Topical Encyclopedia Avarice, often synonymous with greed, is a strong desire for material wealth or gain, disregarding spiritual or ethical considerations. The Bible addresses avarice as a significant moral and spiritual issue, warning against its dangers and consequences.Old Testament References 1. Proverbs 15:27 · "He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live." This proverb highlights the destructive nature of greed, emphasizing that it not only affects the individual but also their family and community. 2. Ecclesiastes 5:10 · "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile." The Preacher in Ecclesiastes points out the insatiable nature of avarice, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth is ultimately unfulfilling. 3. Micah 2:2 · "They covet fields and seize them; they also take houses. They defraud a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance." This passage condemns those who, driven by greed, exploit and oppress others to increase their own wealth. New Testament References 1. Luke 12:15 · "Then He said to them, 'Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" Jesus warns His followers to be vigilant against greed, teaching that true life is not measured by material wealth. 2. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 · "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Paul cautions Timothy about the spiritual dangers of desiring wealth, noting that it can lead to moral and spiritual downfall. 3. Hebrews 13:5 · "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This exhortation encourages believers to find contentment in God's provision rather than in material wealth. Moral and Spiritual Implications The Bible consistently portrays avarice as a vice that leads individuals away from God and towards self-destruction. It is often linked with other sins such as deceit, theft, and idolatry. The Scriptures urge believers to cultivate contentment, generosity, and trust in God's provision, contrasting these virtues with the destructive nature of greed. Warnings and Exhortations 1. Colossians 3:5 · "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." Paul equates greed with idolatry, indicating that it can take the place of God in one's heart. 2. James 5:1-3 · "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days." James warns the wealthy of the judgment that awaits those who hoard wealth at the expense of righteousness. The biblical perspective on avarice is clear: it is a perilous path that leads away from God and true fulfillment. Believers are called to reject greed and embrace a life of faith, contentment, and generosity. Nave's Topical Index Ecclesiastes 4:7,8Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. Nave's Topical Index Ecclesiastes 5:10,11 1 Timothy 3:2,3 1 Timothy 6:5,10 Titus 1:7 Library The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ... Concerning the Sacrament of Penance Dr. Martin Luther Concerning Penitence and Indulgences. Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Regeneration the life of constantine The Orthodox Confession of Mogilas, AD 1643. From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla Resources What are the most common things people think are in the Bible that are not actually in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Bernard of Clairvaux? | GotQuestions.org What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.org Avarice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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