Topical Bible: Money: Love of, the Root of Evil

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The concept of the love of money as the root of all evil is primarily derived from the New Testament, specifically from the Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 6:10 , Paul writes, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This passage highlights the dangers and spiritual pitfalls associated with an excessive desire for wealth.

Biblical Context and Interpretation

The phrase "love of money" (Greek: φιλαργυρία, philargyria) refers to an inordinate affection or greed for wealth. It is important to note that the scripture does not condemn money itself, but rather the love of it. Money, in its essence, is a neutral medium of exchange, but the excessive desire for it can lead to moral and spiritual corruption.

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous warnings against greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of one's spiritual well-being. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24). This underscores the incompatibility of serving God while being enslaved by the pursuit of wealth.

Historical and Cultural Background

In the ancient world, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor, yet the biblical narrative frequently challenges this notion. The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who fell into sin due to their love of money. Achan's sin in Joshua 7, where he coveted and took forbidden spoils, led to Israel's defeat and his own destruction. Similarly, the account of Gehazi in 2 Kings 5 illustrates the consequences of greed when he deceitfully obtained gifts from Naaman, resulting in leprosy.

In the New Testament, the account of Judas Iscariot serves as a poignant example of the destructive power of the love of money. For thirty pieces of silver, Judas betrayed Jesus, an act that led to his ultimate despair and demise (Matthew 26:14-16).

Theological Implications

The love of money is often associated with idolatry, as it can become an object of worship, replacing God in one's life. Colossians 3:5 warns believers to "put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." This passage links greed directly to idolatry, emphasizing the spiritual danger of allowing material wealth to take precedence over one's relationship with God.

The love of money can also lead to a host of other sins, such as dishonesty, theft, and exploitation. James 5:1-6 admonishes the wealthy who have hoarded wealth and exploited laborers, warning of impending judgment. This reflects the broader biblical theme that wealth should be used responsibly and ethically, with a focus on justice and compassion.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "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 call to contentment is a reminder that true security and fulfillment come from God, not material wealth.

The early Christian community exemplified a counter-cultural approach to wealth, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 , where believers shared their possessions and resources to meet each other's needs. This model of generosity and communal support serves as an enduring example for Christians to prioritize relationships and spiritual values over material gain.

In summary, the biblical teaching on the love of money as the root of all evil serves as a cautionary reminder of the spiritual dangers associated with greed and materialism. Believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all necessary things will be provided (Matthew 6:33).

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether Covetousness is the Root of all Sins?
... for the immutable God; and consequently charity, which is the love of God, is called
the root of the ... Reply to Objection 2: The desire of money is said to be ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether covetousness is the root.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... There is no love of money, the root of evil, there is no self-love [1405] : there
is no boasting; for why should one boast over his friend? ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

How Difficult the Evil of Covetousness is to Drive Away when once ...
... of evil," and becomes a hopeless incitement to wickedness, as the Apostle says,
"Covetousness," ie the love of money, "is a root of all kinds of evil." [879]. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter vi how difficult the.htm

Explanation of "Corban. "
... And perhaps, when the Apostle says, "The love of money is a root of all evils,"
[5421] he says it because of Judas' love of money, which was a root of ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/9 explanation of corban.htm

What was the Life in Paradise, and what was the Forbidden Tree ?
... The beauty of the substance seems good to those who love money: yet "the love of
money is a root of all evil [1685] ": and who would plunge into the unsavoury ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xx what was the life.htm

The Use of Money
... "The love of money," we know, "is the root of all evil;" but not the thing itself.
The fault does not lie in the money, but in them that use it. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 50 the use of.htm

Of the Engagement Made in Baptism, and of those who have Given ...
... It commends the love of money, of which it is said, The love of money is the root
of all evil; [2774] and which has this evil in especial, that while it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/vi of the engagement made.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... do they enslave; houses, lands, flocks, money, will they ... Lord visit you in mercy
and in love, bringing you ... kingdom shine forth, and from your root shall arise ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... For the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil; that is, in brief, The Love of Riches
and temporal Enjoyments is the great reason why Men are guilty of such ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

God and Mammon.
... He told them that the love of money is the root of all evil; and that those who
will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvi god and mammon.htm