I understand how little concern the followers of the world have about the moral risks associated with earthly success. “Sure,” says the enthusiastic seeker of wealth or fame, “I acknowledge there might be some dangers, but who would not be willing to take the chance if they could just be among fortune’s favorites? Grant me my desires in this regard, and I am willing to accept the risks and bear the responsibility.”
What a misguided statement! You do not realize what you are saying! Your self-centered heart, craving riches or notoriety among people, and determined to achieve them, thinking they encompass everything a person could desire, fails to see the pitfalls in the path to these goals and the dangers faced by their possessor once attained!
Blinded, or rather dazzled into blindness, by that single objective, the golden prize, you do not perceive the temptations that confront the person set on grasping it. In the pursuit of wealth, there is often dishonesty, sinful worldliness, and neglect of the soul; In the possession of wealth, there is often avarice, pride, and sensuality.
The “deceitfulness of riches” is a biblical term that experience interprets and validates. They are deceptive. Their ability to bring happiness is just a facade. Riches may enhance the happiness of someone who already possesses other and loftier sources of joy, but when sought as the primary means of happiness, they are bound to bring sorrow upon their possessors!
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:10-11)
– Jared Waterbury, 1862 (Updated for Today’s Reader)
The Fight of Faith 