We live in an age when it seems that every energy of body and soul, through tireless days and sleepless nights, is occupied in the accumulation of riches. But what does the Bible teach us about money? Here are a few of the expressions used for money in the Bible.

1. "Gold that perisheth" (1 Peter 1:7). That is, whoever builds his happiness, or position, or anything else on money is building on a sandy foundation. Money cannot bring true joy, especially lasting joy.

2. "Filthy lucre" (1 Peter 5 :2). This is literally, "disgraceful gains." People in business say that it is increasingly difficult to do business honestly. To speak the truth often means less profit, and sometimes even no business. Many huge fortunes are amassed through unjust dealing and by methods which will not stand the honest light of day. The Christian should do his business in view of the day when everything will be manifested.

3. "Uncertain riches" (1 Timothy 6:17). Riches truly take to themselves wings and fly away. Many a man has gone to bed a rich man, and awakened with nothing. Let us send our money on before us, exchanging it into the currency of heaven, where there is neither moth nor rust, and where thieves do not break through and steal.

4. "Riches corrupted" (James 5:2). The Greek word translated "corrupt" here gives the root for the medical term "septic," meaning infected or decaying. Just as we make efforts to avoid bodily infection, let us beware of septic riches. Money received through deceit and lies is more fatal and evil than the microbe, for it fouls the soul and withers its healthy instincts.

5. "Deceitfulness of riches" (Mark 4:19). Riches cheat us; they lure us to follow after them; they paint a golden picture, but it is all a mirage. A man's life consists not in the abundance of what he possesses. In amassing wealth he finds he has heaped up cares and responsibilities, which often have brought men to an untimely grave.

6. "Riches choke the Word" (Luke 8:14). When the Word is being preached, many a hearer's thoughts drift away to his business, counting his gains and planning for more. Thus the Word, the very instrument of his salvation and the very means for his sanctification, if he be a believer, is choked and rendered useless. Let us "gird up the loins of our mind."

7. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24). A heart seeking after riches cannot also be prepared to serve God. We must constantly guard against worldly lusts, having a heart prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to produce fruit for the Saviour. This is the path to true riches, a fulfilled life, and eternal joy.

—The Gleaner

He who has no money is poor, but he who has nothing but money is even poorer!