Covetousness, often synonymous with greed or avarice, is a strong desire for material possessions or wealth, particularly that which belongs to others. It is considered a sin in the Christian tradition, as it reflects a heart that is not content with God's provision and is often linked to idolatry. The Bible addresses covetousness extensively, warning believers of its dangers and encouraging a life of contentment and trust in God.

Biblical References:

1. The Ten Commandments: Covetousness is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:17 states, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This commandment highlights the comprehensive nature of covetousness, extending beyond mere possessions to include relationships and status.

2. New Testament Warnings: The New Testament continues to caution against covetousness. In Luke 12:15 , Jesus warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This teaching emphasizes that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth but in spiritual richness.

3. Pauline Epistles: The Apostle Paul frequently addresses covetousness in his letters. In Ephesians 5:5 , he writes, "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Here, covetousness is equated with idolatry, as it places material desires above God.

4. Contentment as a Virtue: The Bible encourages believers to cultivate contentment as an antidote to covetousness. In Philippians 4:11-12 , Paul shares, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need." Contentment is portrayed as a learned discipline that aligns one's desires with God's will.

5. The Love of Money: Covetousness is closely related to the love of money, which is addressed in 1 Timothy 6:10 : "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This passage highlights the spiritual peril associated with an insatiable desire for wealth.

Theological Implications:

Covetousness is not merely a matter of external actions but is deeply rooted in the heart's desires. It reflects a lack of trust in God's provision and a misplaced focus on temporal rather than eternal values. The Bible calls believers to a life of simplicity, generosity, and reliance on God, recognizing that all good things come from Him and that true satisfaction is found in a relationship with Christ.

Practical Considerations:

Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts regularly for signs of covetousness and to practice gratitude and generosity as means of combating this sin. By focusing on the needs of others and the advancement of God's kingdom, believers can redirect their desires towards what is spiritually enriching and eternally significant.

The Commandments
... The natural mind is full of all kinds of evil, such as thefts, adulteries, murders,
false witnesses, covetousnesses, and even blasphemies and profanations ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part secondthe commandments.htm

Covetousnesses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Covetousnesses (1 Occurrence). 2 Peter 2:14 having
eyes full of adultery, and unable to cease from sin, enticing ...
/c/covetousnesses.htm - 6k

Covetousness (22 Occurrences)

/c/covetousness.htm - 18k

Entice (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery, and unable to cease from sin, enticing
unstable souls, having an heart exercised in covetousnesses, children of a ...
/e/entice.htm - 11k

Covets (2 Occurrences)

/c/covets.htm - 6k

Seduce (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery, and unable to cease from sin, enticing
unstable souls, having an heart exercised in covetousnesses, children of a ...
/s/seduce.htm - 12k

Sinning (59 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery, and unable to cease from sin, enticing
unstable souls, having an heart exercised in covetousnesses, children of a ...
/s/sinning.htm - 23k

Unable (102 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery, and unable to cease from sin, enticing
unstable souls, having an heart exercised in covetousnesses, children of a ...
/u/unable.htm - 35k

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