Bible Truth FAQs

THE SINFULNESS OF GREED

A prevalent sin in today's world is greed. Many feel that they must amass all the material wealth they can, never being satisfied with their accomplishments. The urge is to keep getting more and more, even to the point of neglecting spiritual values.

When Naaman was healed from his leprosy (II Kings 5), he offered Elisha some valuable gifts in appreciation. Elisha refused them. After Naaman had departed, Elisha's servant Gehazi overtook him and asked for the rich gifts for himself as though Elisha had changed his mind and sent him to accept the gifts. For his greed and deception, Gehazi was stricken with leprosy. Another instance of greed is that of Achan (Josh. 7), who took of the spoils while the city of Jericho was being destroyed, even though God had commanded the Israelites not to take of the spoils. He, his family, and all that he had were stoned.

Humans may never learn the lesson of priorities. The Bible emphasizes the importance of intangible spiritual values, not the material things which shall be burned up. We are to lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21, 33-34).

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