The verse "Don’t be greedy to add money to money; but let it be as refuse compared to our child" (Tobit 5:18) from the Book of Tobit expresses a powerful sentiment about the relative value of material wealth and family, specifically a child. Let's break down what it means:
"Don’t be greedy to add money to money": This is a warning against excessive pursuit of wealth. It cautions against making money the primary focus and driving force in life, suggesting that constantly seeking more and more money is a path to unhappiness and potentially moral compromise. Greed can lead to neglecting more important things.
"but let it be as refuse compared to our child": This part establishes a clear hierarchy of values. "Refuse" means waste, something worthless and disposable. The phrase means that money, in comparison to the well-being and value of their child, should be considered as insignificant and worthless as garbage. Their child's health, happiness, and future are infinitely more important than any amount of money they could accumulate.
In essence, the verse is saying:
The well-being of your child is immeasurably more important than the accumulation of wealth. Don't prioritize money over family. If you had to choose between your child's well-being and gaining more money, the choice should always be your child, with the money being essentially irrelevant in comparison.
Context within the Book of Tobit:
This verse is spoken by Tobit's wife, Anna, when Tobit sends their son Tobias on a journey to collect money owed to him. Anna is worried for Tobias's safety and expresses her concern that the money isn't worth the risk to their child's life. It underscores the importance of family love and safety within the broader themes of faith, prayer, and righteousness found in the Book of Tobit.
Modern Application:
The sentiment expressed in this verse is timeless and relevant today. It reminds us to:
Prioritize relationships and family over material possessions.
Avoid being consumed by the pursuit of wealth.
Recognize that money is a tool, not an end in itself.
Focus on what truly matters in life – love, family, faith, and moral integrity.
The verse serves as a poignant reminder that while financial security is important, it should never come at the expense of our relationships, especially the well-being of our children.
The verse "Don’t be greedy to add money to money; but let it be as refuse compared to our child" (Tobit 5:18) from the Book of Tobit expresses a powerful sentiment about the relative value of material wealth and family, specifically a child. Let's break down what it means:
"Don’t be greedy to add money to money": This is a warning against excessive pursuit of wealth. It cautions against making money the primary focus and driving force in life, suggesting that constantly seeking more and more money is a path to unhappiness and potentially moral compromise. Greed can lead to neglecting more important things.
"but let it be as refuse compared to our child": This part establishes a clear hierarchy of values. "Refuse" means waste, something worthless and disposable. The phrase means that money, in comparison to the well-being and value of their child, should be considered as insignificant and worthless as garbage. Their child's health, happiness, and future are infinitely more important than any amount of money they could accumulate.
In essence, the verse is saying:
The well-being of your child is immeasurably more important than the accumulation of wealth. Don't prioritize money over family. If you had to choose between your child's well-being and gaining more money, the choice should always be your child, with the money being essentially irrelevant in comparison.
Context within the Book of Tobit:
This verse is spoken by Tobit's wife, Anna, when Tobit sends their son Tobias on a journey to collect money owed to him. Anna is worried for Tobias's safety and expresses her concern that the money isn't worth the risk to their child's life. It underscores the importance of family love and safety within the broader themes of faith, prayer, and righteousness found in the Book of Tobit.
Modern Application:
The sentiment expressed in this verse is timeless and relevant today. It reminds us to:
Prioritize relationships and family over material possessions.
Avoid being consumed by the pursuit of wealth.
Recognize that money is a tool, not an end in itself.
Focus on what truly matters in life – love, family, faith, and moral integrity.
The verse serves as a poignant reminder that while financial security is important, it should never come at the expense of our relationships, especially the well-being of our children.
