The familiar saying “Money is the root of all evil” has been the subject of several sermons and messages from the pulpit, and often only half the truth as expressed in the Bible is exposited on. The Bible says that “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.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Note it is not money itself that is evil, but it is the love of money that is root of all evil.

Jesus said, you cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). In other words, he was stating that you cannot have both God and money be your master, for you will serve only one, loving one while hating the other; holding on to one, while despising the other. You can have only one master, either God or money. In other words, you can love God or love money, not both. While the love of money is the root of all evil, the love of God is the root of all things pure, good and holy. Whom do you/I love? Whom do you/I serve?

The half truth is “Money is the root of all evil”. The truth is “It is the love of money that is the root of all evil and you cannot serve both God and money”. If you don’t let God be your master, you may find yourself with a lifestyle in which money is. Let us learn to be content with what God has graciously provided unto each one of us and flee from anything that tries to rob us of our love of God (1 Timothy 6:11).

1 Timothy 6:7-14 (KJV)
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 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.
10 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.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: