Does The Bible Really Say Money Is The Root Of All Evil?
Money is the root of all evil! That’s what it says in the Bible, right? Actually no! The expression, “Money is the root of all evil” is not only misquoted but an entire passage is taken out of context as well. So does that mean money is not evil? Let’s find out.
9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
But those who desire to be rich, that chase after wealth will fall into a trial of integrity and virtue; it is a trap. Chasing riches for riches sake will lead a man into many unknown, unforeseen and destructive cravings and vices.
The consequences of the desire for riches is described as drowning, a slow gasp for gasp sinking into the pool of destruction. Enveloped by adversity it produces both physical and mental ruin and misery.
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.
“For the love of money”or better put; avarice. This is an extreme need for wealth and greed for material gain. This is a lust that blinds and squelches Godly affections and thought and permits nothing to stand between the man and his intended goal. Avarice is a cruel seductress that pricks both the heart and mind of a man and causes him to lose all sensibilities.
“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life” (Proverbs 7:21-23).
When avarice is the root the tree will wither and die.
“pierced themselves through” is a metaphor meaning to torture one's soul with sorrows. The snares and traps set by lust and wantonness exact a pound of flesh and copious amounts of the human spirit.
11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
The man of God is to proceed away from these evil lusts quickly and pursue after that which gives life and life more abundantly. Godly things are, “profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1Timothy 4:8)
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We that are in Christ and Christ in us, “have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24-25). As a result the natural outflow from the Spirit will possess us and guide us to all things righteous and godly.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
We have a choice. Chase worldly riches and suffer then perish. Or we can walk in the Spirit and have an eternal, blissful life.
12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
To “fight” is describing entering a contest. It is a strenuous task fought and participated in with zeal. This is our faith that we must fight for and lay hold of. We have an adversary in the devil that will most assuredly win if we do not fight. Victory is his if we do not put on the whole armor of God and fight the good fight of faith.
Post your comments below about the love of money and fighting the good fight of faith.
Bill Hitchcock
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