A lot depends on the definition of "greed." These days, folks make up their own definitions, so I guess in that case greed could be good. But I take the standard dictionary definition:
"An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth." -American Heritage Dictionary

That definition calls it an excessive desire. Biblically, greed is considered idolatry. Timothy is often misquoted and taken out of context, the whole context is:

"9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

And...

"17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Greed, by definition, is excessive. It is taking more than one needs OR deserves. It is not, however, taking more than the government says you deserve.

According to Timothy, it is the love of money, not money itself, that is a root of evil. He goes further to say that God gives us all things, richly, to enjoy, and that the rich should be ready to distribute...not have their riches taken by force to be distributed for them by folks who may not believe as they do. Kevin's mention of the parable of the talents shows, in the words of Jesus, that it is good to create wealth.

Many don't believe. That is their choice in a free society...here of course I'm referring to the fact that many don't believe that their wealth should be taken from them by force and given to people who had nothing to do with the creation of such wealth. Many, however, do believe that it is right to freely give of what we have to others who have need. The difference is in the freedom to give versus being forced to give.




You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

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-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music