Wealth Can Corrupt Us

The scriptures are clear about the moral and spiritual dos and don’ts; from less harmful lying to one another to killing another. There are numerous laws, and more the laws in place better the hold such religions and establishments have on people. In Biblical tradition, the Ten Commandments give articulations to such dos and don’ts. But when it comes to accumulation of wealth, the Ten Commandments are quite silent, except the last commandment that says, do to covet others’ goods. That establishes that accumulation of wealth is not intrinsically bad. And therefore wealth and the idea of being rich could be quite deceiving. The story of Zacchaeus meeting Jesus (Luke 19: 1-10) could throw some light on to this dark terrain; it tells us how not to become rich, and what we shall do with our money.

The gospels give no indication of whether Zacchaeus gave up his profession of being a tax collector. I would imagine that Zacchaeus has continued his old profession of tax collecting. He might have had plenty more of money too. But the profession and wealth would never again corrupt him; because now he has his priorities right. Zacchaeus learned that he must not make money at the expense of others, especially by defrauding the poor. Secondly, he also knew that riches, if given to him, should be used for the benefit of humanity, and not just for himself. He began following them, and salvation came to his house. He became a blessing to his household. Having wealth is a responsibility, handling it well makes one rich.

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