1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NKJV): “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 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.”

One common stereotype of businesspeople (especially business owners and executives) is that they are “greedy.” Perhaps you remember the classic 1987 movie Wall Street. Actor Michael Douglas plays Gordon Gekko, who boldly declares that “greed is good.”

Wrong! In today's Scripture passage, and others, the Word of God boldly declares that greed isn’t good. In fact, there is a downward progression that happens when people get greedy. Their idolatrous preoccupation with the acquisition and accumulation of wealth backfires. They FALL into temptations, traps, foolish and harmful desires. They WANDER from the faith. They PLUNGE into ruin and destruction. They PIERCE themselves with many griefs.

You will hear a multitude of “voices” condoning greed and encouraging you to be greedy. These voices will tell you that greed is good. That greed is the best way to achieve success. That greed satisfies and leads to fulfilment. Whether you’re tempted to be greedy through your business practices or some form of illegal or legal gambling, the wisest thing to do is to run away from greed and run toward Godliness. Be a mature, Christ-exalting example for others to emulate. When you come to the end of your career or this life, you’ll be glad you did.

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1、 “For business, you must be greedy”, how do you think of this stereotype? What factors do you think contribute to this impression?

2、In your daily life or work, have you ever encountered the temptation of greed? How did you deal with it?

3、In a business environment, how do you to find a balance between pursuing corporate profits and avoiding greed?