Greed and Theft
What is greed?
Greed can be derived as a reflection of a heart that values material gain over righteousness, generosity, and trust in The Most High . In the Bible, greed is often treated as a spiritual problem of the heart, closely related to covetousness and idolatry.
Greed can also be called materialism, selfishness or insatiable desire.
Biblically greed it is called covetousness, unjust gain and idolatry (wealth replacing The Most High).
Greed can lead to:-sin:- corruption of the heart, hatred, destroyed households, not inheriting the kingdom of The Most High.
Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Ecclesiasticus/Sirach 14:9 A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion; and the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.
Ecclesiasticus/Sirach 31:5 He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.
Wisdom of Solomon 14:12 For the devising of idols was the beginning of spiritual fornication, and the invention of them the corruption of life.
1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
How greed leads to Theft
The bible shows a spiritual progression of this:-
- Desire begins in the heart
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
- Coveting leads to taking what belongs to others
Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
- Theft of stealing is a violation of The Most High's commandments
Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Example of the progression in Scripture
A classic example is Achan during the conquest of Jericho- - Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
We see where:-
- He saw valuable items
- He coveted them
- He stole them
