The phrase “the love of money is the root of all evil” is one of the most quoted—and often misunderstood—statements in the Bible. While Scripture speaks very clearly about money, wealth, and abundance, it also provides important nuance and context that many people overlook. The Bible does not condemn money itself, but it repeatedly warns about where our hearts are placed.
By examining key passages from the Bible—and additional teachings from the Book of Mormon—we can better understand what God teaches about wealth, generosity, stewardship, and the dangers of prioritizing money over righteousness.
Is Money the Root of All Evil?
The phrase comes from 1 Timothy 6, where Paul writes:
“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.”
The distinction is critical. Money itself is not described as evil. Instead, it is the love of money—the obsession, fixation, and prioritization of wealth above God—that leads to spiritual destruction. Paul warns that pursuing riches can become a trap, drawing people into temptation, harmful desires, and ultimately separation from faith.
The Parable of the Talents: Abundance as Responsibility
In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Talents. A master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Two servants invest and multiply what they were given, while one hides his portion out of fear.
When the master returns, the servants who used their resources wisely are praised and rewarded. The servant who hid his talent is condemned—not for having little, but for doing nothing with what he was given.
This parable teaches that abundance is a blessing and a responsibility. God expects us to use what we are given—whether money, skills, or opportunities—to do good, grow, and bless others. Hiding blessings out of fear or selfishness is portrayed as unfaithfulness.
Why Jesus Sent the Apostles Without Money
In Mark 6, Jesus sends His apostles on a mission with specific instructions:
“Take nothing for your journey… no bread, no money in your purse.”
This was not a declaration that money is evil. Instead, it was a lesson in faith and dependence on God. By removing material security, Jesus taught His apostles to trust in divine provision and the generosity of others.
Money was not condemned; reliance on money over faith was.
Generosity Matters More Than Amount
In Mark 12, Jesus observes people donating to the treasury. Wealthy individuals give large sums, but a poor widow gives only two small coins. Jesus teaches that her offering is greater than all others because she gave from her need, not her surplus.
This passage reinforces that God values sacrifice, generosity, and intent over the numerical size of a gift. True righteousness is measured by the heart, not by financial status.
Money Cannot Buy Spiritual Power
In Acts 8, a man named Simon attempts to purchase spiritual authority from the apostles. Peter rebukes him, declaring that the gifts of God cannot be bought with money.
This episode clearly teaches that money cannot purchase forgiveness, divine power, or spiritual standing. Repentance, humility, and faith—not wealth—are the currency of God’s kingdom.
The Law of Tithing
In Malachi 3, God teaches the principle of tithing:
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith… if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing.”
Tithing is presented not as loss, but as an act of faith. God promises blessings—not necessarily wealth alone, but provision, spiritual growth, and abundance—when His people honor Him first.
Additional Teachings on the Love of Money
The Book of Mormon provides additional clarity on this subject. In Mormon 8, warnings are given against churches built for profit and forgiveness being sold for money. These verses strongly condemn using religion as a means of financial gain.
Perhaps the most comprehensive teaching appears in Jacob 2:
“Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.”
The passage explains that riches are not sinful when sought for the right reasons—to help others, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and relieve suffering. Wealth becomes sinful when it fuels pride, inequality, or neglect of others.
What the Bible Really Teaches About Money
When viewed together, these scriptures present a consistent message:
- Money itself is not evil.
- The love of money can lead to spiritual destruction.
- Abundance is a blessing meant to be used responsibly.
- Faith, generosity, and stewardship matter more than wealth.
- God must come before riches.
Wealth is neither condemned nor glorified in Scripture. Instead, it is treated as a tool—one that can either bless others or corrupt the soul, depending on where the heart is placed.
The biblical call is clear: seek God first, and use every blessing—including money—to do good.
