Better to Give Than to Receive
Psalm 37:21 and Exodus 22:25 are very similar verses. Both of these verses teach us to give without wanting to receive something in return. These verses explain to us that we must give, out of the goodness of our hearts. According to the Holy Bible Exodus 22:25 states, "If you lend money to any of my people who are in need, do not charge interest as a money lender would" (Every man's Bible pg. ). As Exodus explains to us, we must not treat giving as a business. We should not charge a price for giving, but we should do it for free. By doing that, we are pleasing God. God gives to us with no charge, as long as we do right by Him. Even if we do not, He forgives us and continues to gives us His blessings. We have to continue to help and give to the less fortunate. According to the Holy Bible Psalm 37:21 states, "The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance" (Every man's Bible pg. ). It is wicked to ask for money from the poor. As Psalm 37:12 clarifies, it is the wicked who ask for something in return. Those who are righteous gives graciously. Only the wicked are overpowered by greed.
These scriptures make it clear that the love of money is wicked. The love of money creates wickedness and evilness in the world. People will do anything to get a hold of an immense amount of money, even if it means sinning and disobeying God. This is why the bible teaches against loving money and materialistic things of the world. These things are capable of leading the weak-minded away from God. Someone who is strong in their faith and follows God will put their love for God above the love for money. We sometimes get so caught up in loving money, that we worship and treat money as if it is God. We must worship only one God because our God is a jealous God. A person who is a lover of money is a person of greed.
I would define greed as an intense desire to obtain something. A person of greed will do whatever it takes to obtain whatever it is they desire. Because they desire this object with such intensity, they are willing to sin to get it. This means lying, cheating, harming others just to get their hands on it. If someone is greedy, they have set their hearts on it. Meaning, they have minimized space in their hearts for God. God no longer becomes a factor in their lives and the decisions they make. They are blinded by greed. People with greed usually desire money and power. Unfortunately for them, these things do not give them the full satisfaction and happiness they wish for, which is why they continue to search for more of it. Until a person realizes that God is their only key to happiness, they will never obtain true happiness, which is joy.