What the Bible Says About “You Shall Not Covet”

“You shall not covet” is one of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:17, which forbids the desire for others’ possessions, including their spouse, property, or anything else that belongs to them. This commandment emphasizes the importance of contentment and the protection of personal relationships and property from jealousy and greed.

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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.”

Exodus 20:17

“You Shall Not Covet” Definition in the Bible

The commandment “You shall not covet,” as articulated in Exodus 20:17, carries profound moral and ethical implications that extend beyond mere prohibition of desire. At its core, this directive underscores the concept of contentment, urging individuals to find fulfillment within their own lives rather than longing for what belongs to others. This is not only about the act of wanting but also addresses the heart’s condition—coveting can lead to actions that harm relationships and disrupt social harmony. For example, Jesus, in familiar discussions about the law, reiterates this point in Matthew 5:28, where He expands the definition of adultery to include lustful intent, highlighting that thoughts and desires can be as damaging as actions.

Moreover, the commandment serves as a reminder of the dangers of envy and greed, both of which can lead to destructive behaviors, as seen in the story of King Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21). Ahab coveted Naboth’s land, which ultimately led to Naboth’s unjust death. This illustrates how unchecked desires can corrupt moral judgment and lead to societal decay. Thus, the commandment not only instructs individuals to manage their desires but also invites a broader reflection on community well-being and the importance of mutual respect for one another’s rights and possessions. In essence, “You shall not covet” calls for an inner transformation that fosters gratitude and appreciation, steering individuals away from relational conflict towards a life marked by harmony and integrity.

The essence of “You shall not covet” can be further appreciated by exploring the context of wisdom literature in the Bible, particularly in Proverbs. These texts frequently encourage readers to seek wisdom, understanding, and contentment in their own lives, rather than being swayed by the allure of others’ possessions or status. For instance, Proverbs warns against envy, illustrating that such feelings ultimately culminate in personal distress and discontent. Its teachings exhort believers to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment, emphasizing that true wealth lies not in material accumulation but in a relationship with God and the wise management of what one has.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul elaborates on the implications of coveting within the framework of the New Testament. In Romans, he reflects on how coveting can become a source of sin, leading individuals away from the true commands of God. His letters serve as a reflection on how the inner workings of the heart and mind can dictate moral and ethical behavior. This approach not only affirms the original commandment but expands it to include awareness of one’s thoughts and intentions as they relate to community interactions. By teaching that coveting can lead to a range of immoral actions, Paul highlights the importance of aligning one’s desires with God’s will, thereby transforming the understanding of coveting from a mere act of longing to a significant moral failing that impacts both personal integrity and communal harmony.

The Nature of Desire and Its Consequences

The commandment “You Shall Not Covet” addresses the inner desires of the heart, emphasizing that unchecked longing for what belongs to others can lead to harmful actions. This broader meaning highlights the importance of self-control and the need to cultivate a spirit of contentment. When individuals allow envy and desire to fester, it can result in negative behaviors, such as theft, dishonesty, or even violence, ultimately harming both the individual and the community.

The Importance of Community and Relationships

This commandment also underscores the significance of healthy relationships within a community. Coveting can create divisions and strife among individuals, as it fosters competition and resentment. By discouraging covetousness, the commandment promotes a sense of unity and respect for one another’s possessions and well-being. It encourages individuals to celebrate the successes and blessings of others rather than feeling threatened or envious, thereby strengthening communal bonds.

Spiritual Fulfillment and Contentment

At a deeper spiritual level, “You Shall Not Covet” invites individuals to seek fulfillment beyond material possessions. It encourages a focus on spiritual growth and the appreciation of what one already has, rather than yearning for what others possess. This perspective fosters gratitude and a deeper connection with one’s own life and purpose, steering individuals away from the emptiness that often accompanies materialism and envy.

How to Cultivate Contentment and Moral Integrity in Faith

Cultivating contentment and moral integrity in your faith journey is a deeply personal and transformative process that begins with a heart attuned to gratitude and a commitment to living out your values. Start by reflecting on the blessings in your life, no matter how small, and practice thankfulness daily—this shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance that surrounds you. Engage with scripture, such as Philippians 4:11-13, which reminds us that true contentment comes from Christ, not from our circumstances. Surround yourself with a community that encourages moral integrity, where accountability and support can help you stay true to your convictions. Remember, integrity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing; it’s about actively choosing to reflect Christ’s love and righteousness in every decision you make. As you nurture these qualities, you’ll find that contentment and integrity become not just goals, but a natural outflow of your growing relationship with God.

Bible References to “You Shall Not Covet”:

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.

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.

James 4:1-3: 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Luke 12:15-21: 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.”
16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully,
17 And he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’
18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’
21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

1 Timothy 6:6-10: 6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
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.

Hebrews 13:5: 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.”

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.

Mark 7:21-23: 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Colossians 3:5: 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.