The deceitful lure of riches - Part 2

In part 2 of this devotion we will talk about the following: riches add deceitful friendships, riches won't make a bad relationship happy and coveting money produces fighting.


The following Bible verse gives us insight into man's selfishness. It shows us that people will acquire and reject friendships based on what they can get out of them. They try and rub shoulders with the rich in hopes that they will receive some benefit from them. They separate themselves from those who are truly in need because they may need to give of themselves and gain  nothing in return.  So riches can create a false sense that everyone loves you and wants to be with you. But it is a lie. Many of those that want to be with the rich just want something from them.

Proverbs 19:4

⁴ Wealth adds many friends,
But a poor man is separated from his friend.

Next we need to recognize that wealth can't make a bad relationship happy. This Bible verse shows that it is better to have little where there is peace than to have and abundance with quarreling. Wealth can't be enjoyed when there is strife in the home. Relationship tensions erode our ability to enjoy life. Knowing this, it makes sense for each person to make growing in love a high priority. Because when there is love and peace we take joy in our relationships whether we have little or much.

Proverbs 17:1
 ¹ Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
Than a house full of feasting with strife.

We talked about how wealth can't make a bad relationship happy. Now lets consider how a desire for wealth can actually generate fighting. James 4:1-3 can be applied to any lust. In this case consider these verses in terms of coveting riches.

James 4:1-3
¹ What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? ² You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.


In part 3 of this series we will continue sharing about how coveting money can produce intense quarrels. Also we will discuss the following: managing abundance can produce anxiety, riches can cause us to forget God and riches do not provide protection when we stand before God. 


Scripture quotations taken from the "NASB" (www.lockman.org)