What Does the Bible Say About MLMs? A Christian’s Guide to Network Marketing
- Chad Fisher
- Aug 8
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 5
By Pastor Chad Fisher, sharing biblical insights to inspire and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
Quick Answer: MLMs (multi-level marketing) promise wealth and freedom but often bring debt, broken relationships, and misplaced trust. The Bible warns against greed, exploitation, and get-rich-quick schemes (1 Tim 6:9–10; Proverbs 28:20), urging Christians to pursue honesty, diligence, and integrity instead.
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), also known as network marketing, has become a popular side hustle in recent years. With promises of “financial freedom,” “being your own boss,” and “unlimited earning potential,” it can sound like a dream come true — especially for believers who want to provide well for their families and have more flexibility.
But behind the glossy presentations and motivational events, there are serious concerns Christians should weigh before joining an MLM. The Bible has much to say about honesty, stewardship, relationships, and the love of money — all of which are affected by involvement in MLMs.
Let’s look at seven key biblical cautions to MLMs before stepping into this world.
Key Scriptures at a Glance
1 Timothy 6:9–10 — “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation…”
Proverbs 28:20 — “The faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”
Romans 12:17 — “Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Proverbs 13:11 — “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
The Love of Money
MLM presentations often promise wealth with a get rich quick mindset — showing stories of people who travel the world, drive luxury cars, and retire young. While earning money and having nice things are not sinful, the Bible warns us about desiring wealth for its own sake.
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils…” - 1 Timothy 6:9–10 (ESV)
The danger is subtle: your motivation can shift from serving God to serving your bank account. Even if your initial goal is to provide for your family, the constant pull toward “bigger checks” and “higher ranks” can become a spiritual trap — and MLM culture often celebrates that pursuit, not resists it.
Deceptive Practices
Many MLM recruitment approaches keep details intentionally vague:
Many times the company name isn’t revealed until later.
The "MLM" or "Network Marketing" aspect is intentionally hidden or rephrased so its not clear (ex: become an Independent business owner, this is a Lifestyle business).
The actual work involved is hidden under phrases like “business opportunity” or “financial freedom.”
Challenges are downplayed, while rare success stories are highlighted.
Promises (either of wealth of produce effectiveness) are over-hyped and exaggerated.
A striking part of this vagueness is how money questions are handled. If you ask, “How much do you personally make per month or per year?” the answers are usually unclear. Instead, recruiters will tend to pivot to what’s “possible,” pointing to the dream of financial freedom. If you press further and ask, “How long would it take to replace a $50,000 to 75,000 salary?” they rarely give a straight answer — because most have not done it themselves.
Instead, presentations often spotlight one “success story” to prove it’s achievable, while ignoring the thousands who never get close. This imbalance creates a false impression of results.
Scripture is clear: “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” — 1 Peter 2:1 (ESV)
When vagueness replaces honesty, the practice falls short of biblical truthfulness. As Christians, we should be upfront and truthful about what we’re offering. If you feel the need to dodge questions like “What company is it?” or “What exactly would I be doing?” — that’s a red flag.
Damaging Your Christian Witness
Your personal credibility is one of your greatest tools for sharing the gospel. But MLM involvement can make people wary of talking to you if they feel every interaction might turn into a sales pitch. Friendships can cool, family relationships can strain, and trust can erode.
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable… that they may see your good deeds and glorify God…” - 1 Peter 2:12 (ESV)
If people stop listening to you because they think you’re always selling something, they may also stop listening to you about the most important thing — the gospel.
Using the Church as a Recruiting Ground
The church exists to glorify God through worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission — not as a sales environment. Sadly, some Christians see their congregation as a “target market,” recruiting fellow believers into their downline.
This creates division, fosters suspicion, and distracts from the church’s true mission.
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” - Romans 14:19 (ESV)
As Will Anderson warns in The Gospel Coalition, “For MLM to be profitable, aggressive recruiting is required… the church… is a networking utopia… But at what cost?”
(source: thegospelcoalition.org)
Even if your intentions are good, using your spiritual family for business recruitment risks damaging unity and trust in the body of Christ.
The Pyramidal Nature of Success
While MLMs claim they are not pyramid schemes, the income structure is still pyramid-shaped. A small number of people at the top earn most of the money, supported by a wide base of participants — most of whom are spending significant amounts of money monthly and in the end who lose money.
This means your financial gain often depends on the financial loss of others.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” - Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
Randy Alcorn, writing for Eternal Perspective Ministries, notes: “Sales is a legitimate and respectable profession. But multilevel marketing comes with its own unique set of temptations and challenges.” (source: epm.org)
If success means placing others in a position where they are statistically likely to fail, is that truly loving your neighbor?
High Monthly Costs and Financial Strain
Most MLMs require:
An initial buy-in or starter kit.
Monthly product purchases to remain “active” or qualify for bonuses.
Conference fees, training expenses, and marketing materials.
These costs add up quickly, often leading to debt and limiting a believer’s ability to give generously to God’s work.
As mentioned above, on top of the ongoing expenses, the income side remains shrouded in vagueness. Recruits are often told about “potential” rather than actual outcomes. Rarely will someone admit how little or much they’ve made, or how long it would take to reach a sustainable income.
This lack of clarity should raise red flags for Christians, because faithful stewardship requires honesty:
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
If a business can’t withstand direct questions about real earnings and timelines, it isn’t built on the kind of integrity God calls us to.
Do People Actually Make Money in MLMs?
Something to consider:
FTC analysis of 70 MLMs: Most participants earned $1,000 or less per year, and in many companies, most earned nothing at all (FTC).
Consumer Awareness Institute: Found that 99% of MLM participants lose money (Forbes).
Young Living (2018 data):
94% of distributors made less than $1 per year.
89% earned between $4 and $1,551 annually, before expenses (Wikipedia).
Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing:
30% of members earned nothing.
Most of the rest averaged $94/month before expenses (Wikipedia).
The Bible says: “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” — Proverbs 11:1 (ESV)
MLMs often highlight the rare “success story” but conceal that the overwhelming majority either lose money or earn far less than promised.
Viewing People as Dollar Signs
Perhaps the most troubling shift happens when people become “prospects” instead of friends, neighbors, or ministry opportunities. For example:
A new neighbor becomes a potential recruit.
As mentioned above, churches becoming places to recruit others.
A co-worker becomes a sales target.
Even family gatherings can become recruiting opportunities.
Basically selling or growing the business at every opportunity.
This mindset devalues people made in God’s image.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you… By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34–35 (ESV)
Christ calls us to love people sacrificially, not leverage them for personal gain.
Practical Steps for Christians Considering MLMs
Examine motives — Is this about serving God or chasing wealth no matter the cost? (Matthew 6:33)
Seek wise counsel — Get input from mentors or leaders before committing. (Proverbs 15:22)
Count the cost — Evaluate real risks and financial obligations (Luke 14:28).
Prioritize integrity — Choose paths where your witness is strengthened, not questioned (Romans 12:17).
Pursue diligent work — Seek opportunities built on steady faithfulness (Colossians 3:23).
Common Questions About MLMs and the Bible
Is joining an MLM a sin?
Not automatically, but if it leads to greed, deception, or harm to others, it conflicts with biblical principles.
Why do many Christians warn against MLMs?
Because most participants lose money, and the structure often preys on relationships for financial gain.
Are there biblical alternatives to MLMs?
Yes. Scripture commends honest work, entrepreneurship, and stewardship that honor God and bless others.
What should I pray if I’m considering an MLM?
Pray for wisdom, pure motives, and the courage to walk away if it doesn’t align with God’s will (James 1:5).
How can I discern God’s will in business decisions?
Test opportunities through prayer, Scripture, wise counsel, and the fruit it will bear (Galatians 5:22–23).
What is true biblical success?
Faithfulness to God’s calling, living with integrity, and stewarding resources well — not chasing quick riches.
A Final Word
I would suggest that most MLM participants start with good intentions and don't have bad motives. Some truly love the product they sell and want to help others. But the structure and culture of MLMs can create spiritual hazards, relational damage, and financial strain that make them a risky choice for followers of Christ.
Before joining an MLM, weigh the cost carefully — not just in dollars, but in relationships, integrity, and spiritual influence. Ask yourself:
Will this strengthen my witness for Christ or weaken it?
Am I being fully honest about what’s involved?
Is my motivation love for God and people, or love for profit?
What limits will I put on myself so I don't fall into these danger areas?
Your calling is higher than any rank, and your reward in Christ is worth more than any bonus check.
Want more insight on this topic, read:
The Financial Realities of MLMs: A Biblical Stewardship Perspective
How MLMs Can Harm Christian Witness and Damage Church Relationships
MLMs vs. Pyramid Schemes: Understanding the Difference and the Biblical Cautions
Regular Business vs MLM: What’s the Difference for Christian Entrepreneurs?
MLMs and the Danger of Selling the Dream Instead of the Product
Christians and MLMs: Why Faith and Multi-Level Marketing Often Don’t Mix
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Written by Pastor Chad Fisher — Pentecostal Pastor & Bible teacher with 30+ years of ministry experience and author of several Christian books. Learn more →
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