How does Jeremiah 6:13 reveal the extent of greed among the people? Text of Jeremiah 6:13 “For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.” What the verse immediately reveals • Greed is not a fringe problem; it saturates every level of society. • Even spiritual leaders, expected to model righteousness, are implicated. • The sin is paired with deceit, showing that greed never travels alone. How the scope of greed is described • “From the least … to the greatest” – a sweeping phrase that covers every socioeconomic class. • “From prophet to priest” – the entire religious hierarchy, from the spokesmen of God (prophets) to the mediators of worship (priests). • No exception clauses, no small print. The indictment is total. Why greed among leaders is especially alarming • Leviticus 19:15 calls for unbiased justice; greedy leaders twist justice for profit. • Micah 3:11 echoes the same charge: “Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets divine for money.” • Spiritual corruption poisons the moral well of the whole nation. Greed and deceit: a destructive partnership • Greed breeds dishonesty to hide illicit gain (Proverbs 11:1). • Deceitful leaders soothe the people with “peace, peace” when judgment is near (Jeremiah 6:14). • A society built on lies loses its covenant footing with God. Broader biblical chorus on universal greed • Jeremiah 8:10 – virtually the same wording, confirming the charge. • Isaiah 56:11 – “They are dogs with mighty appetites… each seeks his own gain.” • Ezekiel 22:12 – extortion and usury flourish “to make unjust gain.” • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – craving riches pierces the soul with many griefs. Consequences spelled out in Jeremiah • Imminent invasion (Jeremiah 6:22-26). The Babylonians become the rod of discipline. • Rejected worship (Jeremiah 6:20). Offerings mean nothing when hearts chase profit. • Loss of God’s protection (Jeremiah 5:25). Sin blocks blessing. Timeless lessons • Greed is never “harmless”; it infects every relationship and institution it touches. • Visible success does not equal divine approval; God sees the hidden motive (Hebrews 4:13). • Unchecked covetousness invites judgment just as surely today as it did in Judah (Colossians 3:5-6). Living in the light of this verse • Examine motives behind every pursuit of gain. • Refuse profit that demands compromise or falsehood. • Support and expect integrity in spiritual and civic leadership. • Treasure contentment in Christ as the antidote to an all-consuming appetite for more (Philippians 4:11-13). |
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