What in the Word? Is It Wrong to Want to Be Rich? | Malcolm Foley on 1 Timothy 6:6–10
Apr 30, 2025
Malcolm Foley is a Co-pastor of Mosaic Waco and a Special Advisor at Baylor University, known for his work on biblical perspectives of wealth. He delves into 1 Timothy 6:6–10, discussing the spiritual dangers of desiring wealth. The conversation highlights how the love of money can lead to moral downfall and contrasts societal views on prosperity with biblical teachings on contentment. Foley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth and generosity over material gain, encouraging listeners to rethink their approach to resources.
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Godliness vs Desire for Wealth
- Paul contrasts godliness with contentment to the desire to be rich, highlighting contentment as great gain.
- Desire for wealth is framed as a temptation and contradiction to godly contentment.
Greed Undermines Spiritual Life
- Greed is consistently warned against by Jesus and Paul as spiritually dangerous.
- Desire for wealth poses a risk because it can replace reliance on God with reliance on material security.
Defining True Contentment
- Contentment in Paul's view means being satisfied with having life's essentials: food and clothing.
- Pursuit beyond basic needs is depicted as falling into the trap of greed and ruin.