The Pleasure of Riches (Matthew 13:22)

Matthew 13:22 speaks of "... the deceitfulness of riches..."

PLEASURE 

The word "deceit" has very interesting origins. Originally, there was no negative connotation, or morally reprehensible attachment to its use. The word simply meant pleasure.  

[ Several literal translations of this passage, render the verse, "... the pleasures of riches..." ].

 It was a term used for the pleasant distraction of the theatre, from the everyday business and concerns of life, implying no evil, in it's meaning. It also developed the meaning of sexual pleasure, again, as something to be engaged in to perhaps relieve stress and divert one's focus from everyday concerns. There was still no connection with any wrong behavior, in legitimate relationships. It also described the pleasantness of foods to the taste, and music to the ears. In  general, it described that which provided pleasure to the senses.

One implied meaning it developed, was that of being temporary; fleeting; not of a long-lasting or durable nature. This "pleasure" provided no  permanence.

CLASSICAL GREEK 

In classical Greek, it had the special significance of referring to the pleasure of women, not just in a sexual manner, but their companionship; pleasantness of company; and general desirableness of presence. The word was even used, quite commonly, as a woman's name.

Perhaps through its understood meaning of being temporary, not lasting,  the word began to develop the negative connotation of that which gives a false impression, contrary to reality. It still maintained it's pleasant illusion and pleasure of the theatre and various enjoyments of life, but it now also added it's deceptive quality of distracting from what was really important; significant, and truly meaningful in life. It even took on, in relation to women, the thought of being seduced sexually.

VAIN

In the NT, it is coupled with the word translated as "vain" [i.e., vain deceit], as a qualifying term. This second Greek word has both the literal meaning of "empty", "without content", and the more figurative use of "without reality, substance, or effect".

"Deceit" contains both these ideas, in that: 

1) it is that which is not permanent 

2) it is without reality, lacking true substance.

The word meaning "empty", or "vain", also strongly implies that which is  bad. 

By way of explanation, the OT speaks of God's words being not vain or empty (Deut.32:47), meaning that not only do they: 

1) fulfill a purpose, 

2) but, they are "containers" that have substance; power; life; that produce powerful results.

Words, or actions of deceit are empty of what is good, but they do contain what is bad, causing people to be mislead; distorting what is true; and producing what they contain, a false sense of reality.

 RICHES

Riches, in and of themselves, are not bad, [see Grow with the Flow] but the deceitfulness, is that they will give us security, as a source of life; happiness; and the various pleasures that we find attractive. 

The reality is, that riches are temporary; fleeting; especially in comparison to eternity, but they can captivate our mind and attention, so that their acquisition becomes our primary focus, and we lose out on what our true purpose and potential is  with our Father. We can sacrifice the permanence of relationship with the Almighty God, for the pitiful poverty of this world's wealth, rendering HIs word, that truly "contains" life, to a position of obscurity in our heart.

We must choose to stay passionate about our purpose, and continue to pursue the power of His word, in our lives, above all else, in fellowship, not only with our Father, but with our fellow Believers, in His church.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.