Note 21 at 1 Tim. 6:10: Satan quoted scripture to Jesus in an effort to tempt Him to sin (Mt. 4:6); however, he misused the scripture (see note 3 at Mt. 4:6, p. 75). Likewise, a misapplication of this scripture has been used by the devil to convince many people that money is evil. This verse clearly says that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Many people who have nothing, or very little money, commit this sin constantly. Likewise, some people with great wealth aren't guilty of loving it. The amount of money a person has is not the issue. It's the love or lust for money and what it can provide that the scripture is warning against.

Note 22 at 1 Tim. 6:10: People don't love money. It's not little pieces of colored paper or minted coins that people lust after. They love what money can do for them. They either love the things that money can buy them or they love the power, influence and security that money provides them. So when this verse says that the love of money is the root of all evil, it is saying that this lust for what money can do for self is the root of all evil. It's this lust for self which money indulges, that is the root of all evil.

Note 23 at 1 Tim. 6:10: As stated in note 21 at this verse, it is not money that is the root of all evil, it is the love of money that is the problem. This is further verified by the use of the word "coveted" here. Covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5). It is putting what money can provide ahead of our trust in and worship of God. It is only when we covet money ahead of God that it becomes wrong.