Greed Not

(Pro 1:19 KJV)  So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

A popular theme of liberal politicians looking for an excuse to play Robin Hood is the greed of the rich.  Greed is an issue that is condemned by the Bible but politicians often cloud the difference between the rewards of hard work and greed.  This verse gives us some insights.  If you compare the KJV and the NASB you see a different choice of expression.  In that lies the key.  The KJV chooses “greedy (1214) of gain (1215)”  while the NASB uses “gains by violence” (1214).  The number 1215 is the noun form of 1214 so the concept is not different.

Here greed is being defined as gaining by violence.  In other words you don’t work hard and take your chances in a complex world.  Instead you use coercion, force and deception to get your ends.  It makes a difference how you get your wealth.  It also makes a difference how you use your wealth but that is a topic for another verse.

So?  Examine you methods and attitudes as you earn a living and plan for the future.  Don’t automatically label people as greedy because they are successful.