Does the Bible really say, “Money is the root of all evil.”? No, it doesn’t. It’s a commonly misquoted passage. Accurately quoted it states, “…the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Some religious people believe that a Christian should live in poverty and depravation because money is evil; having things is evil; wealth is ungodly. This is a misconception; money is not evil. The “love” of money, the desire for financial gain is the root (the beginning) of evil. Most of us think that having a little “more” money would make life easier. Paul says that “great gain” comes from godliness with contentment, not from the desire for more wealth. If you long for financial gain, consider what King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10—Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. That’s a bit convicting to most of us. The problem is that a little bit more brings the desire for yet a little bit more, and on it goes.

Scriptures – 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Matthew 6:24; Deuteronomy 8:18

Verses – But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Ti 6:6-10) 

Thought – You can’t take it with you. Paul says we bring nothing with us into the world and we will take nothing when we die. The secret to financial peace is godliness with contentment. Food and clothing (which also brings the idea of shelter in the Greek translation) should be the basis for contentment. Everything else is a bonus! The desire for riches brings many temptations and a lot of grief. We have heard of or maybe personally know those who have ruined their health, their marriage, their relationships with friends and family, and even their reputations and integrity because of the desire for financial gain. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “You cannot serve both God and money.” When anything comes between you and your relationship with God, it becomes god. When your energies and thoughts are focused on making more money and having more things, you begin to serve that desire. It becomes the driving force in your life, your master. God is the one who gives us the ability to produce wealth and it is for our enjoyment, but it is also a resource for helping others and supporting God’s work. What we are given (loaned) by God is to be used for His glory and we are expected to be good stewards. Through generosity and a willingness to share, we lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. That’s the only way to take anything with you when you die… help others and invest in God’s kingdom.

Questions – How much do you depend on money for security? How hard is it for you to trust God’s provision when finances are tight? Have you had experience with people who believe wealth is evil? What do you think of someone who has great financial wealth? Are you thankful for their success? Why? Or Why not? If not, what feeling do you have? How motivated are you by money? How much does money drive your actions and decisions?

Response – Take inventory of your finances. Review your earning and spending habits. Write down ways you are being a good steward with your money. Write down ways you are not being a good steward and how you can bring those habits in line with God’s plan. Give God the tithe and whatever else He requires of you.

Prayer – Gracious God, giver of every good and perfect gift. Help me to use all that you’ve given me to honor you. Thank-you for blessing my life in so many ways. I appreciate and enjoy all that you have bestowed on me, and I want to be a grateful and faithful steward by using my resources in ways that honor and glorify you. Help me to always keep you first in my life and never to allow the desire for “more” to cause me to move me out of your will. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.