On the eve of the Great Debate, it’s easy to get caught up in the potential for unwitting drama and folly. In the wake of recent revelations about Donald Trump’s alleged philanthropy, however, it may be useful to recall a couple of lasting words.

Briefly, investigative reporters have discovered that the self-proclaimed billionaire Trump has rarely used any of his own money to give to charitable organizations, that he has used other people’s donations to his Foundation to pay his own legal bills, and that he has claimed to make donations to charities which have never materialized. In so many words, he has lied, cheated and used charities and his own “charitable” Foundation to deceive others and enrich himself.

So here’s what is worth recalling. It comes from the book of Timothy (note to Mr. Trump: that’s one of the books in the Bible), and here’s what it says: “The love of money us a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.”

And this, also from Timothy: “As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

Do you suppose Mr. Trump has ever read those passages? Do you suppose he will heed them in the debates?