1 Timothy 6:10

Love. Paul here gives the reason for his warnings against religious workers serving primarily for money. As the consequences of money seeking (v. 9) apply to all men, so does the observation of v. 10. Paul clearly makes a distinction between “the love” for riches and the mere possession of riches, which may be the gift of God to trustworthy Christians.

Root of all evil. Literally, “root of all the evils.” In the Greek this phrase is emphatic. Generally speaking, roots are not seen, but only the branches. Here Paul draws aside the curtain that often shields men’s motives. For riches men will sacrifice honor, friendship, and health. The taproot of money love is responsible for a great share of this world’s miseries.

Erred. Or, “strayed.”

The faith. That is, the Christian revelation of truth, which defines how men are to live before God (see on chs. 3:9; 4:1, 6; 5:8).

Pierced themselves. The perils of prosperity are self-created. Balaam (2 Peter 2:15) and Judas Iscariot (Matt. 27:3; John 12:4–6) illustrate the lure of riches and its inevitable disillusionment and sorrow. Neither man was forced to submit to the seductive appeal of quick wealth. The agony of sinking in one’s own pit defies imagination. Many parents have awakened too late, after years of acquiring wealth, to find that their children are strangers within their own home, their affections rooted elsewhere. No amount of money in the bank will buy back neglected years, and the comfort of being loved and appreciated in old age will often be denied such parents, regardless of their tears of anguish. Extensive land ownings and a more pretentious home are not balm enough for spent health that has lost its vigor to enjoy the acquired possessions. Countless are the “sorrows” that are self-induced in man’s quest for material security.