Answers

Q:

Is money evil? I've heard that the Bible says this someplace, but does this mean it's wrong to have a good job and have a nice home and try to make your family financially secure?


A:

The Bible doesn’t say that money is evil but it does say that money becomes evil when we love it and let it dominate our lives. The Bible says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Money is like many other things in life: It can be a source of great good, or it can be a source of great evil. For example, you need to take care of your family and provide them with the things they need, and God approves of that. Through your generosity you also can help others who are in need, especially in parts of the world where life is very difficult. The Bible says, “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).

The problem is that money can take over our lives—and when we let that happen, it becomes the source of much evil. How many marriages have been broken up because a husband or wife became consumed with money and things? How many businessmen have compromised their integrity or hurt other people because they were driven by money?

The greatest danger, however, is that money can take God’s place in our lives. This is why Jesus warned, “No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24). Don’t let this happen to you, but commit yourself to Christ and put Him first in your life and your family.