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The Sin of Covetousness

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 15, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 30.

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The Sin of Covetousness

By E. HILLIARD

E. HILLIARD
The men who were chosen to be rulers over God’s ancient people, were not only able, pious men, but men who hated covetousness. See Ex. 18:21. Paul says a bishop should not be “greedy of filthy lucre, . . . not covetous.” The Scriptures class a covetous man among thieves, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners. Such can never enter the kingdom of heaven. He who cares more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom will make an eternal failure.
“God cannot approve of the least degree of covetousness, or selfishness, and he abhors the prayers and exhortations of those who indulge these evil traits.”—“Early Writings,” p. 268. Covetousness is a subtle, dangerous, soul-destroying sin. It withers and dwarfs all the noble qualities of mind. It is a bewitching foe, luring its victims on to a miserable end. “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 Tim. 6:10.
Brethren, let us, as men of God, flee these things. Let us cultivate a liberal, faithful spirit, supporting the cause of God with our prayers and means. Let us be liberal on earth, and we shall be enriched in heaven. Let us lay up our treasure in heaven, beyond the reach of thieves; for where our treasure is, there our heart will be.
· St. Paul, Minn.