9a But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts.
The original Greek phrase translated as “they that will be rich” refers to those who desire or wish to be rich. They are not contented with whatever God has given them. They are ambitious and determined to make more wealth. Their hearts and minds are set to be rich. They may not appear to be covetous and greedy. In reality, they will very likely come across as noble men who are industrious, determined and assiduous. However, they are driven by an irrepressible passion to be rich. Such would be noticed by the people of this world and be endued with great honour and praise for their achievements and wealth.
Yet God’s Word warns us that they who are driven by the accumulation of wealth will “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts”. The path of material wealth is strewn with many pits of sinful temptations. When driven by an uncontrolled craving for wealth, they will suddenly fall into temptation. They will be led into snares of lust, like wild animals led into traps. Once trapped, they thrash themselves all over the place trying to break free from the traps. Their burning desire for achievements and prosperity makes them morally senseless, irrational, even animalistic in their conduct. They become victims of their own lusts.
With their unchecked passion for wealth comes hurtful and foolish conduct. Chasing money is not the way to happiness; it is the way to being trapped in sin and being a victim of one’s own lusts. A money-minded man will soon be a victim of his own ambitions. The love of money leads to sin and hurtful consequences. It leads to entrapment, it leads to irrational control by lust, and finally it brings upon him self inflicted harm and ruin.
A man driven by material success often pursues paths of life that a godly person would gladly abandon. Clearly, it is foolish and hurtful to spend one’s life solely for material success. Hebrews 13:5 advises us: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Let us learn to be contented with what God has been pleased to give us, and be dedicated to live a life pursuing after the glorious purposes of God. So brethren, get rid of covetousness from your life before it ruins your soul!