In Jesus’ metaphor, having bad eyes is equivalent to focusing on that which is sinful and wicked—a self-centred covetousness.1 If this is the focus of a person, then he will keep all wealth for himself and refuse to help others. He will behave in a way that is to his own and to others’ detriment.2 This is the life of a person who has not been changed by God’s revelation.
23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!