“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live” (Proverbs 15:27).
Few combinations are more lethal that laziness and greed (Prov. 21:25-26). By itself, each poses grave spiritual peril. Greed is an acid which harms its possessor and everyone associated with him.
In the days of Joshua, Achan’s greed cost thirty-six of his fellow soldiers their lives (Josh. 7:5). Then he, his sons, daughters, oxen, donkeys, sheep, tent, and all that he had were stoned to death and burned with fire (Josh. 7:24-25).
In Elisha’s day, Gehazi’s greed caused him to lie to Naaman and his master (2 Kings 5:22, 25). Then, he and his descendants were punished with leprosy forever (2 Kings 5:27).
In the days of Jesus, Judas’ greed caused him to harshly and wrongfully criticize Mary for anointing Jesus’ feet (John 12:4-6). Then, he betrayed his master for thirty measly pieces of silver (Mat. 26:14-15). His infamous name and enduring legacy are synonymous with treachery and suicide.
Every greedy person has troubled his own house and consequently inherited the wind of infamy and destruction (Prov. 11:29). To prevent this spiritual calamity in your life, you must hate evil, protect your integrity at all times, and seek those things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Col. 3:1-2).
