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Can you comment on the Bible and Greed?


Introduction. The Christian is to have ambition in the sense of desiring to provide for himself and his family, the Lord's work, and the truly needy (2 Thes. 3: 10; 1 Tim. 5: 8; 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2; Eph. 4: 28). However, there is a material difference between such industry and greed.

The meaning of greed. Regarding those who are greedy the Bible says, "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house..." (Prov. 15: 27). There are people whom the Bible describes as greedy in the commission of sin (Eph. 4: 19). One word that involves and describes greed is the word "covet." There are about seven different Hebrew and Greek words translated covet. "To desire for oneself," "to fix the mind on," and "to extend the arms for anything" are the meanings of three of these words translated covet.

The teaching of the Bible concerning greed. As intimated, greed is inordinate and misdirected ambition and desire. Paul said, "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel" (Acts 20: 33). Rather than being guilty of covetousness and greed, Paul assisted others (vs. 34). In so doing, he serves as an example (vs. 35). Even preachers can be guilty of greed (1 Tim. 6: 5-11). Some are greedy because they believe materialism is the answer. Jesus addressed some greedy people when he said, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12: 15). Jesus then described a greedy farmer and the waste that characterized him (vs. 16-21). Greed precludes contentment (Heb. 13: 5). Moreover, greed is the prolific cause of all evil. "The love of money is the root of all evil," penned Paul (1 Tim. 6: 10).

The Bible contrasts the greedy and the giver. In describing the greedy the wise man wrote, "He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not" (Prov. 21: 26). The greedy multiply their problems (Prov. 21: 25, 26).
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