The Chalcedon Foundation

(Reprinted from Larceny in the Heart [Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books, 2002], 55-59)

According to D. B. Knox, “The view of the Old Testament and of the New Testament is that wealth is a blessing from God.”¹ A statement like that is very upsetting to many modern churchmen, who are bent on establishing wealth as a mark of sin. Some ministers have maintained that to make more than $30,000 a year is sinful; other churchmen, whose salaries perhaps approach that sum, have set the sinful level somewhat higher! Abraham, blessed by God, was made rich (Gen. 13:2). Psalm 112:1–3 declares,

1. Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
2. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Men are called to be faithful in the use of wealth (Luke 16:11), and to be liberal toward those in need (1 Tim. 6:18). Riches are a blessing to be enjoyed, but with a sense of responsibility (1 Tim. 6:17–18). We are not to trust in our wealth but in the Lord (Ps. 62); those who trust in their wealth or riches are denounced (Luke 6:24–25; James 5:1–6), and their trust is productive of evil.

However, the Bible does not say that wealth leads to sin; rather, man’s sinful heart useswealth at times to increase the scope of its sin.

Moreover, it becomes clear from 1 Timothy 6:9–10, that, when “riches” are condemned, it is a particular kind of wealth, or, to be precise, the love of a particular form of wealth, money. Paul declares,

1. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
2. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim. 6:9–10)

(In the parable of Luke 12:15–21, it is not wealth but covetousness which is condemned. Covetousness is a sin which strikes rich and poor alike.)

Why is the love of money, and not other forms of wealth, condemned? Why not the love of large farms or ranches, or a prosperous business?

To read the rest of this fascinating article, please click here.