The Deceitfulness of Riches

In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes several kinds of soil. Today we look at the third — the seed sown among the thorns — and one phrase in particular.

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Matthew 13:22 (NKJV)

Why Jesus calls riches “deceitful”

It is striking that Jesus uses the word deceitful to describe the very nature of riches — money, mammon, the things of this world. Deceitfulness has a certain appearance of value. In this world, money can indeed buy many things. But money carries a false reality, because it cannot give the true value of eternal life. Many people who died today were highly successful by the world’s measure of wealth, and yet their success could not save them. That is why Jesus calls it the deceitfulness of riches: it really is fool’s gold — something that appears to have lasting value but does not endure.

James makes the same point about the rich man:

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

James 1:9-11 (NKJV)

Just because something has an appearance of beauty or strength does not mean it will last. “Its beautiful appearance perishes” — that is the deception of riches.

Where true riches are found

True riches are found only in Jesus Christ. When your heart is filled with His life, you can genuinely enjoy what God gives:

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV)

God has put a satisfaction, a gladness, within us, and given us access to His abundant life — a life that does not run dry but overflows. That is what we must focus on. The seed among thorns became unfruitful; but God wants us fruitful, laying hold of the eternal life He has given:

…storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:19 (NKJV)

There is nothing in this world that can begin to compare with eternal life — that quality of life and fellowship with God. It carries you through tomorrow’s trials and lets you enjoy today.

Guard your heart

Because something in our fallen nature — and in this world — esteems money, we must guard our hearts:

But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Luke 12:20-21 (NKJV)

Many have perished not knowing Jesus Christ, rich toward themselves but not toward God. May it be our aim to have His riches — to be rich toward God, storing up treasure in heaven, the true and lasting treasure which is Jesus Christ Himself, found in doing His will.

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