How Can Riches Deceive?

In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9; Matthew 13:19-23), our Lord likened the word of God to seed that fell in four kinds of soil representing different kinds of human hearts, and the productivity of the word or the lack thereof (depending on the kind of soil in which it was sown). Jesus taught that some kinds of soil (hearts), though receiving the word, did not profit from it.

For instance, the word could not bring forth fruit in the heart that was filled with the "cares of the world" and the "deceitfulness of riches" because those things choked out the word (Matthew 13:22). Notice in this verse that Christ qualifies riches as being "deceitful" We might ask the question, "How can riches deceive?"

1) Riches are deceitful because they "appear" to offer that which satisfies man's needs. However, it is obvious that the one who aspires for riches creates for himself an insatiable appetite for more. It's like eating honey – the more you eat, the more you want. Paul warns that those who have an insatiable appetite for money can be easily seduced from the faith and experience "many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:10).

2) Treasures delude because they appear as though they will serve one's needs, but in reality, they become the master. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24 KJV).

3) Riches beguile because they offer men security, but hide from him the fact that they are not eternal and they are not a safeguard against the loss of his eternal well-being. Timothy was to warn the rich that they were not to trust in "uncertain riches" (1 Timothy 6:17).

After studying this insightful parable, we can be certain that where the briars and thorns of mammon grow, God's word will be choked out. When we understand that riches are temporary (Proverbs 23:5) – not capable of satisfying our needs or providing us real security, then the power of deception is lost. Beloved, let us not become a slave to things that will not last, but focus our eyes on those things that will forever endure (Colossians 3:1-2; cf. Matthew 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 Peter 1:3-4).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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