1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
I’m sure you’ve heard this statement, both inside and outside the church: “Money is the root of all evil.”
It’s quoted like a proverb. A warning—a “trump card” type of statement about greed or corruption…
There’s just one problem… That’s not what the verse says.
In 1 Timothy 6:10… Paul writes: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils…”
Not money itself—the love of money.
What We Get Wrong
When we misquote this verse, we end up with a shallow view of both money and evil:
- We start to believe money itself is bad
- We assume wealth = ungodly
- Or we distance ourselves: “That’s about rich people, not me.”
But the Bible doesn’t condemn money.
In fact, money is simply a tool—neutral in itself, but powerful in its influence.
The real issue is deeper.
What the Verse Actually Means
1 Timothy 6:10 is exposing a heart problem, not a money one.
“The love of money” means more than just liking it.
It’s about trusting it, needing it, building your life around it.
It’s when money stops being a tool and starts becoming an idol.
That’s why Paul says it leads to “all kinds of evils”—because once money becomes an idol:
- You’ll compromise to get more of it
- You’ll cling to it instead of being generous
- You’ll measure your worth by it
- You’ll look to it for security instead of God
And here’s the truth: You don’t have to be rich to love money.
The Better Truth
The issue isn’t how much money you have… It’s how much your heart depends on it.
Money makes a terrible god.
It promises security, but it can disappear in a moment.
It promises identity, but it never satisfies.
It promises control, but it always demands more.
Jesus said it clearly in Matthew 6:24: “You cannot serve God and money.” So the question isn’t, “Do I have money?” The question is, “Does money have me?”
The gospel offers something better.
In Christ, you don’t have to chase security…
You don’t have to prove your worth…
But rather, you get to rest in the security and worth that God gives you.
Money isn’t the root of all evil.
But when your heart embraces the love of it…
It will lead you places you never meant to go.
So don’t just check your bank account.
Check what you’re trusting in.
