Is Money the Root of All Evil?

Sharing is caring!

There is nothing wrong with having money

You have probably heard someone say, “Money is the root of all evil!” However, that’s not what Scripture teaches. Rather, Scripture teaches that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil.

The passage in question shows up in 1 Timothy 6:10 where the apostle Paul provides advice to his protégé, Timothy. Here are a few translations:

• “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (New Living Translation)
• “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (New International Version)
• “Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” (The Message)

Earn all the money you can!

So, we can see money in and of itself is neutral. It can be used for good or for ill. We all must earn and spend money. However, particularly for most men who feel the need to provide for their family, how are we to approach the subject of money?

The leader of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, was noted for proclaiming: “Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can!” These were the three basic points of John Wesley’s famous sermon entitled, “The Use of Money.” Let’s examine Wesley’s first point as a way to think about money and finances.

Are you considered a hard worker? The Scriptures are not silent on this topic of hard work and earning a living. Here’s a partial list:

1. 1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
2. Colossians 3:23-25: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward”.
3. Proverbs 14:23: “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty”.
4. Proverbs 13:4: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied”.
5. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat”.

Jesus did not view money as evil

Jesus wasn’t against people having money. Jesus did not view money as evil. What Jesus frowned upon was the excess love of money. He was saddened when the rich young ruler walked away from following him due to his love of money. But he was amazed at the faithful generosity of the widow who gave all she had. When he examined the image of Caesar on a Roman coin he proclaimed, “Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, but give unto God that which is God’s.”  (Mark 12:17)

In this season of giving, give generously

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, let’s be grateful we have a way to earn a living, remembering everything we possess comes from our faithful Father. As we approach the season of giving, and year-end giving, let’s give generously to support God’s work in the world. Remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

© Dr. Paul Pettit

This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.

_______________________________________________________________

Learn how to form teams of men for every widow, single mom

and fatherless child in your church at NewCommandment.org.

_______________________________________________________________