Money is the Root of All Evil
So, what does the bible say?
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:10 KJV
I like to look up definitions of words and phrases we assume we know. I find that sometimes we don’t- at least not the way we think we do. In all our ways, let’s get an understanding. For the sake of time, I’ll list three.
For: Strong’s Concordance defines this word as a primary particle; properly assigning a reason. Dictionary.com has over 30 definitions, but in context, most appropriate is #34: because.
Love of money: Both the Thayer and Strong’s bible dictionaries define it as “avarice.” Dictionary.com defines avarice as: insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.
Coveted after: Strong’s defines it as: to stretch oneself, that is, reach out after (long for).
So, 1 Timothy 6:10 begins with the word, “For.” That means it’s building on a thought. The previous verse (vs 9) says “But those that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.”
Those are heavy words. I encourage you to prayerful look up these words/phrases, in your personal study. But for now, let’s look at a few things. How do we who will be rich fall into such a utterly destructive state (perdition)? That’s exactly what vs 10 is expounding upon. It’s “because” the love of money is the root of all evil.”
So, even though many of you eagerly picked up on the misquote in the title of this post, and probably exclaimed, “Money IS NOT the root of all evil, but the LOVE OF money:” there is a still a very real truth that we have to face.
Money is not sinful. Money is just a medium of exchange. It has no heart, no will, no preferences; and it takes no action on its own. It’s just a thing. But, let’s face it, that thing gets a lot of us in trouble. Those who will be rich, set their determination to that end (to become rich) and consequently fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts. If in our hearts, we have to have it, that love of money will lead to kinds of evil.
Do you get a sick feeling in your stomach- like I do- when you read a passage like this? It’s a reminder to examine our desires, what we do, and why; isn’t it? After all, God doesn’t just say something to be saying it.
Let’s not be so quick to say, that doesn’t apply to me. If we are honest, most of us wouldn’t mind having more money. And we likely have some good reasons (want to get out of debt, provide a better quality of life for our family, help our aging parents, give back, etc.) and some lesser noble things. But, when our hearts start to covet (eagerly/greedily desire) after riches, wealth, money; we have erred from the faith and set ourselves up for much sorrow and grief. Except for the grace of God, before you know it, we’ll find ourselves making all kinds of compromises and all kinds of excuses. It happens all the time and most people don’t wise up, but die in their sin.
This is how God uses this passage in my life, as a born again believer. I know the Word of God is true. I admit I sometimes find myself dreaming too much about becoming wealthy. My desires are not always balanced, but when Jesus Christ/The Word of God speaks to me, I can say, “Nevertheless your will be done.” If I remain in the same job, in the same home, it is well with my soul. If I should lose the little I have, it is well with my soul. Yet, I feel like Christ has called me to a work (to share the things He’s taught me) and as long as He prepares the way for me to keep moving forward, I will do so, in faith. I pray only that it will be for His joy and glory.
There’s a lot more we can talk about- and if the Lord says so, we will.
In the meanwhile, how are you applying this passage of scripture?
