3. We cannot fail to notice how constantly St. Paul associates lawless lust with lawless grasping at money or the goods of other men—greediness or avarice. This has led some to suppose that the Greek word for greediness is really intended to mean lust in its grasping character. But this is a mistake. The words are associated partly, no doubt, because lust so often involves an 'overreaching and wronging our brothers[[6]]' of their just rights; but much more because the lawless grasping after gain and the lawless grasping after pleasure are the two great perversions of the human soul. Pleasure and mammon are the two typical idols.
[[1]] Possibly this expression means 'the kingdom of Him who is at once Christ and God.'
[[2]] 2 Cor. vi. 14.
[[3]] 1 Cor. i. 20, 21; iii. 18.
[[4]] Rom. xvi. 19.
[[5]] Ecclus. xvi. 21.
[[6]] 1 Thess. iv. 6.