Greedy Covetousness Prov. 21:26 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Here are the characteristics of a man that is greedy:

He will kill to get it if he has to – Ps 17:8-12 –– Naboth and Jezebel 1 Ki 21 – Ps 17:12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.  Prov 1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

He will go after it though it kills him – Ahab and Jezebel were killed as a result of their sin – Ahab’s blood was licked up by the dogs in Naboth’s vineyard – his son was thrown there too – Prov 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. 1 Ki 21:19-24; 22:38; 2 Ki 9:24-26

In spite of every attempt to accumulate wealth, he never has enough – Prov 21:26a He coveteth greedily all the day long.  Is 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

He will get into other sins – greedy covetousness is connected to other sins – Ezek 22:12 In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.  Extortion is taking [exacting] money by force

He will live completely contrary to the nature of Christ – 2 Cor 8:9 Jesus gave up his riches that we might be rich.  Eph 4:18-20 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  Prov 21:26b The righteous giveth and spareth not.

And concerning the ministry, greediness:

Is absolutely forbidden in preachers and deacons – 1 Tim 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 1 Tim 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Causes preachers to turn from the truth in order to gain – Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.