Common Myths About the Bible – #4

Myth #4:
"Money is the root of all evil"

This is a famous misquote of Paul from the book of 1 Timothy. The actual passage does not demonize money, but does warn against greed:

"Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness."
– 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Being rich is not inherently sinful, as long as we are generous and put our trust in God instead of wealth. This passage is especially relevant to us Canadians, because we have the richest middle class in the world. In other words, just because you live in Canada, you are almost certainly richer than most of the world. This gives us a lot of responsibility.

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
– 1 Timothy 6:17-19