3 Misused Money Verses

Show Notes

The Bible has a lot to say about money and possessions with more than 2,300 related verses! Applying the power of God’s Word to money can transform your finances while drawing you closer to Him. But three of those many money-related verses are sometimes misused or misunderstood. Rob West will clear up the confusion!

To be sure, the Bible is clear in its meaning. It has no hidden codes that we have to decipher. So it’s only our interpretation of it that sometimes gets us into trouble. Let’s look at three passages where that sometimes happens.

• 3 COMMONLY MISUNDERSTOOD VERSES:
• 1. 1 Timothy 6:10. Probably the most misunderstood verse in all of the Bible would be 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
• Now, that seems pretty clear. However, it is often misquoted as “Money is the root of all evil.” The incomplete reading of that verse misses the point entirely. Money is simply a tool that can be used for good or ill. But the LOVE of money is always destructive and sinful, because it replaces our love for God. It’s a form of idolatry.
• That misinterpretation has also led some to think that people with few resources are somehow more godly than affluent people. The Bible never teaches that.
• And if you need any further clarification about the meaning of 1 Timothy 6:10, the second part of the verse provides it. It says “Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” That’s what the love of money will do to you.
• 2. Luke 18: 24-25. These verses state “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
• Some people interpret this to mean that there's righteousness in being poor, and that being rich is a sin. But that’s certainly not what Jesus is teaching. He’s calling out those who think their riches, their works, will buy their salvation.
• Those who heard Jesus say those words were confused, too. They asked, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus goes on to say, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” The teaching there is fundamental to the doctrine of grace. We can’t get to heaven by our own efforts, but only by the grace of God through faith.
• And in the very next chapter, Luke 19, Jesus further makes this point in his encounter with Zacceaus, the crooked, but repentant tax collector. The man was probably still quite rich even after returning more than he’d stolen, but Jesus said his faith had saved him.
• 3. Luke 12:34. The verse tells us “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
• Again, it seems clear enough, but some people get confused and think it’s saying the opposite. They mistakenly believe the verse is saying there’s a difference between your treasure and your heart. They think they can separate their earning and spending from their love of God. But we can’t.
• Our monthly bank statements are a reflection of what we hold in our hearts. If we’re spending money in a way that dishonors God, it’s an indication of our spiritual condition.
• Are you glorifying God or giving in to material desires?

On this program, Rob also answers listener questions:

• How do you budget for healthcare if you don’t have health insurance?
  
• How long should you wait to draw Social Security and why?
  
• Will posting payments early to principal-only accelerate the repayment of a loan?
  
• What is the best way to use an inheritance on behalf of a teenage relative?
• MENTIONED DURING THIS PROGRAM:
• Christian Healthcare Ministries, Christian medical cost-sharing program
• SSA.gov to contact the Social Security Administration
  

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion! Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.