Greed, for the lack of a better word, is good. This quote from the 1987 movie Wall Street pops up regularly in our cultural narrative. Greed drives our economy and pushes people to advance, yielding respect and comfort and power. Or so we’re told by successful, greedy people.

But the Scriptures mention greed as a terrible attribute. Paul writes, Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Why is greed so bad?

Greed ignores the ways of God in a rush for wealth. Commandment #1 states, You shall have no other gods before me. Those who grab more and more make idols out of their possessions. When we embrace greed our goods become our gods.

Greed takes what God intended for others and hoards it for ourselves. Greed feeds cravings and creates animosity. Greed reveals our lack of care for those around us, and ultimately our lack of faith in God. The greedy cannot do unto others as would be done unto them, because they cannot see others as anything more than objects to use.

Despite the messaging, greed is not good. I can combat greed in my life in two ways. First, by asking the Lord to point it out, and second, by giving stuff away. Giving pushes back my tendency towards greed. Donating money, clothes from my closet, time and energy all help me remember who blessed me in the first place.

Beat back greed, and watch the Lord open new doors to goodness and success.

Ephesians 5 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Joel Muniz