Greed & Avarice

"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom." (Proverbs 23: 4

This is more than just a word of sage advice; it is a command of God. It forbids greed and avarice, "excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain."

To labor with the intention of becoming rich is no little sin, but has been a sin that has ruined many a soul. Greed and avarice refer to one of the "seven deadly sins."

"He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live." (Proverbs 15: 27)

"So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain." (Proverbs 1: 19)

The adverse consequences of greed and wealth seeking are little taken notice of in this evil day. Rather than condemning greed and the sin of "laboring to be rich," people today praise such people.

"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth." (Psalm 10: 3)

How do men do this? They do this when they tell a greedy person - "You are such a hard worker!" Or perhaps, "you are to be commended for providing so well for your family and self."

However, these greedy souls should be exhorted and warned rather than praised. They should be warned about their "workaholism," about how they are sinning by "laboring to be rich," and how they need rather to labor in another direction, for spiritual riches.

Jesus spoke about "...the deceitfulness of riches" (Matthew 13: 22). The bible gives this counsel - "...if riches increase, set not your heart upon them." (Psalm 62: 10)

People in general just do not think that greed is that terrible a thing. To most people it is a little sin, not one worth "harping on." Yet, the scriptures take a different view of the matter.

"He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him." (Proverbs 28: 22)

To have an "evil eye" is no little matter. It is a huge matter, of extreme importance. Greed is ruining millions of lives at this very minute.

"There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches." (Proverbs 13: 7)

"The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand." (Ecclesiastes 5:12-14)

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12: 15-21)

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing...supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 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. 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." (I Timothy 6: 3-10)

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate." (verses 17,18)

"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you." (James 5: 1-5 NIV)

"Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough." (Isaiah 56: 11)

Friends, the "true riches" are spiritual, the riches of love, faith, joy, peace, contentment, good works of various kinds, and of fellowship with God. Are you spending your labor and time inordinately on the things to satisfy your flesh rather than things that will improve your soul? Are you suffering the effects of being a "workaholic"? The adverse consequences of greed? Then I pray you to repent and get your priorities in order.