Miser
Summary
One who hoards wealth excessively while denying themselves even basic comforts, driven by an insatiable desire for accumulation.
☩Ecclesiastes' Observation
The Preacher describes the miser's folly: 'There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail' (Ecclesiastes 4:7-8). The miser labors endlessly for wealth he never enjoys, asking no questions about its purpose.
☩Forms of Avarice
Avarice takes many disguises to hide from those guilty of it: Sometimes it appears as 'prudence' requiring provision for future needs. Sometimes as 'charity' avoiding examples of prodigality. Sometimes as 'parental love' saving for children. Sometimes as 'circumspection' not supplying those who misuse gifts. Sometimes as 'necessity' repelling artifice with artifice. Sometimes as 'conscience' convincing the miser he has already given too much. Sometimes as 'equity' claiming the right to enjoy one's own labors.
☩Spiritual Danger
Jesus warned: '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). He then told of the rich fool who stored up goods for himself but was 'not rich toward God' (Luke 12:21). Paul declared that 'the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows' (1 Timothy 6:10).