How can we guard against greed as warned in Amos 8:5? Amos 8:5—Greed Exposed “ ‘When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat—saying, “We can reduce the measure and increase the price and cheat with dishonest scales.” ’ ” Why the Lord Condemns This Attitude • Holy times treated as profit delays—not gifts for worship • Dishonest business practices (“reduce the measure and increase the price”) • Exploitation of the needy (v. 6) • A heart that prizes gain over God (cf. Matthew 6:24) The Same Temptations Today • Cutting ethical corners to stay competitive • Viewing Sundays as “catch-up” days instead of Sabbath rest • Treating people as profit centers rather than image-bearers • Measuring success only by bottom lines Scripture’s Ongoing Call to Guard Our Hearts • Luke 12:15 — “Guard yourselves against every form of greed.” • 1 Timothy 6:6-10 — Contentment is “great gain.” • Proverbs 11:1 — “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD.” • Hebrews 13:5 — “Be content with what you have.” Practical Steps to Guard Against Greed 1. Treasure the Giver above the gifts • Daily praise for God’s provision (Psalm 103:2) • Memorize Matthew 6:19-21 to reset desires toward heaven 2. Honor God’s rhythms of rest • Protect weekly worship and family time • Let the Sabbath remind you that God, not money, sustains you (Exodus 20:8-11) 3. Commit to honest dealings • Transparent pricing, clear terms, accurate weights (Proverbs 16:11) • Invite accountability from coworkers or elders 4. Practice generous giving • First-fruits, percentage, cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7-8) • Support local church, missions, and the poor (Ephesians 4:28) 5. Cultivate contentment • Keep a gratitude journal to counter coveting • Limit exposure to advertising that stirs restless desire 6. Live simply to free resources for eternal work • Distinguish needs from wants • Redirect surplus to gospel and mercy causes (Luke 16:9) 7. Remember the coming reckoning • Amos 8:7 shows God swears by His holiness to judge dishonesty • Romans 14:12 — “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” The Promise of Freedom Walking in integrity and generosity doesn’t diminish joy; it multiplies it. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Guarding against greed keeps our hands clean, our hearts light, and our witness bright—exactly what the Lord desired for Israel and still desires for us today. |
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