Please note that all scripture references are linked to The WWW Bible Gateway.  Therefore, if you click on a scripture reference, it may take a few moments for it to load.  Once you are finished reading the scripture reference, click "back" on your browser to return to this article.

Greed is something no one likes to be accused of. And, according to God's Word, there are good reasons for this. The Bible gives us many characteristics of greed, and none of them are good.

In the New Testament, the words "greed" and "greediness" are translated from the word "pleonexia" which means "a desire to have more," and is always used in a bad sense.

Greed is evil and makes one unclean (Mark 7:22). It stirs up dissension (Proverbs 28:25), brings trouble to one's family (Proverbs 15:27), and tears down a country (Proverbs 29:4).

Greed is characteristic of a depraved mind (Romans 1:29). Consequently, experts in greed are an accursed brood (2 Peter 2:14).

Because greed belong to the earthly nature and is idolatry (Colossians 3:5), it is improper for God's holy people (Ephesians 5:3).

The apostle Paul gives strong warning to disassociate Christians who are greedy (1 Corinthians 5:10-11) for a very good reason: A greedy person will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10 and Ephesians 5:5).

There's no doubt about it--greed is nothing but trouble.
 

Copyright © 1998 Kimberly B. Southall. All rights reserved.