The Love of Money, the Root of All Evil
Is money evil? The answer is no. But when you love money more than you do God and people, then it becomes evil. Or, to say, the love of money becomes evil. When you notice in 1 Timothy 6:10, it says love, and it specifies that loving money becomes the root cause of evil. Says “root,” indicating the start or origin of something, such as evil. Therefore, do not love money more than God and more than people; they're worth more than any money can buy; in other words, they're priceless.
1 Timothy 6:10: "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."
The Bible has a lot to say about money, its use, and its potential to lead people astray. Let’s explore more scriptures that deal with money and its implications.
Money and Lending
Money itself is a neutral tool. It is our attitude towards it and how we use it that determines its moral value. One significant aspect is the practice of lending and interest, as seen in the Old Testament.
Exodus 22:25: "If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer (interest), nor shalt thou lay upon him usury (interest)."
Deuteronomy 23:19: "Thou shalt not lend upon usury (interest) to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury."
These verses demonstrate the importance of treating the poor and those in need with compassion and fairness, avoiding practices that exploit or harm them.
Contentment and Joy
The Bible also speaks about contentment and finding joy in what we have, rather than constantly seeking more money and possessions.
Deuteronomy 14:26: "And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desires: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household."
Ecclesiastes 10:19: "A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answereth all things."
These verses highlight the proper use of money—to support well-being and joy, not as an end in itself.
Warnings Against Wealth
The New Testament carries forward these warnings, cautioning against the dangers of wealth and the importance of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.
Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Luke 12:15: "Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'"
These teachings of Jesus emphasize the temporary nature of earthly wealth and the eternal value of spiritual riches.
Generosity and Giving
The Bible encourages generosity and the proper use of money to help others.
Proverbs 11:24-25: "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Generosity not only benefits others but also enriches the giver spiritually.
Trust in God, Not Wealth
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that our trust should be in God, not in material wealth.
Proverbs 11:28: "Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."
Philippians 4:19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
By placing our trust in God rather than money, we align our priorities with divine wisdom and experience true contentment and security.
Quranic Perspective
Islam also addresses the use of money and the dangers of greed, with similar teachings about generosity and fairness.
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275: "Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, 'Trade is [just] like interest.' But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest."
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:276: "Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever."
Surah Al-Hadid 57:20: "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children. Like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion."
These verses highlight the importance of ethical use of money and the greater spiritual rewards of charity and fairness.
Conclusion
The Bible and the Quran both provide profound teachings about money, emphasizing that it is not inherently evil. However, the love of money, greed, and the unethical use of wealth can lead to spiritual and moral downfall. By prioritizing our relationship with God, practicing generosity, and using money ethically, we align ourselves with divine wisdom and experience true contentment and fulfillment.
In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.
St. Mykul’s prayer:
“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”
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