Sermon on Proverbs 21:26: A Call Against Greed and the Love of Money

Introduction
The Bible is rich with wisdom that helps us navigate the complexities of life, and one of the most profound areas it speaks to is our relationship with money and possessions. Proverbs 21:26 says, "All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does not hold back." This verse serves as a stark contrast between two types of people: the greedy, who pursue wealth endlessly, and the righteous, who understand that true wealth is not in accumulating material possessions but in giving and sharing with others.
The subject of greed, especially in regard to money, is one that is ever-relevant in our modern world. With a global society that places immense value on wealth, success, and material achievement, this verse stands as a timeless reminder of how the love of money can corrupt and how the righteous are called to live differently.
In this sermon, we will explore the implications of Proverbs 21:26, the dangers of greed, and how we can cultivate a righteous attitude towards money and possessions in our lives.
1. The Nature of Greed
The opening part of Proverbs 21:26 states, "All day long he craves greedily." This image of a person whose desires are insatiable, constantly longing for more, highlights the nature of greed. Greed is an unrelenting desire for more—more money, more possessions, more power, more status. The person described here is never satisfied, always wanting something beyond what they have. This craving is not just for survival or basic needs but for excess, luxury, and indulgence.
We see this kind of greed play out in society today. People are constantly chasing after the next big thing, whether it's the latest gadget, the most expensive car, or the biggest house. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying the blessings that God provides, greed crosses a dangerous line when the desire for wealth becomes a driving force in our lives. It causes us to focus on ourselves, our wants, and our ambitions, to the detriment of others and our spiritual health.
Greed leads us to place our hope in material wealth, which is fleeting and temporary. The apostle Paul warns in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil." The love of money can ensnare us in ways we never expected. What starts as a harmless desire for more can quickly escalate into a deep-seated idol that controls our actions and decisions.
2. The Dangers of Greed
The consequences of greed are both spiritual and practical. Proverbs 21:26 paints a clear picture of a person who craves endlessly, yet never finds satisfaction. They are stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction that only deepens as they accumulate more. Greed leads to spiritual emptiness, as it creates a false sense of fulfillment. This endless pursuit of wealth, status, and material gain can make us forget what truly matters: our relationship with God and with others.
Greed also leads to broken relationships. When money becomes an idol in our lives, it often comes at the expense of our relationships with family, friends, and even fellow believers. We become so consumed with accumulating wealth that we neglect those around us. We may start to view others as obstacles to our success rather than as people to love and care for. This is a dangerous path because the Bible teaches that love for one another is central to the Christian life. Jesus Himself said in John 13:34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Greed can also result in financial ruin. While wealth can be a blessing, the Bible warns that wealth can be dangerous if mismanaged. The pursuit of wealth can lead us to make unwise financial decisions, engage in unethical business practices, or become enslaved to debt. Proverbs 22:7 says, "The borrower is the slave of the lender," illustrating how financial bondage can trap us if we are driven by greed. When our lives are consumed with the desire for money, we often make decisions that are not aligned with God's wisdom, leading to consequences that affect our financial stability and peace of mind.
3. The Call to Righteousness
In contrast to the greedy person, Proverbs 21:26 also describes the righteous: "but the righteous gives and does not hold back." This statement highlights the attitude of generosity that is characteristic of those who are in right relationship with God. Rather than hoarding their wealth or obsessively pursuing more, the righteous understand that their possessions are not for their own selfish gain but are meant to be shared for the benefit of others.
The righteous person recognizes that everything they have is a gift from God and that they are stewards of these gifts. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul advises the rich in this way: "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
The righteous are called to be generous. They recognize that wealth is not an end in itself but a tool to be used for God's purposes. They are not controlled by their possessions but use them to bless others. This is a reflection of God's own nature, as He is a generous and giving God. Jesus Himself embodied generosity throughout His life, from healing the sick to laying down His life for the salvation of humanity.
As believers, we are called to follow Christ's example of generosity, which is rooted in love and selflessness. Acts 20:35 reminds us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This is the essence of true wealth: the ability to give freely, not out of obligation but out of a heart that understands the richness of God’s grace.
4. How to Cultivate a Righteous Attitude Towards Money
If we are to live according to Proverbs 21:26, we must cultivate an attitude of generosity and a mindset that values people and relationships over material possessions. Here are a few practical ways we can do this:
Recognize the fleeting nature of wealth: Understand that money and possessions are temporary and cannot bring lasting fulfillment. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." This perspective helps us prioritize eternal values over temporary material gain.
Practice contentment: Learn to be content with what we have. In Philippians 4:11-12, Paul shares his secret to contentment: "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound." Contentment frees us from the endless pursuit of more and helps us focus on what really matters.
Live generously: Look for opportunities to give. Generosity is not just about giving money but also time, resources, and love. Acts of kindness and generosity reflect the heart of God and serve as a testimony to others of His goodness and provision.
Guard against greed: Be vigilant about the dangers of greed. Regularly examine your heart and ask God to reveal any areas where you may be tempted to place your hope in wealth rather than in Him. Prayer and accountability with fellow believers can help keep us grounded in the truth.
Conclusion
Proverbs 21:26 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of greed and the importance of living a life marked by generosity and righteousness. In a world that constantly pressures us to accumulate more, we are called to be different— to focus not on gaining more wealth but on giving generously, trusting that God is our ultimate provider. Let us strive to live in a way that honors God, reflecting His generosity and love to the world around us. May we be people who seek His Kingdom first, knowing that everything else will fall into place when we do.