Day 191 Question 191:
Is money the root of all evil?
How many times have we all heard the phrase “money is the root of all evil”? Over and over and over again. Is there truth behind this? I believe evil comes only in the form of humans to be honest but there are sources that play a part in the evil acts and money without a doubt is one of those sources. I believe (undoubtedly) money can drive people to evil…with evil being a very broad and personally defined term.
The reason I came up with this question for today is because I read an article this morning that kind of saddened me. As many of you know I am absolutely obsessed with the sitcom Modern Family (almost in an unhealthy way…hahaha). The cast of this show has filed a lawsuit because they are unhappy with their contracts. According to reports, five of the cast members are being offered salary increases for between $150,000 per episode to $325,000 per episode between now and season 9. Seriously, WHO needs that kind of money (and remember I said NEEDS)? I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about how screwed up the monetary priorities are in this country. Don’t get me wrong, I am not perfect, I have an iPhone and I spend money on things I don’t need from time to time but I also do not have money continually going into my account that exceeds well beyond what I need or want. This country is considered so dominant and the “best country in the world”. Is it because of money? Is it because money and materials drive people? I can’t wrap my brain around why ONE person were to need such an excessive amount of money??? In my opinion, making $30,000,000 for one movie is unnecessary and just plain ridiculous. We have teachers scraping to ends meet but actors, athletes and musicians (some that have never even finished high school) practically swimming in money.
Some people could read this and assume that I am jealous or assume that if it were me that I would take the money and run but I can’t believe that to be true at all. Honestly, money makes me uncomfortable in a way. I have borrowed money from my parents in the past in times of need and desperation (because I was not able to make ends meet) and have cried senselessly because of how bad I felt. I get uncomfortable when someone buys me something or pays for a meal for me (even on a date). I will accept these things but I will also show my gratitude and return the favor. If anything, I prefer doing for others….even if it is something small. I do not believe there is a profession in the world that is worthy of millions and millions of dollars per year. Our country is in this “Great Recession”…well maybe part of the reason is because what money there is here is being handed out to this “elite” crowd of people. What makes an actor worthy of $30,000,000+ a movie but a teacher (that can have upwards of 25 to 30 students in her class) is only worthy of between $30,000 to $40,000 (this number varies per state) per year?
I understand that I play a part in the salaries that these actors are making because I watch the show/movies. Yes, I guess I am at fault. It is a vicious cycle. My point is, IN MY OPINION, money has gotten out of hand. For some people, when is enough going to be enough? Is there ever going to be enough for some people? I do not think money is the root of all evil but when people get money (especially in excess) it can turn them very ugly and very greedy….for some, money makes them feel entitled. My question is, why are some people OWED? In other countries, some people live with very little and are completely content because they have their families and loved ones around them. In this country, people lose their shit if they are not able to buy the latest techno gadget or top brand designer outfits. Relationships have lost value in this country because money and material are topping their importance (IN MY OPINION….and remember before you jump down my throat, I admit to being guilty myself sometimes). Money can make some aspects of life a little easier. If you make enough to live comfortably (able to pay all of your bills and have a little extra money for travels, hobbies, etc.) that is wonderful. I just don’t see the point of NEEDING millions and millions and millions of dollars. Why do people need more money than they are even capable of spending in their lifetimes? Who has decided what careers are worthy of what salaries….it seems like such an imbalance to me. A firefighter or a military soldier do not even make a fraction of what “famous” people make….and they risk their lives day in and day out. If we are such a “dominant” country, why have we yet to figure out how to balance money in a way that doesn’t bring greed or poverty??? What are the true priorities of this country? I mean, we have these candidates running for pregnancy that speak of “fixing” this country’s economic problems yet millions and millions of dollars are being spent on negative campaigning. Negative campaigning disgusts me so much.
My point in any venue in which I state MY OPINION is not to debate or convince people that I am right. I just have an opinion so I am choosing to express it. Through my experiences, I have seen money being a root cause of greedy and ugly behavior amongst people. The actions of the Modern Family casts stirred a lot of thoughts in my head about how I feel about money and what effect it has on people. It is one of those things that people need to practice great control with but unfortunately many are not able to (myself included sometimes).
It's a New Day... 
I share your opinion, I have written about this subject a few times myself ( courtesy of a very money-hating professor ) . I think that even if one was to splurge on the greatest luxuries available to us today, it is impossible to spend more than a billion dollars in a lifetime. Unfortunately after hitting a million mark, majority starts to hoard money, without spending it. I call that paranoia.
I hear that the love of money is the root of evil. Money is material, and buys material things. I guess it all depends on what your definition of wealth is, and what your values are.
I completely agree with you. It always upsets me when I take the time to think about the salaries that actors and singers and athletes make as compared to everyone else, especially people in professions in which they risk their lives in order to help people. It’s terrible and I always think about how I contribute to it as well by watching the movies and shows that they’re in. It really is a vicious cycle.
I understand where you’re coming from. We are supposed to be responsible with what we have. If you have more money you are responsible to show more benevolence toward your lesser fortunate brethren. Which brings me to second part of my belief about money: Money is the perfect medium for judging one’s soul, especially true of those with excess to spare. Money doesn’t change a person, what is evil once they have money was already there to begin with. The only difference with money is they have the ability to do what was in their heart all along. If that makes any sense?
That makes total sense. I love the way you said it. :0)
Money is not the root of all evil. Money is not evil. Money is a tool, no more evil or a source of evil than a hammer or a wheel or a lever. The correct phrase is “the love of money is the root of all evil.” And to answer the image at the top of the post, they ask for money at church because even churches have to pay bills.
Agreed.
Great post! I have often felt that way about the extreme paychecks of both actors and athletes. Yes, they are being paid for their job, but how is their job so much more important than the jobs of a teacher, firefighter, or nurse? Thanks for giving me some wonderful food for thought on this Wednesday.
I guess it would depend on one’s perception of what “evil” is. To me, the shooter in Aurora, CO is “truly” evil….and you could hardly say that it was for money. Manipulative, yes…..evil, I’d say not.
It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil!
I think it depends what you want the money for … to do good (or buy me shoes) that is fine … to hoard and store away not so much …and sadly we all need some to survive
Look at the fine artwork on the coins and banknotes…there would be another “love” of money coming to our hearts. Nowadays much amount of money are dealt with digital data, which is indeed convenient and I myself make a great use of, however sometimes it’s good to touch and feel “material” money, having migrated around many people and now at our hands.
i wouldnt say that money is the root of all evil. However, I will the love for money is.
As a few of the others have said, it’s the love of miney that’s the problem. I wish we lived in a society that didn’t need it and we were all provided for and happy to contribute back to society to our fullest and most selfless.
I think the word you are looking for is greed as the root of all evil, not money. Money is like a tree, it does nothing without a human agent. Greed, however, is in the human heart and the person carrying that heart needs to decide whether he is all for himself or is willing to share and help others; in other words, will he choose to make money his god by giving into his greed or will he make love his ultimate goal? Anyway, I think I will look up the Scripture passage tonight.
Thanks for the thought-provoker!
I love the comments here, would make for a great debate, I do not think money is evil at all, however, how you make money, and what you do with your money can be and sadly often is (drug dealers for example) evil. Money is a barter system, how we earn and how we share is what we will be judged on, not how much we had.
Lack of money is the root of all evil …
I didn’t read all comments, and possibly someone already said it, but the Bible says that it is “The LOVE of money that is the root of all evil” Timothy 6:10. Many people are willing to do awful things because of it! Money is essential in all we do to live an honest life, support ourselves and our families, pay for health services, school, etc. through an honest job. If only money or wealth or being rich was the problem, God would not have blessed Solomon or Abraham, etc. with so much! Money or being wealthy is not evil in and of itself!
Have a great one!
Well done! Thumbs up! 🙂
i think more people would be comfortable giving money to church if the church today used the money as they did in the New Testament to make sure the less fortunate in church did not go without.
As many have pointed out, it’s the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil, not money itself. But your points certainly show just that – that’s why so many folks are so greedy nowadays.
As for churches, this does seem to be a common theme with organized religion, doesn’t it?
Love your posts, Diane! Many folks in this thread have already stated before me, the Bible says, “For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their GREEDINESS, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, FLEE these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” I Timothy 6:10-11 God directed ALL of us to earn our keep & share our abundance w/the less fortunate.
I agree we live in a society that fails to financially uphold our TRUE heroes, however, in my humble opinion, I believe each one of us is given freedom in this country to pursue our strengths, do the work & accept that which is being offered financially for the work we provide. Here’s where I find fault- not in money itself, but in the individual who’s earning the cash flow!
If a movie mogul is stupid enough to pay an actor cabillions for his/her work, it’s THEN up to the actor to accept or deny what’s offered. If that actor has a conscience, you can hope he/she chooses to take care of their & their family’s needs & then donates HUGE sums to those who actually NEED it!!! It’s the actor’s money-he/she earned it (whether we agree with the sum or not) & they get to choose where to invest it. That’s called freedom & unless we’re willing to offer up our own freedom to someone else’s opinion of what’s fair or not fair, we settle for the fact that their are those among us who are just selfish & greedy! We also have the freedom to boycott selfish actors who can’t get rich enough. You can hope the actor will donate great sums his/her money to the millions of charities available-you can hope! But whether the actors do or don’t is none of our business-no matter how “unfair” it may seem to us. It’s their money, they earned it, they can keep it or give it away as they see fit! I’m a firm believer in ya reap what ya sow!
Where financial fairness is concerned, I might be a single Momma who earns minimum wage barely gettin’ by & my neighbor down the street might think I’m earning too much. Financial fairness??? It’s far too subjective to even venture an answer of what’s fair, and I for one, wouldn’t even wanna try!
And finally (while Diane considers how to punish me for breaking the word limit on replies), where churches are concerned, I know churches I’ve attended use their charitable donations to support missions, food pantries, foreign ministries, the homeless and to pay the pastor’s salary so he can afford to feed his own family. I don’t have a problem with all that kinda good juju!