Money—got to have it to live. Everyone works for it in one way or another. It is a key ingredient to our existence. The Lord Himself recognized its necessity, as He had one of His disciples in charge of “the bag” (John 12:6; 13:29). If the Lord used it, then money cannot be inherently wrong. The question is: what is my attitude toward it? The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (I Tim. 6:10).
In the contrast between rich and poor, the very rich King Solomon recorded: “The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke” (Prov. 13:8). While the rich are often targeted for their wealth, and may be able to pay their way out through ransom, the poor have no such concerns. Extortion, kidnappings, worry, and loss are concerns of the wealthy. Money, and having a lot of it, brings a false sense of security. While the poor have their own concerns, they are not burdened with the worries of the rich. It is in this contrast that we learn money does not solve all problems. One can enjoy a very rich life without it (Prov. 13:7). Life is what you choose to make it. Jesus paid a ransom far greater than money so that we might be truly rich (II Cor. 8:9), which is the key to the abundant, happy life.
Ancient defenses were designed around fortified areas of retreat in times of attack. Strong towers and fortified cities were established to help protect the population (Judg. 9:51; Jonah 1:2). With that understanding comes the proverb: “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem” (Prov. 18:11). The rich trust their wealth to save them. It was true then, and it is true now. People desire money for protection. It is used by individuals and governments to buy favor. The Word of God says: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all” (Prov. 22:1–2). What lasts forever—money or God’s loving favor? How much money is required for good health? Or what does happiness cost? The true strong tower is the “name of the Lord,” and “the righteous run to it and are safe” (Prov. 18:10).
Monetary wealth can make one conceited. It puffs up and brings arrogance to those who have it. Such attitudes are diametrically opposed to the attitude of a Christian (Jas. 4:10). The Bible student will remember the church at Laodicea, which claimed to be “rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing.” Arrogant and standing for nothing, it made the Lord sick (Rev. 3:14–22). Wealth makes some, even in the church, think that they can say and do anything and get by with it. Wealth can cause spiritual blindness (Rev. 3:17) if we let it.
Is it a sin to be wealthy? No, but if we are not careful, we can let wealth and the pursuit of it cause us to sin. Guard your heart. Check your life and your attitude. Make sure that your desire is pure and your heart humble before the living God. Use the money God gives you wisely, and invest in things eternal.
David Hill
President
Tennessee Bible College