Lesson 37 Explore 1: Is Money the Root of All Evil? Or, Is It “the Love of Money”?
The Bible’s answer
No. The Bible does not say that money is evil, nor does it identify money as the underlying cause of all bad things. The common expression “money is the root of all evil” is an incomplete and misleading Bible quotation. The Bible actually says that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” - King James Version, emphasis ours.
(1 Timothy 6.10: For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.)
• What does the Bible say about money?
• Why does the Bible warn about the love of money?
• How can we benefit from the Bible’s advice on money?
• Bible verses about money
What does the Bible say about money?
The Bible acknowledges that money, when used wisely, can be useful, even serving as “a protection.”
(Ecclesiastes 7.12: For wisdom is a protection just as money is a protection, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.)
Additionally, the Bible commends those who show generosity toward others, which may include monetary gifts.-
(Proverbs 11.25: The generous person will prosper, And whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.)
At the same time, the Bible cautions against making money the focus of life. It says: “Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.”
(Hebrews 13.5: Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”)
The lesson is to keep money in its place and not pursue wealth. Instead, we should aim to be content with the things we really need, such as food, clothing, and shelter.-
(1 Timothy 6.8: So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things.)
Why does the Bible warn about the love of money?
Greedy people will not gain everlasting life.
(Ephesians 5.5: For you know this, recognizing it for yourselves, that no sexually immoral person or unclean person or greedy person, which means being an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of the Christ and of God.)
For one thing, greed is a form of idolatry, or false worship.
(Colossians 3.5: Deaden, therefore, your body members that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness, which is idolatry.)
For another, in their effort to get what they desire, the greedy often abandon good principles. Those “hastening to get rich will not remain innocent,” says
(Proverbs 28.20: A faithful man will receive many blessings, But the one hastening to get rich will not remain innocent.)
They might even be tempted to commit crimes, such as blackmail, extortion, fraud, kidnapping, or murder.
Even if the love of money does not lead to bad behavior, it can have other negative consequences. The Bible says that “those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires.”-
(1 Timothy 6.9: But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin.)
How can we benefit from the Bible’s advice on money?
If we do not compromise moral and spiritual values for the sake of money, we will have self-respect along with God’s favor and support. To those who sincerely try to please him, God promises: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”
(Hebrews 13.5, 6: Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” So that we may be of good courage and say: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”)
He also assures us that “a faithful man will receive many blessings.”-
(Proverbs 28.20: A faithful man will receive many blessings, But the one hastening to get rich will not remain innocent.)
Bible Verses About Money
“Money is a protection.”
(Ecclesiastes 7.12: For wisdom is a protection just as money is a protection, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.)
Meaning: When used wisely, money can be beneficial because it adds a measure of security.
“Even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.”
(Luke 12.15: Then he said to them: “Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of greed, because even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.”)
Meaning: Money is not the most important thing in life, and it will not contribute to our salvation.
1 Timothy 6:10: “The love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”
Meaning: Money in itself is not wrong. But people who love money-who make it their main focus in life-bring problems on themselves, such as broken families and poor health from overwork.
Hebrews 13:5: “Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.”
Meaning: Instead of pursuing wealth at all costs, we are wise to be content with what we really need.
Matthew 19:24: “It is easier for a camel to get through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Meaning: Jesus had just invited a rich young man to follow him. The man refused because he was too attached to his possessions. So Jesus was giving a warning. A person who puts riches before God risks losing everlasting life.
[End of article.]