The Leprosy of Riches

Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.

‭‭II Kings‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I used to think Elisha was unhappy about what Gehazi had done. As a result, he cursed Gehazi with leprosy as a form of punishment. I don’t think that’s what this is about.

I think Elisha refused Naaman’s wealth because he knew along with Naaman’s wealth comes Naaman’s disease. It was unavoidable. With sorrow and grief Elisha let Gehazi know what he had brought on himself by pursuing Naaman’s money.

In my observation, the pursuit of riches comes at a high price - there is a ‘disease’ that accompanies it. Stress. Anxiety. Unhappiness. Divorce. Lack of genuine friendships. Loneliness. Etc.

Some people think they can get the riches but not get the disease. It’s a dangerous game. The leprosy of riches is far worse than the gain. Elisha understood that. Gehazi didn’t.