In the Bible, covetousness is defined as an intense desire for something that belongs to someone else, specifically prohibited in the Tenth Commandment found in Exodus 20:17. It involves longing for possessions, relationships, or statuses that should not be desired or sought after, reflecting a lack of contentment and trust in God’s provision.
Scripture
17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”
Covetousness Defined in the Bible KJV
Covetousness in the Bible, particularly as outlined in Exodus 20:17, is more than a simple desire for another’s possessions; it is an indication of a heart that is discontent and dissatisfied with what God has provided. This commandment, which states, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s,” illustrates that coveting can lead to a series of sinful behaviors, including theft, adultery, and strife. As stated in James 4:2, “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” This reflects how the desire for what others possess can corrupt one’s actions, ultimately leading to conflict and moral decay.
Furthermore, covetousness denotes a fundamental spiritual failure to recognize God’s sovereignty and benevolence. Hebrews 13:5 encourages believers to “let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have,” underscoring that true contentment arises from a deep trust in God’s provision. The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:5, goes so far as to equate covetousness with idolatry, suggesting that when we covet, we place our desires above our relationship with God. By craving what belongs to others, we can end up worshiping materialism rather than honoring the divine source of our needs. Thus, the broader meaning of covetousness acts as a caution against discontentment and a reminder of the need for gratitude, trust, and spiritual alignment with God’s will.
Covetousness is addressed throughout the scriptures as a serious spiritual concern that goes beyond mere envy; it reveals a deeper dysfunction in our relationship with God and others. In the heart of Jesus’ teachings, He emphasizes that what stems from within is critical, as seen in passages where He speaks about the importance of one’s inner thoughts and desires. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus articulates that harboring lustful thoughts equates to committing adultery in the heart, highlighting that the roots of sin often lie in the covetous heart. This inward focus on what others have instead of appreciating one’s blessings can lead to destructive choices and alienation from God’s intended path for our lives.
Moreover, the narrative of Achan in the book of Joshua serves as a sobering warning regarding the impact of covetousness. Achan’s desire for forbidden spoils resulted in severe consequences for himself and the entire Israelite community, illustrating that coveting can lead not only to personal downfall but also to communal repercussions. This account emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s directives and the dangers of allowing greed to overshadow divine commandments. Similarly, the parable of the rich fool in Luke demonstrates the folly of accumulating wealth at the expense of one’s soul, revealing that the pursuit of earthly treasures, born from a covetous heart, leads to spiritual emptiness and unfulfilled potential. In essence, biblical references to covetousness urge believers to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and satisfaction with God’s provisions, steering clear of the destructive paths that envy and greed can inspire.
The Desire for What Belongs to Others
Covetousness in the Bible often reflects an intense desire for possessions or attributes that belong to another person. This longing can lead to feelings of discontentment and jealousy, which can ultimately disrupt relationships and foster a spirit of greed. The biblical perspective warns against allowing such desires to take root, as they can lead to actions that harm both oneself and others.
The Spiritual Implications of Covetousness
Beyond mere desire, covetousness is seen as a spiritual ailment that can distance individuals from God. It signifies a lack of trust in God’s provision and a failure to appreciate the blessings one already possesses. This spiritual dimension emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude, encouraging believers to focus on their relationship with God rather than on material possessions.
The Ethical Consequences of Covetousness
Covetousness can lead to unethical behavior, as the desire for what others have may drive individuals to act in ways that are morally questionable. This can manifest in deceit, manipulation, or even theft, as one seeks to obtain what is not rightfully theirs. The ethical implications highlight the need for integrity and the importance of respecting the rights and possessions of others within a community.
How to Cultivate Contentment and Avoid Covetousness
Cultivating contentment and steering clear of covetousness is a journey that requires intentionality and a heart aligned with God’s will. Start by practicing gratitude; take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem. This simple act can shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance you already possess. Additionally, immerse yourself in Scripture, particularly passages like Philippians 4:11-13, where Paul speaks of finding contentment in all circumstances. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and uplift you, reminding you of the joy that comes from living a life centered on Christ rather than material possessions. Finally, consider serving others; when you shift your focus outward, you’ll find that your own desires diminish, and a deeper sense of fulfillment takes root. Remember, contentment is not about having what you want, but wanting what you have, and with God’s help, you can cultivate a heart that truly rejoices in His provision.
Bible References to Covetousness in KJV:
Deuteronomy 5:21: 21 And you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.
Proverbs 21:25-26: 25 The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Isaiah 57:17: 17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry,
I struck him; I hid my face and was angry,
but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.
Micah 2:1-2: 1 Woe to those who devise wickedness
and work evil on their beds!
When the morning dawns, they perform it,
because it is in the power of their hand.
2 They covet fields and seize them,
and houses, and take them away;
they oppress a man and his house,
a man and his inheritance.
Luke 12:15: 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Romans 1:28-32: 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Romans 7:7-8: 7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin.
8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.
1 Corinthians 5:10-11: 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 5:3-5: 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Colossians 3:5-6: 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
1 Timothy 6:9-10: 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
2 Timothy 3:1-5: 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Hebrews 13:5-6: Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.