The money debate: root of evil or springboard to happiness?

In a recent column, I mentioned the old biblical warning that money is the root of all evil and that sure set off a lively debate with my wife. 

“Money offers freedom and it doesn’t necessarily produce evil,” she said. “Can you imagine if we had enough money not to worry about money? That would make us happier, not evil. To me, Mark Twain said it best: The lack of money is the root of all evil.” 

He was being witty, not wise, I shot back. 

“There are all sorts of examples, as far as time goes back, where people with plenty of money want more money and do bad things like lying, cheating and breaking families apart over it,” I said, puffing out my chest and knocking down her argument. Or, so I thought.