Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often synonymous with greed or an inordinate desire for wealth and possessions, is consistently portrayed in the Bible as a vice rather than a virtue. It is a condition of the heart that leads individuals away from the love of God and neighbor, focusing instead on material gain and selfish ambition. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against covetousness, highlighting its destructive nature and its incompatibility with a life devoted to God.Biblical Warnings Against Covetousness The Bible explicitly warns against covetousness, emphasizing its sinful nature and the spiritual peril it poses. In the Ten Commandments, God commands, "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" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the importance of contentment and respect for others' possessions. In the New Testament, Jesus warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). Here, Jesus teaches that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth but in spiritual richness and a relationship with God. Covetousness and the Wicked Throughout Scripture, covetousness is associated with the wicked, who commend and pursue it to their detriment. The psalmist observes, "For the wicked boast in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD" (Psalm 10:3). This verse illustrates how the wicked not only indulge in covetous desires but also celebrate them, setting themselves in opposition to God. The prophet Habakkuk also speaks against those who are driven by greed, declaring, "Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin!" (Habakkuk 2:9). This warning highlights the futility and eventual downfall of those who seek security and success through covetous means. Covetousness in the New Testament Church The early church recognized the dangers of covetousness and sought to distance itself from such practices. The Apostle Paul admonishes believers, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed" (Ephesians 5:3). Paul’s exhortation reflects the understanding that covetousness is incompatible with a holy and righteous life. In his letter to Timothy, Paul further warns, "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" (1 Timothy 6:10). This passage underscores the spiritual danger of covetousness, which can lead believers away from their faith and into a life of sorrow and regret. Covetousness and Idolatry The Bible equates covetousness with idolatry, as it places material desires above God. Paul writes to the Colossians, "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). This identification of covetousness with idolatry reveals its profound spiritual implications, as it diverts worship and devotion from God to material possessions. Conclusion Covetousness is consistently condemned in Scripture as a trait of the wicked, who alone commend it. It is a vice that leads to spiritual ruin, distancing individuals from God and His purposes. The Bible calls believers to a life of contentment, generosity, and trust in God’s provision, rejecting the empty promises of material wealth and the commendation of the wicked. 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 The Way of Life and the Way of Death. How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Matt. xix. 1 Clement of Alexandria. The Acts of Philip. On Attending the Church Service Matt. xvi. 28 Christian Behavior Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ... 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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