Love of money

Dear Editor,

I just finished reading Helen Ruth Arnold's letter in the Monday, July 16 edition of the Gazette and found the information regarding the history of money very interesting.

While I agree with her on the issue of government overspending, I feel I must point out that she has left out three very important words in her quote of I Timothy 6:10. Many people have heard the verse quoted this way, but I wonder how many people know that the three words preceding the quote are "the love of."

Therefore, the entire verse reads: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs," and farther down the chapter in verse 17, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (NIV, Zondervan)

We do not see here a condemnation of wealth, but a caution against making it more important than faith in God. I am sure that Mrs. Arnold agrees that money can be used for great good as well as evil.

Respectfully,

Glenda Baker

Cambridge, Nebraska