Is money the root of all evil?

Definition and Common Misconception

A widespread saying claims that “money is the root of all evil.” This phrase often appears as a direct quote attributed to the Bible. However, careful examination of the text reveals a key difference in wording. In the Berean Standard Bible, 1 Timothy 6:10 reads: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil...” The actual emphasis is on “the love of money”—not money itself.

Money in its simplest form serves as a tool or medium of exchange. It becomes problematic when it displaces devotion to God. The passage underscores how craving wealth can blind people to moral truths, leading them down a path of spiritual compromise and harmful behaviors.

Biblical Evidence and Context

1. 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

This statement appears within Paul’s instructions about contentment and righteous living. Paul warns Timothy that an improper fixation on wealth jeopardizes spiritual integrity.

2. Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Here, a person’s heart is inevitably drawn to just one ultimate allegiance. Serving money leaves no room for serving God wholeheartedly.

3. Luke 16:14 notes that the Pharisees, who loved money, ridiculed Jesus when He taught against greed. This further illustrates how an inordinate attachment to wealth stifles spiritual perception and hardens the heart.

4. Positive Use of Wealth: Abraham (Genesis 13:2), Joseph (Genesis 41:40–44), and David (1 Chronicles 29:28) each had substantial means yet exemplified faithful service. Their possessions did not hinder their devotion to God. Instead, their trust in God’s promises remained the priority. Generous giving and righteous stewardship reflect the godly perspective that money’s purpose is to serve others and glorify God.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Numerous archaeological discoveries, such as ancient coin hoards found in Israel and neighboring regions, confirm the economic practices described in Scripture. For example, collections of Judean coins from the Second Temple period shed light on the historical reality of commerce mentioned in the Gospels. These finds demonstrate that trade and monetary systems existed exactly as described, thereby underpinning the Bible’s consistent portrayal of economic and social life.

Manuscript evidence for the authenticity of 1 Timothy, including early papyri fragments and patristic references (e.g., quotations in the writings of Polycarp and Irenaeus), supports the notion that Paul’s warning about the love of money existed in the earliest Christian tradition. These attested truths, preserved across centuries, demonstrate that the Scriptural caution against greed has been a consistent teaching and not an invention of a later era.

Philosophical and Behavioral Implications

From a behavioral perspective, an inordinate love of money can lead to unethical decision-making, interpersonal conflict, and personal anxiety. Studies in social psychology show how monetary fixation can reduce empathy toward others, corrode trust, and incentivize destructive competition. The biblical text anticipates these realities by insisting that a heart preoccupied with wealth inevitably opens the door to various forms of evil—such as deception, exploitation, and disregard for divine moral restraint.

Philosophically, the concept aligns with the notion that humans have a tendency to elevate something finite (in this case, wealth) into an ultimate concern. This displacement ultimately damages the moral and spiritual framework required for harmony with one another and with the Creator.

Practical Application

1. Guarding the Heart: The Scriptural teaching calls for internal vigilance: believers are urged to “keep your lives free from the love of money” (Hebrews 13:5). Regular self-examination reveals whether the heart is drifting from God toward earthly security.

2. Generosity and Stewardship: Throughout the New Testament, generous giving (Acts 2:44–45) and wise stewardship (Luke 12:42–44) are lauded. Money ceases to be a spiritual threat when it is employed to meet needs, extend hospitality, and further opportunities for ministry.

3. Trust in Divine Provision: Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:31–33 not to be anxious about material provisions but “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Recognizing God’s role as Creator of the universe and ongoing Provider fosters contentment and reduces temptation to compromise for financial gain.

4. Balanced Perspective: Wealth is neither inherently virtuous nor inherently sinful. Its status hinges on the condition of the user’s heart and adherence to godly principles. Proper alignment with divine priorities transforms financial resources into a means for doing good.

Beyond the Misquotation

Money, mercifully understood as a neutral vehicle, can help or harm. When wealth becomes an idol, it displaces affection for the eternal God who alone offers salvation. Scripture consistently points back to a relationship with that Creator as the essential source of meaning, rather than the fleeting security money promises. The resurrection of Christ highlights the futility of worldly gain compared to eternal hope. If Jesus truly rose from the dead—a reality supported by numerous historical and manuscript attestations—then chasing money in neglect of God’s saving work amounts to a perilous misplacement of devotion.

Conclusion

The biblical texts do not label money itself as the root of all evil. The focal concern lies with the “love of money,” which kindles greed, tempts individuals away from faith, and spawns harmful behaviors. Numerous passages across Scripture demonstrate that wealth’s moral value is determined by how it is acquired, held, and deployed. Properly understood and applied, money becomes a resource to uplift others and advance God’s principles.

In sum, the admonition warns of misplaced priorities and fosters a stance of godly contentment. Believers are encouraged to keep wealth in its proper perspective—an instrument, not a master, under the authority of an eternal God who calls people to trust in Him, pursue righteousness, and live in the hope of Christ’s resurrection.