Greed

When we think of greed, the picture that comes to mind is of an obvious, almost medieval vice. We think of wealthy men hoarding piles of gold, or the collector who must have just one more item. But the actuality of greed is much more subtle and insidious. We experience it everyday.

Just as the worker deserves the pay he has earned, the price for goods bought and sold should be a fair price. But we are on the constant lookout for bargains, suspicious that we will be taken advantage of. Many people will not buy unless there is a sale, or they can buy in bulk. Discount stores abound; well-made goods for a fair price are hard to find.

Employers and employees both try to get the most out of the relationship while putting the least into it. Employers cut benefits and expect more production. Employees expect unreasonable benefits. Look at the airline workers who refuse a pay cut when the company is so bankrupt that they can’t make the next payroll. This is a relationship based on greed.

In restaurants, the size of the portions becomes larger and larger. Even standard restaurants serve more than one person can eat in a sitting. All-you-can-eat buffets are popular. Fast food establishments provide the maximum amount of food for the least cost, usually in a way that is unhealthy in the type and quantity of food. Why do we expect more food than we need? The purpose of eating is to nourish the body, and we enjoy foods that we do not cook at home. But to expect super portions for rock bottom prices is greed.

Give, and it shall be given unto you;
good measure, pressed down, and
shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal
it shall be measured to you again.