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What follows is an e-mail that I had written regarding the supposed ‘root of all evil’.  It was primarily written for a Christian audience in mind, however, seeing how Western culture has been largely influenced by Christianity, it is well worth reading since the belief is very widespread in the English speaking world.

Many people believe that “Money is the root of all evil.”  Yet, the original source of the statement comes from the Bible which actually says:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

Clearly, this passage is referring to the love of money, not money itself.  Unfortunately, it is assumed that money is the antithesis of God, as many people claim that one cannot serve both God and money (Matt 6:24).  However, the point is to not let money become an idol.  Some would look into the context of 1 Timothy 6 to argue that money is evil:

“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. (1 Tim 6:9)

While this sounds as if being rich is somehow evil, the key presupposition here is ‘want to get rich’.  It indicates that one is lacking, since wanting presupposes lack.  When one has something, there is no more wanting necessary.  As apostle Paul says in Romans 8:24, “Who hopes for what he already has?”
 
Say the following phrases to yourself:  “I have money” and “I want money”.  Say them slowly, and notice how the two phrases feel as you say them.  Which phrase feels more uncomfortable?  Which phrase feels more complete?  My guess is that “I have money” feels much more complete, while “I want money” feels uncomfortable, as if something is lacking.  Having said that, it would make sense for the Psalmist to say:
 
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (Psalm 23:1)
 
This statement presupposes that he no longer wants anything, which suggests his needs are met.  In fact, the entire Psalm goes on to describe how God gives him tranquility, restoration, comfort and food (Psalm 23:2-5).  Then, it concludes with the following, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6).  Ultimately, by fully having God, one no longer wants.  Thus, by wanting money, one is clearly not with God.  However, I contend that by having God or being with God, one can become rich (though not necessarily the way he or she may expect).
 
Some would perhaps argue that the context of 1 Timothy 6 further reveals that being rich is sinful.  After all, that is what 1 Tim 6:17 sounds like:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God…” (1 Tim 6:17).

What we see here is that apostle Paul is commanding wealthy Christians to put their hope in God.  It almost sounds like he is telling them to rid themselves of wealth, much like Jesus telling the rich man to sell his possessions and give it all to the poor (Matt 19:21).  Yet the rest of the 1 Timothy 6:17 paints a different picture:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim 6:17).

This presupposes trust in our Lord, who richly provides for us.  In other words, it is God who makes us rich in our own respective ways.
 
In spite of all this, some would continue to persist that being rich is sinful by quoting Jesus:
 
“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 19:24), but by taking a closer look at the context we can see the real problem:  “When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Matt 19:22).  Ultimately, the problem was not the money itself, but rather the meaning he attached to it.  In other words, in his mind, he likely thought the following:  

Giving up great wealth = Sadness

This presupposes that he was attached to his wealth, much like the way an alcoholic would have a tough time giving up alcohol even though alcohol in itself is not sinful. The rich man was probably thinking, “I want my money” which indicates he was controlled by his wealth rather than being free to give it away generously.  Let us recall that “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor 3:17).  He most likely lacked self-control, which apostle Paul states is one of the “fruits of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23).
 
Apostle Paul’s words from Romans 12:1-2 suggest that the man’s problem was in his mind: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
 
Therefore, when looking at passages like Hebrews 13:5, we can now understand how money is to be understood:

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you:  never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)

This is a matter of trusting God, rather than trusting the love of money, which could probably be translated as greed, not money itself.  It’s worth noting here that it says, “be content with what you have” rather than, “be content with what you want” :)
 
Moreover, the following verse helps put this into perspective:

“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Once again, the problem here is not money but the unhealthy attachment to it and trying to be satisfied by it, yet satisfaction comes from God (see Psalm 23).  We are to be content with what we have been given (i.e. God)
 
Scripture also reveals that “when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).  In other words, wealth is given to us by God as a gift that we are to receive.  Should we not give thanks when we are given such wonderful gifts?
 
Yet how often do we forget this simple command:

“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ (1 Thess 5:18).  

By giving thanks we are not only in a state of gratitude, we are acknowleding all that God has given to us which are then to be used to do more of his work.  This would explain why Jesus said:  “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48). 
 
This idea fits neatly with Jesus’s parable of the talents. (see Matt 25:14-30) A master had three servants who were given money to generate more wealth.  They were each given according to their abilities, and while the first two servants multiplied their money for the master, the last servant literally did nothing. 
 
The end result was that the first two servants were rewarded for their deeds, yet the last servant was called lazy and his money was taken from him and was given to the first servant.  It’s interesting to note that Jesus gave a parable about stewardship in the form of investing!  In short, it reveals that money is a concrete form of stewardship towards God, not the root of all evil.

“But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” (Deut 8:18)