It is one of the most frequently quoted and frequently misquoted lines in the Bible. People often say, “Money is the root of all evil.” But that is not what Scripture says, and the difference matters a great deal for how we think about our finances.
What the verse says
“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.” (1 Timothy 6:10, KJV)
The key word is “love.” The problem is not money itself, which is a neutral tool. Money can feed families, build hospitals, fund missions, and support people in need. The problem is a heart that loves money: one that treats it as the source of security, identity, or happiness.
“All evil” and “a root”
It is also worth noting that the verse says the love of money is “the root of all evil,” and many scholars read this as “a root of all kinds of evil,” meaning that it can give rise to many kinds of wrongdoing. Greed can lead to dishonesty, exploitation, neglect of family, and broken relationships. The verse is not claiming that every sin comes from money, but that a love of money can drive a wide range of harmful choices.
The verse also describes a cost: those who chase money “pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” That is a vivid image. The pursuit of wealth for its own sake often leaves a trail of anxiety, strained relationships, and spiritual drift.
The surrounding context
The verse sits within a passage about contentment.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, KJV)
Paul reminds Timothy that we arrive with nothing and leave with nothing. Real gain is found in godliness joined to contentment. This framing shapes how we read the warning about the love of money.
Rich people are not condemned
It would be a mistake to read this passage as condemning wealth. A few verses later, Paul gives instructions to those who have it.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” (1 Timothy 6:17-18, KJV)
Notice that Paul does not tell the wealthy to give everything away. He tells them not to be arrogant, not to put their trust in riches, to enjoy God’s gifts, and to be generous. The danger is trust, pride, and hoarding, not possession.
How the love of money shows up
A person does not have to be rich to love money. The love of money can show up in anyone: a person with little who is consumed with getting more, or a person with plenty who cannot bear to let go. Some common signs include constant anxiety about money, secrecy about finances, difficulty giving, envy of others’ possessions, and willingness to compromise honesty for gain. It can also take the form of measuring your worth by your net worth.
Spotting love of money in a budget
Here is a simple exercise. Imagine you receive an unexpected $1,000. Pay attention to your very first impulse. Is it to spend it on yourself, to save it, to give some away, or to worry about how to protect it? Your first reaction can reveal where your heart is leaning. There is no single right answer, since you may need the money for bills. But noticing the impulse and asking why it came can be eye-opening.
Another practical step is to review your spending and giving for the last month. Do the numbers reflect the values you say you hold? Sometimes a quiet look at a bank statement is the best mirror.
Guarding your heart
Scripture offers several practical protections. Practice generosity regularly, because giving loosens money’s grip. Cultivate gratitude by thanking God for what you have. Choose contentment, even as you work to improve your situation. Stay accountable by being honest with a trusted friend about your finances and motives. And remember the brevity of life: the wealth we gather cannot accompany us.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5, KJV)
The ultimate remedy for the love of money is not poverty but a deeper love for God and a confidence in his care.
A prayer for a guarded heart
Lord, thank you for the good gifts you have given me. Keep my heart from loving money more than you. Teach me to hold what I have with open hands, to be honest in all my dealings, and to find my security in you alone. Amen.
A heart check
What does your use of money say about what you love? Is there one change you could make this month that would help your heart follow your faith?
Where to go next: Is It Wrong to Want More Income? What Scripture Says About Ambition, Contentment in Philippians 4: Learning to Be Content With What You Have, Treasures in Heaven: What Jesus Meant About Where Your Heart Is, and Is Investing Biblical? Understanding the Parable of the Talents.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). This article is for education and inspiration and is not personalized financial advice.