Topical Bible: Riches: They Who Covet: Bring Trouble on Their Families

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The Bible provides numerous warnings about the dangers of coveting riches and the subsequent troubles that can befall not only the individual but also their family. The desire for wealth, when it becomes an obsession, can lead to moral and spiritual decay, affecting familial relationships and leading to strife and discord.

One of the most poignant examples is found in the account of Achan in the Book of Joshua. Achan's covetousness led him to take forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho, directly disobeying God's command. As a result, Israel faced defeat in battle, and Achan's entire family suffered the consequences of his sin. Joshua 7:24-25 recounts, "Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys, and sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. And Joshua said, 'Why have you brought this trouble upon us? The LORD will bring trouble upon you this day.' Then all Israel stoned them, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them."

The account of Achan illustrates the severe repercussions that coveting wealth can have, not only on the individual but also on their family and community. The sin of one man brought judgment upon his entire household, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal sin and communal well-being.

Proverbs also offers wisdom on the subject, emphasizing the futility and danger of pursuing wealth at the expense of righteousness. Proverbs 15:27 states, "He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live." This proverb underscores the principle that the pursuit of wealth through dishonest means can lead to familial strife and destruction.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul warning against the love of money. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , Paul writes, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 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." Here, Paul highlights the spiritual peril that accompanies the covetous pursuit of riches, which can lead individuals away from faith and bring sorrow not only to themselves but also to their families.

The biblical narrative consistently warns against the covetous desire for wealth, illustrating through various accounts and teachings that such desires can lead to familial discord and spiritual ruin. The scriptures call believers to seek contentment and righteousness, trusting in God's provision rather than succumbing to the destructive allure of riches.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christian Behavior
... a soul doth indeed consider the greatness and riches of the ... Covet communion with
God: 'covet earnestly the best gifts ... house to house; I say, that they might, if ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Trials of the Christian
The Riches of Bunyan. ... of God, for their holy and Christian profession, we should
covet to make ... There are but few when they come to the cross, cry, Welcome, cross ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiv trials of the christian.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... of sin which is got into their families, persons, and ... and Hezekiah did both sometimes
bring trouble (2 Chronicles ... nothing with God in this matter; they are the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Love Thy Neighbour
... Love thy neighbour." Perhaps he is in riches, and thou ... has not given them to thee,
covet not his ... am persuaded that these institutions, though they be excellent ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/love thy neighbour.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... temple or royal officials, did not covet the title ... centuries, till the fortunate
explorer should bring them to ... later times of the Assyrian empire they were so ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... And "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures ... The devil, they say,
is good when he is pleased. ... Let us therefore covet to imitate Christ and the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... said he, "that I might rest in the day of trouble" (Habakkuk 3 ... mercy of God through
Christ, nor that grace that tendeth to bring them to him, they cannot but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... No marvel therefore if the hearts that hatch and bring forth lies be so much of
complexion with the ... They would tell him that he must not covet, or desire ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... after having enjoyed an existence amid riches and splendour in ... lightning, with an
order to bring the guilty ... the enervating influence to which they were usually ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... But now bring them out of their cells and holes of ... the more he wants, the greater
are his riches, if he can ... their complaints to one and another, so they cry to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm