Yes, of course it’s wrong. Greed or pride is just as wrong in God’s eyes as any other sin, and the Bible certainly warns us to avoid them.

But let me ask you a question: Who in the Bible spoke out the strongest against greed or pride (or any other sin)? The answer is Jesus–and when someone claims to be a follower of Christ and yet allows greed or pride to control them, then they’re not following Jesus’ clear teaching.

In fact, some of Jesus’ strongest words were spoken against those who claimed to believe in God but didn’t follow God’s law–in other words, those who were hypocrites. He compared them to “whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones” (Matthew 23:27). What an indictment!

My point is this: Don’t reject Christ because of the failures of a few who claim to be His followers. Not all Christians are like this–not at all. (And even when we Christians fail, God still loves us and wants to help us become more like Christ.) Instead, realize your own need of Christ, and by faith commit your life to Him. He can change your life for the better–just as He has for millions of others across the centuries.