Read: Proverbs 15:24-30 / 2 Kings 5:1, 9-27
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Proverbs 15:27 KJV
Greed is a selfish desire for something.
One that causes a person to do anything they can to get it.
It has been one of the many sins that have entered into the hearts of mankind.
The Bible warns us that greed promises satisfaction, but never satisfies (Ecclesiastes 5:10 KJV).
We want more and more.
Greed causes us more harm than good.
Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, is an example of how harmful greed can be (2 Kings 5:1, 9-27 KJV).
Naaman, a wealthy man who was also the captain of the host of the king of Syria was visiting with Elisha.
Gehazi saw a chance to get some of his wealth.
He knew that from him, he would be able to receive money, garments, oliveyards, vineyards, sheep, oxen, menservants, and maidservants.
Greed took over his life.
Elisha was made aware of this greed.
He spoke to him about it (2 Kings 5:25-26 KJV).
Because of his greed, Elisha punished him.
He told him, “The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever.”
And [Gehazi] went out from his presence a leper as white as snow” (2 Kings 5:27 KJV).
His punishment for being greedy.
The same holds true to this day.
Greed will always try to take hold of our lives.
We must defeat it before it takes hold of us.
The Father has told us, “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live” (Proverbs 15:27 KJV).
When we are greedy, we lose more than we gain.
It has no place in our lives.
The Father has something better for each of us.
We are never to forget, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV).
That if it is His will for us to have anything else, He will provide.
Knowing that what we receive will always let us be a blessing to someone else.
The Father knows what we really need to survive in this lifetime.
Let us be happy with all that He has blessed us with.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, greed has the power to take control of our souls. Help us to not let money or possessions become our highest goal. We know it has the power to cause us so much pain. We know You have the power and riches to supply all our needs. Our prayer is not to let greed take over our lives. We want to be more concerned with pleasing You. Thank You for helping us defeat it.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen