You’ve heard that “money doesn’t grow on trees.” But money does grow! Because loving it is “the root of all evil.”
Due to Jacob’s God-given insights that led to remarkable breeding success, we read, “Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys” (Gen 30:43). With rapidly expanding flocks, he was able to hire more staff, and purchase more Twentieth Century BC trucks and tractors (camels and donkeys) for his farm. Things were definitely looking up for Jacob. Well, except for some local rumors circulating. You’ve probably noticed a trend so far in our studies. Abram and Lot, after an ill-fated detour into Egypt, had so much stuff that fights broke out between their workers and they had to separate. Isaac, blessed abundantly in Gerar, was forced out because the locals became jealous of his success. And now listen to what Jacob was hearing on the local gossip line: “Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, ‘Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.’ And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before” (31:1-2). Some people long to win the lottery, and if they do, find out that what they thought was the best thing that could happen to them turns into the worst thing. They gain wads of cash and a Cadillac or two, but lose all their friends and family. Relatives you don’t even know show up at the door looking for a handout. Every blessing is a burden, so be careful what you wish for. Sometimes if our dreams became reality, they’re actually nightmares! That’s why we’re warned: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:10).