Much is said in the Scriptures with regard to the deceitfulness of riches, yet multitudes still fall into the trap of thinking that material goods will solve all their problems. Many have even thought that gain is godliness, but from such characters Paul has taught the saints to withdraw themselves. Solomon had all that the human heart could desire and yet he ultimately confessed that it was all vanity. So have many others, to their ultimate sorrow, found that worldly wealth is far from being the most important thing in life. The love of money is the root of all evil" (I Tim. 6:10). That is, it is the root of all kinds of evil; and as a result of coveting after money many of God's people have "pierced themselves through with many sorrows," and some of them have even erred from the faith. Rather than gain being godliness, just the opposite is actually the case. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (I Tim. 6:6). Not just gain but great gain! Worldly prosperity, in itself, is not contrary to godliness, but coveting after it is. It also carries with it great responsibilities that few people are ready or able to handle. The misuse of it has ruined many a man. It should not be hoarded, nor should it be squandered, but rather it should be used wisely, for the relief of others less fortunate and to the glory of the gracious Giver. If we think the proper thing to do with worldly goods is to build bigger barns in which to store them, and to take our ease, eat, drink, and be merry, God classifies us as a fool, and it may soon all be stripped away from us (See Luke 12:16-19). Paul said, "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." To the covetous, especially, this should be a very sobering thought. "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15).