It is not riches or money that is condemned, but the will to be rich and the love of money. "Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare" (1 Timothy 6:9). One who has nothing may still desire to be rich-- and if so, he is on dangerous ground. And, it is possible for one who has riches to be preserved from setting his heart on riches. Instead, he may be rich in good works, using his wealth for the Lord and to relieve the needs of others (verses 17-18).

But the love of money is simply a sign of lusting after those things which may be bought for money. When this is so, it is a great mercy for many a man that he does not get the money he wants, for it is likely only to lead him into more sin.

These are the very things that drown men in destruction and perdition (verse 9). True believers certainly will have no such end, but they are yet seriously warned against polluting themselves with those things that cause the ungodly to perish.

Notice the footnote in some Bibles: "It is not that there is no other root; but the love of money is characterized by being such [a root]" (a footnote of the translation by John N. Darby). That is, it is a root that bears all manner of evil, though it is not the only root.

Covetousness will lead one far astray from the faith, and some had already been so overcome, piercing themselves through with many sorrows. Selfishness will always defeat its own ends. What a contrast in our blessed Lord, who gave Himself for us!

Leslie M. Grant