Meyer say?
"I am not poor. I am not miserable. I am blessed of God."
Speaker: Joyce Meyer
Source: Teaching on prosperity
What does Scripture actually teach?
Luke 6:20
"Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: 'Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.'"
— NKJV
Jesus declares the POOR blessed — the exact opposite of Meyer's implied equation of blessing with wealth. The kingdom belongs to the poor, not the prosperous.
James 2:5
"Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"
— NKJV
God deliberately chose the poor to be 'rich in faith' — a spiritual riches that has nothing to do with material wealth. Meyer's framework inverts biblical priorities.
Philippians 4:11-12
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound."
— NKJV
Paul found contentment in both poverty and abundance. He didn't declare himself 'blessed' only when wealthy — he was content in abasement. Meyer's declaration reflects a theology that cannot handle poverty.