• CORRIE LEARNS OF CURSED MONEY
• WHAT IS CURSED MONEY?
• CONSEQUENCES OF CURSED MONEY
* THE CURSE OF NOT TITHING
• THE EXAMPLE OF JUDAS
• CONCLUSION
* QUESTIONS
* CORRIE LEARNS OF CURSED MONEY
Corrie ten Boone’s family were put in a Nazi concentration camp during World War 2 because they were hiding Jews in their home. Only Corrie survived the camp, and she later traveled, speaking about her experiences. She wrote several books. The following experience she recorded in In My Father’s House:
Casper ten Boom, Corrie’s father, a watchmaker, has received a very well dressed man into their shop who is about to buy an expensive watch. The ten Booms are very poor and a large bill is overdue. Corrie thinks this is an answer to prayer. She even imagines herself paying the overdue bill and being relieved of the burden she had been carrying the past few weeks.
Then the buyer tells how he had been the customer of a watchmaker who had died. He purchased a watch from the son who had taken over the business. He had returned the watch several times to be repaired and finally decided to buy another watch someplace else.
Casper ten Boom asks to see the watch. He repairs it and offers to repair any other watch the customer buys from the son of the former watchmaker saying that the young man has had a difficult time in the trade without his father.
Corrie is horrified. It seems her father has refused the money they so desperately needed.
Her father answers, “Corrie, what do you think that young man would have said when he heard that one of his good customers had gone to Mr. ten Boom? Do you think that the name of the Lord would be honored? There is blessed money and cursed money. Trust the Lord. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He will take care of us.” In My Father’s House by Corrie ten Boom; Fleming H. Revel Co., 1975, p. 115-116.
How many of us would react like Corrie did? However, what her father answered is what the Lord would have answered. If the young man had heard that one of his good customers had gone to Mr. Ten Boom he would have become discouraged, distrustful and it would have started a spirit of competition. How far our standards have fallen from the Lord’s standards!
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.” Psalm 37:21-22 This sentence is divided by a semi-colon. A part of a sentence on one side of a semicolon means basically the same thing as the part of the sentence on the other side. The wicked are cursed and the righteous are blessed. The wicked are defined in this instance by the way they handle money. Notice what will happen because of the way they handle money. They will be cursed.
There is blessed money and there is cursed money: “The wages of the righteous bring them life but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.” Proverbs 10:16 Blessed money brings life; cursed money brings punishment.
Blessed money comes from God and glorifies God. It is usually acquired through work: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
What is cursed money? It is any money acquired or withheld that does not honor God: “…Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:9 It will bring trouble: “…the income of the wicked brings them trouble.” Proverbs 15:6
The wicked, in this case, is anyone that behaves wickedly: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7 Even if we believe in God’s Son and our sins have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ, we will still reap the consequences of our sin: “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.” Colossians 3: 25
A Christian couple stole money to buy Christmas gifts for their sons. Their sons who had accepted Jesus as their Savior as children are now selling drugs. Did they learn that Jesus is not enough for Christmas, but money is? The money the couple stole became cursed money and brought harm and not joy to their family. Because of the general attitude that money is more important than Jesus, the children now deal in cursed money instead of blessed money:
“Differing weights and differing measures–the Lord detests them both.” Proverbs 20:10 God detests dishonesty. “The Lord abhors dishonest scales…” Proverbs 11:1 The Lords abhors dishonesty.
Several passages show that the Lord curses the thief: “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.” Psalm 37:21-22 Notice the semicolon between the two phrases. This means that the phrases on one side of the semicolon have almost the same meaning as those on the other side. The same thing is stated in two phrases for emphasis and added detail. In this sentence the wicked are contrasted with the righteous. The righteous give generously and are blessed by the Lord to inherit the land. The wicked borrow and do not repay and are cursed by the Lord or cut off (which means the death penalty according to Old Testament law).
Another example of the curse that the Lord puts on the thief is in Zechariah 5. Zechariah see a flying scroll in a vision and an angel explains to him, “This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished. The Lord Almighty declares, ‘I will send it out and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely in my name. It will remain in his house and destroy it, both its timbers and its stones.’” Zechariah 5:3-4 God will use demonic spirits (2 Chronicles 18:22).
Anything we acquire dishonestly is cursed money and is of no value: “Ill-gotten treasures are of no value…” Proverbs 10:2 Who does God detest? “Do not have two differing weights in your bag–one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house–one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God has given you. For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” Deuteronomy 25:15-16 God detests anyone who deals dishonestly!
Money acquired because of greed will bring trouble. Greed is defined as “the quality of wanting more than one’s share…covetousness” The World Book Dictionary. This was one of the sins for which Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees, “Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” Matthew 23:25 (Luke 11:39) Later Jesus said, “…Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 Then Jesus told a story about a rich fool who decided to build bigger barns to store his crops even though that night his life would be demanded from him.
Paul defines greed in Colossians 3:5: “…greed, which is idolatry.” Greed is serving the idol of Money. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 (Luke 16:13)
Money acquired through bribes is cursed money: “A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret…” Proverbs 17:23
Money acquired through gambling is cursed money: “He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” Proverbs 12:11 This verse implies that he who chases fantasies will not have abundant food–in other words lack food or even be poor. Chasing fantasies is gambling–certain forms of it are very common. For instance, my daughter received a form in the mail where she was to scratch out a ticket in order to win a prize. She did and it said she won. Her college roommates were excited and decided to help pay for the phone call to receive the prize. When Jill called, she had to wait a long time while a woman slowly went over many winning numbers. Finally, she realized there was no prize. The phone call cost the girls several dollars.Hopefully, the girls learned an important lesson: “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15 (see also Proverbs 22:3, 27:12)
We are not supposed to even want what men have acquired dishonestly. This includes any money won from gambling: “The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.” Proverbs 12:12
Even to be associated with someone who acquires cursed money can bring trouble: “The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify.” Proverbs 29:24
God wants us to work for our money: “…’If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Work is an honorable way to use our time. God worked six days and rested one when He made the world—to work six days (though not necessarily for money) and rest one is our example. And what good training for our children to work along side of us! When we acquire money through work, we feel fulfilled and are apt to spend it wisely: “…He who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11
“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:2 Poverty comes to the lazy: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:10
“The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:3 Gambling is to want something for nothing. It is illogical to think we would win (except for someone skilled in deceit, for instance, someone skilled at the card game of Poker).
A DECK OF CARDS–The Gospel Standard, Vol. 40, No. 11, May 1991
“The first deck of cards was made for Charles of France in the year 1392. King Charles was an insane man. It is not generally known by card players that cards have a secret meaning, but after the following statements were made public, the members of the gambling fraternity of professional gamblers declared that they are absolutely true. The King card represents the enemy of God, the devil. The ten spot represents the spirit of lawlessness and is in direct opposition to the Ten Commandments of the Bible. Closely associated with the ten spot is the Club card. When cards were invented the club was the weapon of the murderer. In those days there were no revolvers or machine guns. The Club card stands for murder. The Jack represents the lustful libertine who lives on the gains of the prostitutes. It represents the moral leper. There is a game of cards called “the brothel game” in which the players use the secret obscene language of the cards and converse with each other merely by dropping a card. Now we come to the part that is even more shockingly wicked. The Queen card represents the Virgin Mary, the mother of our Lord. In the secrets of cards she is called the mother of harlots. The Joker in card language represents our Lord Jesus Christ. Joker means fool! Jesus Christ is held up by the card players as a fool. And if this is not bad enough yet, the secret language of a deck of cards goes further and declares that Jesus (the Joker card) is the offspring of a lustful Jack and the Queen Mother Mary. And there you have the true meaning of a deck of so called innocent playing cards.
Even if we did not know this about playing cards, we should observe that they are often used in gambling. Any form of gambling is wrong and the money received from gambling is cursed money.
For instance, God does not want us to give Him any money acquired through winning the lottery. It is cursed money. People have to be “lucky” in order to win. Much more money has to come in to hold a lottery than can go out.
However, if we receive money that has been won in the lottery, not knowing where it came from, it is not cursed money for us. This principle is discussed in 1 Corinthians 10: “If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if anyone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience’ sake–the other man’s conscience, I mean, not yours…” 1 Corinthians 10:27-29
Money is neither good nor bad in itself. Whether or not it is cursed depends on if it has been acquired in a way acceptable to God. If we knowingly accept money that is acquired through gambling, we are setting a bad example for believers and unbelievers. Believers who do not know what God says on this subject may be tempted to do the same thing; their understanding will be darkened by the sin of others. Unbelievers will either think it is right or know that it is wrong, but in either case, they will not clearly understand the gospel because they see those that have the truth living a lie: “A greedy man brings trouble to his family…” Proverbs 15:27 Many families of gamblers live in poverty or go without some basic needs. Certainly, they go without the blessings God wants for them.“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” Psalm 1:1
Another form of greed is to work at a job that is legally, but not ethically or morally right, such as selling tobacco products or working in a bar. “Avoid every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 It is possible that a new believer might think that God would have them work at such a job to tell others about Jesus. But how can we show Jesus to someone when we are being hypocritical–saying one thing and doing another–doing what Jesus would not do? God will quickly tell someone who is doing this that it is not His will. If a person keeps doing this, greed or a lack of trust that God will provide necessities is the motive.
Even if what we are doing something we feel God would allow, if it causes someone else to sin, it is wrong. Paul explains this principle in these passages: “For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 “…Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” Romans 14:13
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common…” Corinthians 6:14-17 We should not enter into a business partnership with an unbeliever, even though it appears advantageous. Earnestly pray before even making this arrangement with a believer! It could be that greed is influencing our ability to hear from God.
Greed was (and is) a common practice of false teachers. Peter warns us: “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up…they are experts in greed…” 2 Peter 3:14 That is why Paul assures the Thessalonians that neither he nor his companions ministered to them because of greed: “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed–God is our witness.” 1 Thessalonians 2:5
Money acquired through prostitution and, in fact, any money associated with prostitution, will bring trouble. It is cursed money: “No Israelite man or woman is to become a temple prostitute. You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or a male prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both.” Deuteronomy 23:17-18 When God detests a sin, the money acquired from that sin is detestable to Him.
“…But a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.” Proverbs 29:3 An example of this is the younger son in a parable Jesus told (Luke 15:11-32).
Money acquired because a person neglects to pay a debt is cursed and will bring trouble: “The wicked borrow and do not repay…” Psalm 37:21 Not paying the money we owe, thinking we will give it to God instead, would be condemned by Jesus just as He condemned the Pharisees in Mark 7:9-13. The Pharisees were saying that a man could give his money to the church instead of taking care of his father and mother. They were going against the express will of God: “Honor your father and mother” Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16 and “Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.” Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9
Not repaying borrowed money is the same as stealing. It can be worse than stealing depending on the circumstances, such as purposely not paying back money to someone who is loaning money to be kind. That is paying back evil for good and will bring a curse on a person’s family that will last forever unless the sin is confessed and there is repentance and restitution: “If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” Proverbs 17:13
Money acquired through exploiting the poor is cursed money. The wicked forget that God sees everything and justice will be done eventually: “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” Proverbs 22:22
God speaks through the prophet Micah about the northern kingdom of Israel just before it was captured by the Assyrians: “Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. Therefore, the Lord says: ‘I am planning disaster against this people…” Micah 2:1-3
God sees everything they are doing and is planning disaster because of their many sins. Sometimes we think since there does not seem to be consequences God does not see. He does!
Manipulation is the use of misleading evidence with the intent to control, deceive or harm. It involves the testing of wills: “A perverse man does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.” Proverbs 17:20 Money acquired because of manipulation is cursed and brings trouble.
A person who is always trying to get something for his or her own advantage usually uses manipulation often: “The leech has two daughters, ‘Give! Give!’ they cry.” Proverbs 31:15 God calls this person a leech!
Sometimes begging is a form of manipulation and then the money is cursed. Begging is not necessarily sin or the direct result of sin. When His disciples asked Jesus if a man was born blind because of his sin or his parent’s sin, Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned…but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” John 9:3. However, God can keep the children of the righteous from needing to beg: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” Psalm 37:25-26
“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” Proverbs 28:27 Money withheld instead of being used to honor the Lord will bring a curse: “A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.” Proverbs 28:22
Robbing God of His money will bring a curse:
“‘Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, “How do we rob you?” In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse–the whole nation of you–because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house…” Malachi 3:8-10 If we do not tithe (ten percent of our income) or give offerings (what we feel God wants us to give) we are robbing God! We put ourselves under a curse. If we tithe God will bless the money we give Him in such a way that we will have much more than if we had not tithed. Malachi continues: “’Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in the field will not cast their fruit,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Then all the nations will call you blessed for yours will be a delightful land,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi 3:10-12
However He does it, we will be blessed if we tithe and cursed in some way if we do not tithe.
* CONSEQUENCES OF CURSED MONEY
Some ways in which money can bring trouble:
(1 Addictions: “For the Lord is a God of retribution; he will repay in full. I will make her officials and wise men drunk, her governors, officers and warriors as well …” Jeremiah 51:56-57 Drunkenness can be a curse from God: “…’This is what the Lord God says: I am going to fill with drunkenness all who live in the land…” Jeremiah 13:13
Many drunkards or drug dealers acquire most of their money through manipulation or other forms of dishonesty. Any money that a person acquires dishonestly will bring him harm. The following verse gives this principle: “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.” Proverbs 21:6 Drunkenness or drug addiction can be the “deadly snare” stemming from “a fortune made by a lying tongue.” A person will spend the money made by dishonestly in a way that will bring him great harm; he brings a curse on himself because of dishonest dealings. The Word of the Lord has to be fulfilled.
“The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the Lord’s wrath will fall into it.” Proverbs 22:14 This verse shows that adultery and its consequences can sometimes be a punishment from the Lord. Adultery might arise from the addiction to pornography. This addictive process can begin because a person has acquired money in a way displeasing to the Lord, although this is not the primary cause for this sin.
“…The unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.” Proverbs 11:6 Acquiring cursed money is evidence of unfaithfulness to God, and it can be a means of receiving just consequences of that unfaithfulness. People can backslide into sin because of acquiring cursed money. This passage also tells us which comes first: unfaithfulness comes before evil desires.
Their addictions cause more and more poverty and trouble: “…for drunkards and gluttons become poor…” Proverbs 23:21
(2 Not having basic needs met: “the wicked have their fill of trouble.” Proverbs 12:21 Wickedness is almost always associated with cursed money.
When trouble comes upon the righteous, it is for their good: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” in order for them to be “…conformed to the image of his Son…” Romans 8:28-29 Believers receive trouble only when it will purify them or bring them closer to God (Job), although they can receive trouble because of lack of prayer (even this trouble causes them to pray). If people who have accepted Jesus acquire something through cursed money, that money will bring them trouble with the hoped for end result of repentance. Perhaps they will never repent of that particular sin and many will suffer. “…The way of the unfaithful is hard.” Proverbs 13:15 It is very dangerous not to repent of a known sin.
The unbeliever will not grow into the image of Jesus because of trouble. They are not “…marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13
(3 Foolish spending and wasteful behavior: “Dishonest money dwindles away but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11 People who do not do honest work for their money often spend it carelessly and treat their possessions carelessly: “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Proverbs 21:20 The wise will carefully spend their money and carefully use their possessions. “He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.” Proverbs 21:17 The foolish will buy what they want when they want it with no self-control. “…The diligent man prizes his possessions.” Proverbs 12:27 When we work honestly for our possessions we will be more apt to take care of them.
(4 Poor choices: People that acquire money against the will of God cannot ask God to help them make wise decisions. They spend money foolishly: “He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty.” Proverbs 22:16 Even their giving will not be directed by God. What they give away often is to those who spend it foolishly or on evil. The consequence is poverty.
“A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.” Proverbs 17:18 Although people who put up security for their neighbors are not necessarily dishonest, they are lacking in the judgment God could have given them. This could be a consequence of people who have been dishonest and therefore cannot see clearly to avoid this trap. They are trapped by what they say, ensnared by the words of their mouth (Proverbs 6:2).
(5 Loss of health: “…envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 Envy is a form of greed. Any sin can bring sickness to the body as David found out: “…let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.” Psalm 51:8-9 Health is a reward for obedience just as sickness can be a punishment for disobedience. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8
(6 Rebellious children: “If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” Proverbs 17:13 Rebellious children are a specific consequence of returning evil for good. Greed is idolatry: “…greed, which is idolatry…” Colossians 3:5 Idolatry is putting something before God: “You shall not make for yourself an idol…for, I am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me…” Exodus 20:4.5 This verse shows that greed means hatred toward God and children of the greedy will suffer.
(7 Loss of friends: People lose trust in those people who steal from them or never repay what they borrow and it is difficult to regain trust: “An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” Proverbs 18:19
(8 Loss of respect: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1, “A man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9, Integrity means uprightness or honesty: “…the name of the wicked will rot.” Proverbs 10:7
(9 Loss of position: Disobedience can alter the plan God has for each life. Saul, the first king of Israel, lost the position God had given him because of the love of money. Samuel, God’s prophet, had told him he was to totally destroy the Amalekites, a people who had waylaid the Israelites on their way to the land God had promised them. Instead Saul spared Agag, the king, and the best of the sheep and cattle. His conscience was so seared that he told Samuel he had done what the Lord instructed, telling him he had kept the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to God. Samuel replied:
(10 Loss of spiritual authority: God told the Israelites to COMPLETELY destroy Jericho. One man, Achan, disobeyed. He hid a robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold in his tent. When the Israelites lost their next battle against the small town of Ai, Joshua fell before the Lord in great discouragement:: “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies…” Joshua 7:10-12 One man’s sin had affected the power of the whole nation to defeat their enemies. In order to have spiritual power, we must live holy lives.
(11 Loss of life: Achan, who had coveted and stolen what was devoted to God, he, his family and all his possessions were destroyed (Joshua 7).
Proverbs 1 tells about evil men who purposely steal (and often kill in the process). They will be paid back the way they have treated others: “Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away those who get it.” Proverbs 1:19
Just after the beginning of the church, many Christians were selling their land and houses and giving the money to the church. This was a completely voluntarily act of worship. Ananias and Sapphira pretended that they gave all the money acquired from selling a piece of property, but instead kept some of the money. Recognition and money were more important to them than God. As Peter said, “…You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:4 They died instantly for their sin.
(12 Keeping others from turning to God: This is probably the most common and the most tragic consequence. An example of this is found in Judges 8:22-27. Gideon had been greatly used of God to defeat a huge force of the enemy. When the people want him to rule, he wisely refuses, knowing that God should be their ruler. But he has one request—that each man give him an earring from their share of the plunder taken from their enemies. A huge amount was given to him: “Gideon made the gold into an ephod (“Sometimes a holy garment associated with the priesthood (Exodus 28:6-30; 39:2-26; Leviticus 8:7), at other times a pagan object associated with idols (Judges 17:5; 18:14, 17)” NIV Study Bible), which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” Judges 8:27 Greedy people can destroy themselves, their family and many others by turning from the God that could give them everything they need.
(13 Seared conscience: “Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:2 Judas had been stealing so long that he was no longer convicted when he sold the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver. He could even betray Jesus while pretending to show affection: “but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48
God put a curse on the whole nation of Israel because they did not tithe:
““I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.” Malachi 3:6-12
It seems God’s people were feeling it was no longer necessary to tithe. To this God says, “I the Lord do not change”. He goes on to imply they should be thankful He does not change because otherwise they would be destroyed! He always was and always will be merciful and forgiving—but He always expects obedience.
They didn’t seem to realize, that they had turned away from God. By not tithing, they were showing that they had turned away from His decrees.
To not tithe is not simply giving God ten percent of our money—it is not giving God His money! To not tithe is robbing God of His money!
To tithe assures that “there may be food in my house”. Today, that would probably mean so there is enough money to do God’s work. Withholding the tithe means that God won’t have all the money He needs to get His work done!
God will do all He was planned to do, and yet, our disobedience limits the amount of good accomplished in our lives. Mordecai’s words to Esther when she hesitated in asking the King to spare the lives of her people help explain:
“When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14 Deliverance would come to the Jews even if she disobeyed, but she and her family would perish. Perhaps if we disobey God, someone close to us will perish.
Withholding the tithe is not the most serious sin, but any sin can affect our relationship with God and hearing His voice. And if the tithe is withheld, that money will be wasted and even be cursed.
God says to “test me in this”. He will “throw open the floodgates of heaven” and there will be “so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it”. He will protect us in big and little ways.
Before I was married I tithed at one time. I was not completely serving the Lord, even at that time, and later when I changed jobs, I forgot about tithing. After I had been married a few years, I came back to loving and serving the Lord. We were living in Montreal where I had started attending a wonderful church so our son Scott could hear about Jesus. Jim had not accepted the Lord. I told the Lord that I would tithe, but Jim made the money and was the head of the house, so He would have to get it from Jim.
Shortly after that, Jim accepted the Lord and started giving fifty percent of our money for a short time because there was a special project at church. I wondered if we could afford this!
Not long after, we moved to Nova Scotia where we rented a hobby farm for less than half price. Jim was to watch it until the wealthy owner decided to return, which turned out to be nine years. God gave us more than the fifty percent we had given Him! And He has continued to do this for us,
A lady on welfare decided to give ten percent of her money to the church. She could only give $30. But that same week a couple felt prompted by God to give her $40! She didn’t understand the significance of this because she rarely attends church today and doesn’t tithe. But I remember, but it is such a clear and simple example of the blessings of tithing.
Will the little bit we give mean anything? When Jesus planned to feed five thousand mean plus women and children. He asked His disciples what they had. Andrew answered::
“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” John 6:9 Barley was less expensive than wheat and so was eaten by the poor people. The boy gave what he had.
Jesus commended the poor widow woman for giving to the corrupt religious system:
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” Mark 12:41-43 Luke 21:1-3 Jesus say her heart—she was giving all she had to God.
Tithing was begun by Abraham, a friend of God and a man of great faith. Abraham must have had some understanding of whom Melchizedek was, to give him a tenth of the spoils. He knew that he was giving the tithe to God. By giving God a tithe, he showed how much he loved God. Tithing shows how much we love God:
Melchizedek came out to meet Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tithe of the spoils of his victory:
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:18-20
Near the end of the Bible Melchizedek and his relationship with Abraham and Jesus is explained:
“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.” Hebrews 7:1-10 Abraham met Melchizedek before the Law which required “the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people”. Tithing was required before the Law was given.
After the vision of God’s renewed covenant, Jacob initiates a covenant with God vowing to give a tithe of what he receiveds from the promised land:
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” Genesis 28:20-22
The specifications of the tithe is introduced into the law of Moses:
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the LORD. No one may pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If anyone does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.” Leviticus 27:30-33
The tithe is dedicated to the Levites for the work in the tabernacle:
“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.” Numbers 18:21
God gives instructions for what to do with the tithe once Israel crosses the Jordan:
“But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks… to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the LORD.” Deuteronomy 12:5-11
God gives instructions on how to disperse and exchange the tithe:
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always. But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the LORD your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the LORD will choose to put his Name is so far away), then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice. And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own.
At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 14:22-29
God gives instructions on how Israel should sanctify the tithes before they can ask for a blessing:
“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the LORD your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them. I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while I was in mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor have I offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything you commanded me. Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Deuteronomy 26:12-15
The children of Israel do what’s right under the reign of Hezekiah, and bring the tithes to the designated places:
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the LORD their God, and they piled them in heaps. They began doing this in the third month and finished in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the LORD and blessed his people Israel.
Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the LORD has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.”
Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the LORD, and this was done. Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts…” 2 Chronicles 31:5-12
Israel obeys God and brings the tithes to the storehouse:
“We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.
“As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.
“Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and olive oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work. A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and olive oil to the storerooms, where the articles for the sanctuary and for the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the musicians are also kept.
“We will not neglect the house of our God.” Nehemiah 10:37-39
Officers were appointed to watch over the tithes in the storehouse:
“At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites. They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the musicians and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. So in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the musicians and the gatekeepers. They also set aside the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.” Nehemiah 12:44-47
Nehemiah cleanses the storehouse and kick Tobiah out of the room that was designated to store the title. He then restores order:
“Before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God. He was closely associated with Tobiah, and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil prescribed for the Levites, musicians and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests.
But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense.
I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and musicians responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. So I rebuked the officials and asked them, “Why is the house of God neglected?” Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.
All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil into the storerooms.” Nehemiah 13:4-12
The blessings of tithing are promised by Solomon, the wisest of men. We are to give the “firstfruits”. God expects our best:
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10
God commands Israel to bring back the tithe and reiterates the curse that is upon them if they don’t:
“Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years.” Amos 4:4
Jesus made it clear that the tithe was to continue. He even said to the unbelieving religious leaders:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Matthew 23:23 This statement of Jesus also shows that tithing is less important than “justice, mercy and faithfulness”. Tithing without “justice, mercy and faithfulness” means nothing.
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” Luke 11:42 This verse is probably spoken on the same occasion as the verse in Matthew, but it does help make the meaning plain. It shows that the “love of God” is the same as “mercy and faithfulness”. It also makes it clear that tithing is still required: “without neglecting the former (tithing)” and “without leaving the former (tithing) undone”.
A Pharisee brags about his obedience to the law and tithing:
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ Luke 18:12 This shows that tithing for our own glory means nothing. We should give our tithe out of a graceful heart:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul gave this command concerning tithing:
“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” 1 Corinthians 16 1-2 This command is for the church (Galatians churches). It is taken at the time the church usually meets (“the first day of every week”). It concerns a percentage of money as the tithe does (“set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income”).
We are not required to meet “the first day of every week”:
“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:5-8
Some say this verse suggests that we are supposed to decide ourselves what to give, and we don’t need to tithe to the Church. But the tithe is God’s money! What we give beyond that is not to be given “under compulsion”.
Some also say that under the New Covenant all our money is God’s. Actually, in a sense it always was:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 This verse again says that God “does not change”. God made clear in Malachi 3 and Jesus reaffirmed in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 that a certain percent of the money we acquire is His.
The Bible implies that the tithe should go to our local Church (the body of local Christians to whom a person belongs) and gifts wherever we want, hopefully with God’s leading. Then we should pray and work so that our church will spend money for God’s glory. God is more apt to get the glory when we give to the church. For instance, if an unbeliever receives something from the church, he is more apt to think he has received it from God than if he received it from an individual.
1 Corinthians 16 1-2 also shows that if we aren’t attending a church for a time, we can save it for when we do: “saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
We should attend a local church:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
However, if no Church is available, consider that ten per cent of your money is God’s and seek His guidance as to how He wants it spent. In fact, all of us should do that with all our money.
We do have freedom in choosing how to give. Even though we are the Church if we believe in Jesus, we chose what local Church body to which we will belong. A healthy Church body is to have leaders of integrity. If we do not quite agree with how they are spending Church money we can designate how we want our money spent, pray that our leaders will change or for new leadership and wait for God’s answer or leave that particular Church body (in rare cases).
In speaking about leaders of integrity, I feel that leaders of the Church and especially the pastor, need to tithe. If the pastor refuses to tithe, the whole church is cursed, at least financially.
We can always pray for God’s money to be spent wisely, and know that He will answer:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6 It is His money, and He is very capable of using it wisely.
At one time in Nova Scotia Jim and I belonged to a Church where the pastor was either a wolf in sheep’s clothing or not right with the Lord. He wanted to return to South Africa which was his home to start “Mission Impossible”. At a going away banquet at the church, many Christians were giving him money. Jim and I (and several others) knew that he was not right with God. I remember thinking, “I don’t understand why you are allowing this but this is your money God.”
He did receive plenty of money to return to South Africa, but when things did not work out as expected he wanted to return. Those who would have given him money to return were counseled not to respond. We got rid of a divisive, ungodly pastor with God’s money! Christians were giving money to God in good conscience, and God was using it as He saw fit.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:14-19 God is speaking through Paul. Our giving is “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” which will be credited to our account.
God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and doesn’t need our money:
“I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.” Psalm 50:9-11 Money is neither good nor bad–just a tool in bartering. It’s important in that how we use it shows our love for God and for others.
Spirit-led giving is ideal. In my opinion (I know this in my own case) our emotions, feelings and logic (which is usually good) block our ability to hear from God. Sometimes decisions have to be made quickly so we do not pray. We make plenty of mistakes in our spending money and giving. Sometimes we give foolishly or withhold money when we should give. Sometimes it is not clear what we should do. That is why we should keep in mind that at least ten percent of the money we acquire is God’s.
One time, a lady I didn’t know stopped at our place and asked for money for diapers for her baby. That was a legitimate request, but I didn’t know what to do because in the area where I live there is much manipulation and welfare mentality. I prayed quickly asking the Lord what to do. Out of my mouth came the words, “Ask someone else”. I believe that was God’s answer, whether because she shouldn’t have the money or because I wouldn’t have been a cheerful giver!
Another time a lady I knew slightly asked for two dollars and said she would pay me back when she received money she was expecting. I felt to give her twenty dollars–the only money I had. I knew I might never get it back, but I knew she needed it. She did give it back as soon as she received her money. I was glad, more for her sake than mine because we are blessed when we are honest and cursed when we are dishonest.
I saw an article on the internet that answered the question: Should we pay off our debts first before tithing? That person thought we should pay off our debts because we would want others to pay us back the money we owe them, and we should do for others what we would want them to do for us. That is a good point, but he is not taking into account the supernatural. I believe, that if a person tithes, they will pay back their debt faster than if they didn’t pay their tithe. The tithe is God’s money. We are using His money to pay our debts if we don’t tithe.
Malachi 3:8-12 again:
“““Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.” Malachi 3:6-12
If we tithe, God will pour out blessing and cause circumstances that will keep our money or possessions from being devoured. He will give us wisdom as to how we earn and spend our money. If God were saying He would keep the pests from devouring our crops or the vines from casting their fruit today, He might say that He would keep our appliances working and keep us from unnecessary sickness that would delete our funds. He might say He would give us good bargains on necessities and give us the wisdom to make wise purchases. He might say that He would keep our money from the thief and the deceitful manipulator.
Jesus said:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 Our goal should be to store up treasures in heaven because we love Jesus.
* THE EXAMPLE OF JUDAS
The money that Judas received for betraying Jesus was cursed money. “Then one of the Twelve–the one called Judas Iscariot–went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.” Matthew 26:14-15
Judas had been dealing with cursed money. He handled the money for Jesus and the disciples dishonestly: “…he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” John 12:6 How sad for Judas that his conscience was so seared (1 Timothy 4:2) that he did not recognize his sin until it reached such a destructive point.
After Judas realized that he had done wrong, he returned the money. But the chief priests knew that it was cursed money and refused to accept it: “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility.’ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the coins and said, ‘It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.’ So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: ‘They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’ Matthew 27:3-10
Zechariah the prophet foretold this event: “I told them, ‘If you think it best give me my pay, but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’–that handsome price at which you priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the potter.” Zechariah 12:12-13 It appears that this was the price of a slave, “If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull must be stoned.” Exodus 21:23 Hosea bought back his wife Gomer: “So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley.” Hosea 3:2 This was probably the price of a slave–half paid for in money and half in produce, which would be thirty shekels. Judas betrayed Jesus for the price of a slave. The chief priests thought His betrayal was worth the price of a slave.
Judas Iscariot is the extreme example of acquiring cursed money and the consequences of cursed money. It is worthwhile to study his life so that we do not follow that example.
Blessed money is acquired through righteous means and brings life. Cursed money is money that is acquired or withheld in such a way as to dishonor God. It brings punishment and perhaps death.
Sometimes the income of the wicked will be given to the righteous: “He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.” Proverbs 28:8 God is the One who can take the money acquired dishonestly and give it to another in His timing and in His way.
God does not need money. He will not, in any way, go against His character in order to gain money. Neither should we.
CORRIE LEARNS OF CURSED MONEY
1. If the ten Booms had accepted the money of the well-to-do man, in what way would that have been cursed money?
2. What does this illustration show us about Mr. ten Boom’s his character and his faith?
3. In what way did her father’s actions influence Corrie?
4. What does this illustration show us about the values of society today? Give examples of how the ordinary business man is dealing in cursed money.
WHAT IS CURSED MONEY?
1. What is blessed money? Give examples.
2. What is cursed money? Give several examples either from the article or from your own life.
3. How did playing cards originate? What harm could come from playing cards?
4. What is tithing? What special blessing comes with tithing? What curse comes with not tithing? Give examples from your own experience.
5. Would God be pleased with tithe money won in a lottery? What if you did not know that the money was won in a lottery? Why?
CONSEQUENCES OF CURSED MONEY
1. Why might drunkenness come as a result of dealing in cursed money?
2. What is the principle behind a person making poor choices, spending money wastefully and not having his basic needs met because he deals in cursed money?
3. In what way could a person lose his health or the health of his children because of cursed money?
4. Why might rebellious children be a result of cursed money?
5. In what way would a person lose respect and friends because of cursed money?
6. What did King Saul lose because of his greed?
7. What did Achan lose because of his greed?
8. What did Ananias and Sapphira lose because of their greed?
9. How does dealing in cursed money keep others from turning to God?
10. How are you going to chance because of what you have learned regarding cursed money?
THE CURSE OF NOT TITHING
1. When did tithing begin?
2. What did Jesus say about tithing?
3. Do you think there is a difference in what is required in a tithe in the Old Testament as opposed to the New Testament?
4. Where do you think we should give our tithes and why?
5. How might we be blessed if we tithe?
6. How might we be cursed if we do not tithe?
7. Do you think someone should tithe if they are in debt?
8. Give some examples of being blessed by tithing or giving,
THE EXAMPLE OF JUDAS
1. How did Judas deal in cursed money?
2. Even the corrupt Jewish leaders knew that Jesus was dealing in cursed money. How did they show they knew?
3. Why was the conscience of Judas so seared that he could betray Jesus?
4. Why was Judas being sorry for his sin not true repentance? The Bible Itself gives the best definition of repentance:
“…Your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-11
5. How can we see the sovereignty of God in the circumstances surrounding Judas? Why did Jesus choose him to be one of His disciples? When do you think He realized that Judas would betray Him?
6. After the death of Judas, the apostle Peter made two statements about him, quoting the Old Testament: “May his (their) place be deserted;” Psalm 69:25, Acts 1:20 and “May another take his place of leadership.” Psalm 109:8, Acts 1:20 Read Psalm 69 and Psalm 109.What do you think pertains to Judas?