May 14, 2007

Is greed the root of all evil?

Greed can lead to many evil things, but is the love of money the root of all evil? But I think it is worthwhile to examine 1 Timothy 6:10 from some of the most popular translations of the Bible:

  • The NIV states that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."
  • The NASB states that "the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil"
  • The KJV states that "the love of money is the root of all evil"
  • The New King James states that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil".

Is the King James Version the best translation of this verse? When you think about it logically, the love of money is clearly not the root of all evil. Sexual sins, for example, are not driven by the love of money. Even the obscenely profitable porn industry only makes money only because people are willing to pay to satisfy their lust.

This does not in any way diminish the danger of greed. It can lead to many sins, on which all four translations agree. Covetousness was prohibited in the Ten Commandments, and Jesus warned of greed and the love of money. The story of the rich young ruler underscores this point. This is a sin we must all guard our hearts against.