The earth is the most impure element. The purity of the heart lies in the spirituality of it, and what is more opposite to spiritualness than earthiness? Covetousness is 'the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10). 'To what cost do you drive mortal hearts—you accursed lust for gold!'
[1] Covetousness is the root of discontent. Why do any repine at their condition—but because they think they do not have enough? The Greek word for covetousness signifies an immoderate desire of getting. Because the covetous man is never satisfied, his heart frets in discontent and impatience.
[2] Covetousness is the root of theft. Achan's covetous heart made him steal that wedge of gold—which served to cleave asunder his soul from God (Joshua 7:21).
[3] Covetousness is the root of treason. It made Judas betray Christ. 'How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?' (Matthew 26:15). Absalom's covetousness made him attempt to pluck the crown from his father's head. He who is a Demas, will soon prove a Judas. 'Men shall be covetous' (2 Timothy 3:2), and it follows in the next verse, 'traitors'. Where covetousness is in the preface, treason will be in the conclusion.
[4] Covetousness is the root of murder. Why did Ahab stone Naboth to death but to possess his vineyard? (1 Kings 21:13). Covetousness has made many swim to the crown in blood. And can the heart be pure, when the 'hands are full of blood'? (Isaiah 1:15).
[5] Covetousness is the root of perjury. 'Men shall be covetous, and it follows, 'trucebreakers' (2 Timothy 3:2, 3). For love of money will take a false oath and break a just oath. He who lives a Midas, will die a perjurer.
[6] Covetousness is the root of necromancy. Why do people indent with the devil—but for money? They study the black art—for yellow gold. Alexander the Sixth pawned his soul to the devil for a popedom.
[7] Covetousness is the root of fraud and theft. Such as would be over-rich, will overreach. It is the covetous hand which holds false weights (Amos 8:5).
[8] Covetousness is the root of bribery and injustice. It makes the courts of law, 'great places of robbery', as Augustine speaks. At Athens, court cases were bought and sold for money.
[9] Covetousness is the cause of uncleanness. The Scripture mentions 'the hire of a whore' (Deuteronomy 23:18). For money both conscience and chastity are sold.
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10] Covetousness is the root of idolatry: 'Covetousness which is idolatry' (Colossians 3:5). The covetous person bows down to the image of gold. His money is his god, for he puts his trust in it. Money is his creator. When he has abundance of wealth, then he thinks he is made. Money is his redeemer. If he is in any strait or trouble, he flies to his money and that must redeem him. Money is his comforter. When he is sad he counts over his money and with this golden harp he drives away the evil spirit. When you see a covetous man, you may say, "There goes an idolater!"
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11] Covetousness is the cause of unprofitableness under the means of grace. In the parable, the thorns choked the seed (Matthew 13:7). This is the reason the Word preached does no more good. The seed often falls among thorns. Thousands of sermons lie buried in earthly hearts!
[12] Covetousness is the root of selfishness and stinginess. It hinders hospitality. A covetous man has a withered hand. He cannot reach it out to clothe or feed those who are in need. The covetous person is so sordid, that if his estate may flourish he is content to let his name lie dead and buried. What a cursed sin is avarice! And can he be pure in heart—who has such a 'root of bitterness' growing in him? We may as well say that the body is pure which is full of plague-sores.
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