“Instead of being infatuated by money, wisdom has a healthy fear of its intoxicating influence.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 16, 2026
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10, NLT
What does it mean to love money? To understand what it means to “love money,” it is helpful to look at the Greek word used in the original text: philarguria, which literally means “affection for silver” or “avarice.” Loving money is not about the currency itself, but about the posture of the heart toward it. Is my heart captured by the allure of money’s temptation to solve all problems? Instead of being infatuated by money, wisdom has a healthy fear of its intoxicating influence.
Many of us have been seduced by the sirens of the false security that comes with having more silver. I remember, as a young man, striving to be successful. With a mixture of motives: I wanted to be a hard worker and to be rich. In my brief life experience, it seemed that hard work brought good things, and being rich would allow me to buy things. What I failed to realize was that the focus of my affections (making more money) began to erode other affections (my closest relationships). Making money gradually became my primary goal, which meant all other desires were subject to money’s priority. “Sorry, I can’t be with you. I need (really, need or want?) to work.” I was so exhausted by work demands that my emotional relational investments suffered.
Paul lays out a compelling argument about the evils that grow from a life rooted in the love of money. He warns Timothy of two brutal wounds inflicted by money-love. First, it deflates you spiritually. You wander from true faith. Slowly. Almost imperceptibly. The pursuit of wealth becomes your new master, crowding out Jesus Christ. Church attendance drops. Prayer fades. Belief erodes. You’ve switched allegiances without even announcing it. Money promised freedom, but delivered slavery instead. Second, it pierces you emotionally. You stab yourself with multiple sorrows: unrelenting anxiety, relationships sacrificed on greed’s altar, and the crushing realization that wealth can’t purchase peace or eternal life. Money accumulates while joy evaporates. Bank accounts swell while souls shrivel. These aren’t theoretical warnings. They’re patterns Paul observed repeatedly. Love money, and you’ll impale yourself twice, once spiritually, once emotionally. The treasure you chase becomes the weapon that wounds you deepest. Wisely, the Apostle continues with a remedy for being captivated by the evils of riches.
He implores his mentee, Timothy, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always ready to share with others. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Trust in God, doing good, and being generous allows those with giving hearts to store up heavenly treasure and experience life that is truly life.
What captures your heart, mind, and imagination? Where do you invest emotional energy? How do you spend your time? Do you work, even when you are not at work? Surrender daily to your master Jesus, and pray this simple prayer, “Lord, show me today how you would like for me to be generous.” He always answers this prayer. Enjoy your abundant life in Christ, the true riches!
“Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Prayer
Lord, guard my heart against the love of money. Let me find total security in You, not in riches. Grant me contentment and a generous spirit to honor You always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Consider asking a close friend how they perceive your relationship with money. Is money a tool for good or an idol of unhealthy affections?
Related Reading
Proverbs 11:28; Psalm 62:10; Matthew 6:24; Hebrews 13:5
Worship Resource
CeCe Winans: I Love You Lord
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