Growing up, I often heard people say, “Money is the root of all evil.” For a long time, I thought that meant Christians should avoid money or wealth entirely. But as I began to study the Bible more deeply, I realized that this statement isn’t quite accurate. What I discovered instead was a balanced view of money that honors God and reflects biblical wisdom.
The Bible does not teach that money itself is evil. Instead, it warns against the love of money and the dangers of making wealth an idol. Let’s explore what Scripture really says about money and how we, as followers of Christ, can handle it in a way that pleases God.
But this is just the beginning—God’s Word offers even deeper wisdom on this issue that can transform your perspective on wealth and money.
Money is a Tool, Not the Problem
One of the most commonly misquoted verses in the Bible is found in 1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT), which says, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” Notice that the Bible doesn’t say money itself is evil, but the love of money.
Money is neutral—neither good nor bad. It’s simply a tool that can be used for various purposes, both righteous and sinful. In fact, money can be a powerful resource for good when used according to God’s will. Consider how many ministries, charities, and churches rely on financial resources to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and spread the gospel. Proverbs 3:9 (NLT) encourages us to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.”
When we view money as a tool rather than an end goal, it becomes easier to use it wisely. It can bless others, provide for our needs, and bring glory to God. However, the problem arises when we place our trust in money, allowing it to consume our thoughts and hearts.
The Dangers of Loving Money
So if money isn’t evil, why does the Bible issue such strong warnings against it? The answer lies in our hearts. When we fall into the trap of loving money, we risk falling into a dangerous spiral that can lead us away from God.
Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 6:24 (NLT), where He says, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” The love of money can easily lead to greed, pride, and selfishness. It causes people to prioritize wealth over their relationship with God and their responsibilities to others.
When we place our love and trust in money, it can lead to dangerous consequences. It breeds discontentment, causing us to constantly desire more, never satisfied with what we have. Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT) warns, “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!”
How to Use Money for God’s Glory
If money isn’t inherently evil, then how can we use it in a way that honors God? The Bible provides clear guidance on how Christians can steward their resources wisely.
First, we must recognize that everything we have comes from God. Psalm 24:1 (NLT) says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” This means that our money, like everything else in life, is a gift from God. When we view our finances as belonging to God, it shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship.
Next, we are called to be generous. Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Generosity reflects the heart of God, who gave us the greatest gift of all—His Son, Jesus Christ. By being generous with our finances, we can extend God’s love to those in need and support the work of His kingdom.
A practical way to honor God with our money is by creating a budget that prioritizes giving. Set aside a portion of your income to give to your local church, ministries, or those in need. By making generosity a regular part of your financial plan, you will experience the joy that comes from using your money to bless others.
Guarding Against Greed and Materialism
In a world that promotes materialism and wealth as a measure of success, it’s important to guard our hearts against greed. Jesus warned in Luke 12:15 (NLT), “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Greed often starts subtly, convincing us that we need just a little bit more to be happy. But chasing after material possessions can never satisfy the deeper longings of our hearts. True contentment comes from trusting God to meet our needs, not from accumulating more wealth.
Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) offers this encouragement: “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'” When we place our trust in God rather than money, we can experience peace and security, knowing that He will provide for us.
A practical way to combat greed is by practicing gratitude. Take time each day to thank God for the blessings you already have, whether it’s your home, your family, or the ability to meet your basic needs. This helps shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance you’ve already been given.
Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that our focus should not be on accumulating earthly wealth, but on storing up treasures in heaven. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT), “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t save money or plan for the future. It means we should hold our wealth loosely, recognizing that earthly riches are temporary. What matters most is investing in eternal things—our relationship with God, loving others, and spreading the gospel.
Ask yourself, “Where is my treasure?” Are you more focused on building up earthly wealth or on growing in your relationship with Christ? By placing your hope in the things of God, you can live a life of purpose and joy that transcends material possessions.
Conclusion: Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Purpose
So, is money evil? No, money itself is not evil. It is a tool that can be used for good or bad, depending on how we handle it. The real issue lies in our hearts and whether we are seeking God first or allowing money to become an idol.
By keeping God as our ultimate treasure, practicing generosity, and guarding against the love of money, we can manage our finances in a way that brings glory to Him. Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 (NLT): “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”