We’re Born Greedy|12 Dangers Of Desiring Riches First & Fast

If you met a man with a wife and two daughters. He rents a two-bedroomed house, rides a motorcycle to feed his family and the children study in a simple school in their neighbourhood. He has managed to invest in a small piece of land. Would you say he is a rich man?

The answer depends on your perspective. If owning a car means being rich then the man is poor. If owning a house means being rich, then the man is poor. And if being rich means taking kids to an international school, then the man is poor. But what we think about this man doesn’t matter. What matters is his attitude and perspective based on what the Bible says about his state of finances.

This man at this stage in his life can either wake up glad and grateful as the most blessed man in his city or he can wake up stressed and striving because he has not yet built a mansion, bought a car, taken his kids to an expensive school or got a big job in some office.

What is greed?

“a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed.”[1]

Greed is the twin of covetousness which is the desire or craving for what belongs to another person. For instance, if my friend buys a Ranger Rover and I determine to get one too so we can be at the same level, I’m coveting his property. When a person builds a house because his friends have built the same even when he doesn’t have the same resources and needs as theirs, he is motivated by greed. Coveting is also taking a deal, cash, salary or benefit that belongs to another person or organization for yourself.

Incidentally, no one teaches us to be greedy. Let’s call it a natural ‘talent’ or sinful nature in all of us. One-year-olds want to have all the toys for themselves. When children, and sometimes adults too, are served cake or meat, the first instinct is to pick the biggest and best piece.

It takes God’s grace to overcome greed and be content with what we have and be a sacrificial giver.

Nowadays, greed and coveting are clothed in ambition and drive to succeed. It’s respectable for a man to be preoccupied with getting his dream house, dream car or dream job at the expense of others – his family, company or country – without shame. The world cheers him on and calls him smart if has tangible possessions to show for it.

But if our eyes opened to see his true motives for acquiring these things or if we understood how God regards such goals, perhaps he will no longer be as respectable. “What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

The teachers of the law and Pharisees of Jesus’ time looked respectable, godly and devoted but He saw their hearts and said, “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy – full of greed and self-indulgence!” (Matthew 23:25)

Hundreds of years earlier, King Solomon had rightly observed that people are motivated to succeed because they envy their neighbours. (Ecclesiastes 4:4) And that’s pretty common today.

We all have role models or mentors we want to be like in our careers, achievements and ministry among others because of their influence, affluence and awards. But should you be like them or be who God wants you to be? Must you attain what someone else attained or possesses to regard yourself as successful?

We can learn from others how to live a godly life without comparing and competing with them. “Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!” (2 Corinthians 10:12)

The only person we should ever want to be like is Jesus Christ. And the people we should imitate are people who are imitating Christ in character, conversation and conduct. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

The goals we set based on the standard of what others are doing lead to frustration when we fail or take longer to achieve them. We feel God has let us down when we see classmates making it big in the world and we have nothing to show for our hard work and faithfulness to God for many years.

If Christians are not careful, they can fall into the pit of greed and materialism that has shipwrecked the faith of believers in every generation.

A quick or premature increase in money has destroyed men and women plus their families, not because the money was bad, but because they were not prepared to handle it. Men have married second wives when they began making big money because they didn’t know the 11 Reasons Why Sex Is So Powerful And Almost Irresistible. Women have felt big in their homes and lost their families. Career men and women have lost intimacy with their children because they were busy making money. Others have lost their health because of lifestyle diseases from eating unhealthy, lack of activity and enough rest.

A lady gave a testimony in church about how she got along well with her husband and they planned everything together but all that changed when he began earning a lot of money.

She said, “I wish the money didn’t come. We were happy then.”

Four Biblical Stories of Greed

The first story is about the greed of Achan.

God instructed the Israelites to pick nothing from Jericho after conquering it but Achan saw a beautiful robe, silver and gold. He coveted them and hid them in his tent.

He thought he had gotten away with his sin but God picked him out of the whole nation and Joshua ordered the Israelites to stone him and his family. (Joshua 7)

A Swahili proverb says, “Mtaka yote hukosa yote,” meaning he who wants all, loses all.

The second story is about the greed of Gehazi.

After the miraculous healing of Naaman, Elisha refused his gifts and sent him away in peace. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, watched this and went after Naaman. He lied that Elisha had sent him because they had just received two young prophets. So Naaman gave him silver and two sets of clothing and Gehazi hid them in his house. He, too, like Achan thought God had not seen.

“When he went to his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?”

“I haven’t been anywhere,” he replied.

But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants?

Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow.” (2 Kings 5:25-27)

The third story is about the coveting of Ahab.

Naboth refused to sell his family vineyard to King Ahab. His wife Jezebel advised him to get two accusers against Naboth that he had cursed God so he can be stoned.

King Ahab did exactly that.

An innocent man died, and the King took over the vineyard. God saw everything, so he sent Elijah with this message,

“…Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!… I will bring disaster on you and consume you.

I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel…And regarding Jezebel, the Lord says, ‘Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body at the plot of land in Jezreel.” (1 Kings 21:19-23)

Luckily, King Ahab repented and God decided not to do everything He promised in his lifetime. In the end, dogs ate Jezebel’s body (2 Kings 9:30-37) and licked Ahab’s blood. (1 Kings 22:38)

The fourth story is the parable of the rich fool.

A rich man had a great harvest. He decided to break down the barns and build bigger ones.

“My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:19-25)

From this story, Jesus gave us this key warning:

“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (Luke 12:15)

The Deadly Seduction Of Riches

Have you heard about the experiment of boiling a frog? If you threw a frog in boiling water, it will jump out fast but if you placed it in cold water and steadily boiled the water, the frog will adjust to the increasing heat until it boils to death.

Likewise, greed or the love of money is subtle and takes over our lives slowly. At first, we’re driven by the genuine desire of providing basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and medical care for our families.

Then we look around and see how much more we can achieve with more money. And so when the opportunity presents itself to earn more, even at the expense of compromising our faith in Christ, we seize it.

And because it’s the norm of our fellow workmates or business people, we join the bandwagon and get more than we need at the expense of other important things in our lives like spiritual life, family and health.

What many don’t realize is that when they begin getting money through unclean, unclear or unlawful channels, they’re slowly selling their souls to evil like King Ahab. (1 Kings 21:20)

You may do it because everyone else is or because you fear losing your job or you really need the money but the boiling of your soul has started.

Christians on such a treacherous road may make all kinds of excuses before God and even support His work or get involved in charity to appease their consciences. Meanwhile, they’re enjoying the visible benefits, status and false security of their newly acquired riches.

And with time, compromise in one area leads to compromise in other areas. That’s because they’ve turned against Christ who gives them the grace to say no to sin. The little hole in their character grows bigger. They start to neglect the spiritual habits that gave them divine wisdom, grace and courage. Their relationship with the godly and loved ones suffers massively.

The desire for better stuff balloons bigger and wider. They sense the loss of their personal connection with God but they dare not go back to their former status of living by faith for the basics of life.

They rather have the physical riches and face what may come than tie themselves to the unseen God and His yet-to-come invisible Kingdom and eternal rewards. Their motto becomes “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!!” (Isaiah 22:13)

According to the Bible, greed is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:5) That connects to what Jesus said that a person cannot serve both God and money! Because of greed, a Christian becomes an idol worshipper!

The more you love and pursue God, the farther you move from loving and worshipping money and the more you love money, the more you’ll despise and hate God. That’s scary and sad!

I beseech you, dear reader. Beware of the seduction and deceitfulness of wealth. If you’re a victim, repent now. Save yourself and your loved ones before it’s too late. (Isaiah 55:6-7)

Check out this article on God’s very serious warning to small and big thieves – those who build houses, buy properties and take care of their families with stolen money. He says great sorrow awaits them.

12 Biblical Dangers Of Greed Or Loving Money

#1: The Greedy Are Never Satisfied

If you love money and riches, you’ll never have enough or be satisfied with any income. (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

“Wealth is like sea water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame.” German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer

Some business people, politicians and pastors in the world are often caught in scandals of corruption, exploitation and embezzlement of little and much money because no matter how much they have, they still want more. They are like leeches constantly sucking the life of others. (Proverbs 30:15)

#2: The Love Of Money Leads To Many Evils

The desire to get rich and the love of money leads to all kinds of evil, shipwrecks our faith and brings grief. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Greed is the foundation of the three deadly categories of sins – the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16-17)

#3: Quick Money Is Squandered Fast

Money that comes fast disappears fast. (Proverbs 13:11)

Most lottery winners become worse because they weren’t prepared for much money. It’s better to grow wealth little by little.

#4: Riches Don’t Bring Happiness & Peace

Money does not bring happiness but attracts false friends to help you squander it. (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11)

The most beautiful and genuine smiles are not found in rich neighbourhoods in the city but in small villages.

The rich cry too. They get depressed too despite their access to everything they need. True happiness, peace and joy come from knowing God and our 7 identities in Christ.

#5: Greed Endangers Faith In Jesus Christ

The love of money produces pride and unconcern for spiritual things. It shipwrecks the faith of Christians and their families. (Proverbs 28:11, 30:9, 11:28, 1 Timothy 6:17)

Jesus said it’s hard for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom but it’s only possible with God. (Matthew 19:23-26)

Elsewhere He said,

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

#6: Greed Makes Us Unfruitful

The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the fruitfulness of God’s Word and work in our lives. (Mark 4:18-19)

#7: Money Does Not Give Security

Money gives the rich a false sense of security, self-satisfaction and self-indulgence (Proverbs 18:11).

The rich fool thought of expanding his stores but God came for his life that very night. His money became worthless overnight.

#8: Accumulated Money & Stuff Will Testify Against The Greedy

Hoarding things is the wrong use of wealth because God expects us to share with those in need. (James 5:1-6, Luke 12:13-21)

And on judgement day, the things we accumulated at the expense of helping others will testify against us. (Habakkuk 2:11)

#9: The Greedy Make Others Suffer

Employers who don’t pay their employees the agreed amount and in the agreed time manifest greediness and displease God deeply. (James 5:4, Leviticus 19:13, Jeremiah 22:13, Malachi 3:5)

Also, the greedy take the poor people’s property, destroy their sources of income and pay their workers as little as possible yet they can afford to pay them. Should a Christian employer exploit workers like everyone else?

As Christians, we should put ourselves in the shoes of others and treat them well as much as God enables us.

#10: God Will Demand An Account

Whoever is given much, much is required. And whoever is faithful with little will be faithful with much. (Luke 12:48, Matthew 25:23)

Because the greedy are idolators, they’re in great danger. They’ll face God’s judgement and wrath in the lake of fire. (Revelations 21:8)

#11: The Greedy Value Money & Stuff More Than People

Someone who loves money and possessions will sacrifice their relationship with family, friends and workmates to have money. They’ll quarrel, cheat and lie to people who are close to them if it earns them more money. (James 4:1-6)

Yet healthy relationships with family, friends and other people are more important than money. Such kind of greed goes against the second most important commandment and the golden rule. (Matthew 7:12, 22:39)

#12: The Greedy Die Naked Too

Physical riches and wealth are destroyed by thieves, moths and rust. They will burn to ashes or decay. Therefore, those who work for money work in vain and will harvest nothing from it when their lives come to an end. (Habakkuk 2:13, Luke 12:33, Ecclesiastes 5:15, 1 Timothy 6:7)

God has given us better reasons to work hard, care for and multiply the 9 resources He has entrusted to us. We don’t work for people but Christ. And we don’t work for money but to serve others and accomplish God’s purpose and assignment for our lives. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Teachings Of Greed In The Church

In their zeal to help their congregations, some ministers claim Christians can’t glorify God if they are poor and that riches make it easy for us to trust God and serve Him better.

So they claim God has promised to make Christians rich, make them first and become blessed when they sow seeds in their ministries. Others claim to have power from God to break generational curses and demons of poverty. What does the Bible say about these things? We shall talk more about this topic in other articles.

Do material riches make the lives of Christians better always? Well, we don’t have to look far to know the truth.

The UK and USA were once godly nations and sent missionaries all over the world. They prospered materially but became spiritually bankrupt. They’re now exporters of sinful movies and music, wars, homosexuality and other vices. Their nations are plagued with immorality, indecency, racism, murder, abortions, lifestyle diseases, and mass shootings (US).

They’ve forgotten God. Isn’t that the story of the nation of Israel when they settled in the promised land? Are we not heading in the same direction? What makes us think we can succeed where they’ve failed?

Yes, we need money to live in this world and to promote God’s work but we’re in great trouble when we’re driven by greed and attempt to use godliness as a means to financial gain. (1 Timothy 6:5).

Some ministers live by the doctrine of Balaam which says, “Use spiritual principles and gifts for financial gain even when it leads to the ruin of others and themselves.”

Out of greed, these ministers preach what their listeners want to hear, manipulate, threaten and even force them to give money and properties. Like Balaam, sin and compromise are not a big deal as long as it brings riches and influence! (Revelations 2:14, 2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11)

Desiring and working for worldly riches will ruin our walk with God. That’s the sad truth. We have to take the warnings of the Bible seriously.

In fact, when a Christian becomes rich in houses, land and other marks of riches here on earth, that’s the time to be very careful. That’s when they’re in greater danger.

God told the Israelites, “When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.

“But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.

For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful!

Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God…Do not forget that he led you…He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’

Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful,

“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed.

Just as the Lord has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 8:10-20)

I heard a pastor say, “Desire for more. Trust God for more. If you’re renting, be uncomfortable and restless until you build your own house. If you have one house, trust God for another. If you have one car, ask God for another.” And the list goes on.

But that’s completely against what the scriptures teach. As we shall see in the chapter on contentment, we’re commanded to be grateful for what we have and be joyful in all circumstances rather than be anxious, unhappy and complaining.

We need to learn to trust God to provide our daily needs and promote us to levels He sees fit for each of us according to His purposes.

Many modern men and women of God are greedy and that’s what they pass on to their congregations. The Bible calls them experts in greed who exploit their listeners with stories they’ve made up to get hold of their money.  In the same verse, it says these false teachers are condemned, live under a curse and their destruction is soon coming. (2 Peter 2:3,14)

How I wish we trusted God’s wisdom in allocating each of us whatever we have. He knows what we can handle. What do you think of this prayer;

“⁷ O God, I beg two favors from you;
let me have them before I die.
⁸ First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
⁹ For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”
And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)

Because of pride and greed, some people don’t like the above prayer but it takes humility to pray it and mean it.

Please don’t allow the greedy ministers to drag you with them under the sea of judgement that awaits them in hell. Save your soul and have nothing to do with anyone who causes you to worship the idols of greed and materialism.

Here is the antidote to greed; “True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Do you now see how deadly greed is? Let’s get off the greedy path! As we shall study later, God wants us on the path of sacrificial giving and contentment.

We shall also discuss how God provides for the needs of His children and how He expects us to work smart using our talents, skills and connections, and multiply the resources He has entrusted to us.

The next article in this series is about Money Stewardship will be Poverty Mentality|10 Signs You Might Be Materialistic Unknowingly.

Thank you for reading this article. I welcome your comments and questions – as iron sharpens iron, let’s sharpen each other.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

[1] Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Accessed December 2022.