Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often synonymous with greed or avarice, is a strong desire for the possessions of others, whether material wealth, status, or relationships. It is a sin that is consistently condemned throughout the Bible, as it reflects a heart that is not content with God's provision and is often a precursor to other sins.Old Testament Teachings The prohibition against covetousness is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:17 declares, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This commandment highlights the comprehensive nature of covetousness, extending beyond mere material possessions to include relationships and status. The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses covetousness. Proverbs 28:16 warns, "A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days." This verse underscores the destructive nature of greed, particularly in leadership, and the virtue of integrity. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ addresses covetousness directly. In Luke 12:15 , He cautions, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Here, Jesus emphasizes that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth but in spiritual richness. The Apostle Paul also speaks against covetousness in his epistles. 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." Paul equates greed with idolatry, indicating that covetousness places material desires above God. Spiritual Implications Covetousness is not merely a social or ethical issue but a spiritual one. It reveals a heart that is not satisfied with God’s provision and is often linked to idolatry. Colossians 3:5 instructs believers to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." This passage calls for a radical transformation of the believer's desires, aligning them with God's will. Practical Warnings and Examples The Bible provides numerous examples of the consequences of covetousness. Achan’s sin in Joshua 7 led to Israel’s defeat at Ai and his own destruction. King Ahab’s coveting of Naboth’s vineyard in 1 Kings 21 resulted in murder and divine judgment. These narratives serve as sobering reminders of the destructive power of unchecked desire. The Antidote to Covetousness Scripture offers contentment as the antidote to covetousness. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" This promise assures believers of God’s constant presence and provision, encouraging a heart of gratitude and trust. In summary, covetousness is a sin that is abhorred by God, as it reflects a heart that prioritizes material desires over spiritual devotion. The Bible consistently warns against it, urging believers to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 10:3For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, and blesses the covetous, whom the LORD abhors. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Covetousness is a Great Evil; and it is not Possible in a Single ... The Tenth Commandment Nothing but Leaves Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ... On the Words, Crucified and Buried. Repentance and Impenitence. The Sermon to the Nuns An Appendix to the Beatitudes Growth in Grace On Attending the Church Service Resources What is mortification of sin / the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is godly jealousy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to emulations? | GotQuestions.org Covetousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covetousness in Building Fine Houses While the House of the Lord Lay Waste Covetousness in Buying Esau's Birthright Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob when he Served Him Seven Years for Rachel Covetousness in Defrauding Esau of His, Father's Blessing Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Covetousness in Exacting Usury from Their Brethren Covetousness in Following Jesus Merely for the Loaves and Fish Covetousness in Giving Rebekah to be Isaac's Wife Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites Covetousness is Inconsistent in Saints Covetousness is Inconsistent: Specially in Ministers Covetousness is Never Satisfied Covetousness is the Root of all Evil Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Slothful Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Wicked Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure Covetousness: Ahab, in Desiring Naboth's Vineyard Covetousness: Avoid Those Guilty of Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness Covetousness: Comes from the Heart Covetousness: Commended by the Wicked Alone Covetousness: David, of Bath-Sheba Covetousness: Demas in Forsaking Paul for Love of the World Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: Eli's Sons, in Taking the Flesh of the Sacrifice Covetousness: Engrosses the Heart Covetousness: Eve, in Desiring the Forbidden Fruit Covetousness: Excludes from Heaven Covetousness: Festus, in Hoping for a Bribe from Paul Covetousness: Gehazi, in Taking a Gift from Naaman Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Judas, in Betraying Jesus for Twenty Pieces of Silver Covetousness: Leads to Departure from the Faith Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction Covetousness: Leads to Foolish and Hurtful Lusts Covetousness: Leads to Injustice and Oppression Covetousness: Leads to Poverty Covetousness: Lot, in Choosing the Plain of the Jordan Covetousness: Money-Changers in the Temple Covetousness: Nobles of the Jews Covetousness: Reward of Those Who Hate Covetousness: Samuel's Sons, in Taking Bribes Covetousness: Saul, in Sparing, Agag and the Booty Covetousness: Shall Abound in the Last Days Covetousness: Simon Magus, in Trying to Buy the Gift of the Holy Spirit Covetousness: The Rich Young Ruler Covetousness: The Sorcerers, in Filing Complaint Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: The Unjust Steward Covetousness: To be Mortified by Saints Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) |
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