Topical Encyclopedia
Definition: The term "avaricious" refers to an excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or material gain. It is often synonymous with greed and covetousness, which are attitudes condemned in the Bible. Avarice is considered a sin because it places material wealth above spiritual values and devotion to God.
Biblical References:1.
Old Testament:·
Proverbs 28:22 : "A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him." This proverb warns against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness, highlighting the futility and eventual downfall that comes with avarice.
·
Ecclesiastes 5:10 : "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile." The Preacher in Ecclesiastes underscores the emptiness of avarice, noting that the love of money never leads to true satisfaction.
2.
New Testament:·
Luke 12:15 : "Then He said to them, 'Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" Jesus warns His followers to be vigilant against greed, emphasizing that true life is not measured by material wealth.
·
1 Timothy 6:10 : "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Paul cautions Timothy about the dangers of avarice, noting that it can lead believers away from their faith and into spiritual ruin.
Theological Implications:Avarice is seen as a direct challenge to the first commandment, which calls for the worship of God alone. By placing wealth above God, the avaricious person effectively creates an idol out of money. This idolatry is a form of spiritual adultery, as it diverts love and devotion away from God.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:The Bible consistently teaches that wealth in itself is not evil, but the love of wealth and the desire to accumulate it at the expense of others and one's spiritual well-being is condemned. Christians are encouraged to practice contentment and generosity, recognizing that all material blessings come from God and should be used for His glory and the benefit of others.
Practical Application:Believers are called to examine their hearts and motives concerning wealth and possessions. The pursuit of wealth should never overshadow one's commitment to God and His commandments. Christians are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that their needs will be met according to His will (
Matthew 6:33).
Historical Context:Throughout church history, avarice has been identified as one of the seven deadly sins. Church fathers and theologians have consistently warned against the dangers of greed, urging believers to live lives marked by simplicity, charity, and a focus on eternal rather than temporal riches.
Conclusion:While the Bible acknowledges the necessity of material resources, it warns against the dangers of avarice, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to use their resources in ways that honor Him and serve others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Actuated by avarice; greedy of gain; immoderately desirous of accumulating property.
Greek
5366. philarguros -- loving money ... money. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: philarguros Phonetic Spelling:
(fil-ar'-goo-ros) Short Definition: money-loving,
avaricious Definition: money
... 866. aphilarguros -- without love of money
... of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: aphilarguros Phonetic Spelling: (af-il-ar'-
goo-ros) Short Definition: not loving money, not avaricious Definition: not ...
4123. pleonektes -- one desirous of having more
... Transliteration: pleonektes Phonetic Spelling: (pleh-on-ek'-tace) Short Definition:
a covetous person Definition: a covetous or avaricious person; one desirous ...
Library
How Herod and Sosius Took Jerusalem by Force; and what Death ...
... CHAPTER 18. How Herod And Sosius Took Jerusalem By Force; And What Death Antigonus
Came To. Also Concerning Cleopatra's Avaricious Temper. ...
Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... Paul selected three subjects, correspondent to the characteristics. Addressing an
avaricious man, he treated of righteousness. ... Felix was avaricious, and St. ...
1 John iv. 16-Dec
... nothing can be bestowed. 6. For in this the proud soul has passed bounds,
and, in a manner, become avaricious. For, "The root of ...
How to Become Like Christ.
... We may loathe and despise the character of the avaricious worldly man; we may see
its littleness, and pettiness, and greed, and selfishness: but do our own ...
Attributes of Selfishness.
... He may be prevented from drinking to inebriation only by a regard to reputation
or health, or by an avaricious disposition. ... He is avaricious in heart. ...
Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod.
... But such people as manifest an avaricious disposition, so that they will suffer
faithful ministers to serve them without contributing something towards their ...
The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem
... CHAPTER 18. How Herod And Sosius Took Jerusalem By Force; And What Death Antigonus
Came To. Also Concerning Cleopatra's Avaricious Temper. CHAPTER 19. ...
To Alexander, Bishop of the City of Constantinople.
... 1. The ambitious and avaricious will of wicked men is always wont to lay snares
against those churches which seem greater, by various pretexts attacking the ...
Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... of their brethren, and neither are rudely insolent towards such rich as are called,
nor, on the other hand, cringe to them for their own avaricious ends, must ...
Useful Phrases
... automatic termination. autumnal skies. auxiliary aids. available data. avaricious
eyes. avenging fate. average excellence. averted calamity. avowed intention. ...
Thesaurus
Avaricious (3 Occurrences)... (a.) Actuated by avarice; greedy of gain; immoderately desirous of accumulating
property. Multi-Version Concordance
Avaricious (3 Occurrences).
...Greedy (24 Occurrences)
... 2. (superl.) Having a keen desire for anything; vehemently desirous; eager to obtain;
avaricious; as, greedy of gain. Multi-Version Concordance ...
Rapacious (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Avaricious; grasping; extortionate; also, greedy; ravenous; voracious; as,
rapacious usurers; a rapacious appetite. Multi-Version Concordance ...
Gain (142 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:10 not that in this world you are to keep wholly aloof from such
as they, any more than from people who are avaricious and greedy of gain, or ...
Aven (10 Occurrences)
Greed (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 6:10 nor theives, nor avaricious people, nor any who are addicted
to hard drinking, to abusive language or to greed of gain, will inherit God's ...
Grasping (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Seizing; embracing; catching. 2. (a.) Avaricious; greedy of gain; covetous;
close; miserly; as, he is a grasping man. Multi-Version Concordance ...
Wholly (67 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:10 not that in this world you are to keep wholly aloof from such
as they, any more than from people who are avaricious and greedy of gain, or ...
Worshippers (45 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:10 not that in this world you are to keep wholly aloof from such
as they, any more than from people who are avaricious and greedy of gain, or ...
Idols (186 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 5:10 not that in this world you are to keep wholly aloof from such
as they, any more than from people who are avaricious and greedy of gain, or ...
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