Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions, is a condition of the heart that the Bible warns against repeatedly. It is not merely the act of wanting something, but an overwhelming desire that can lead to sin and spiritual downfall. The Berean Standard Bible provides several insights into the nature and consequences of covetousness.

Biblical Definition and Warnings

Covetousness is explicitly addressed in the Ten Commandments, where 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 highlights that covetousness is not limited to material possessions but extends to anything that belongs to another.

The New Testament further emphasizes the dangers of 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" . Here, Jesus underscores that life’s true value is not found in material wealth, but in spiritual richness.

Covetousness as Idolatry

The Apostle Paul equates covetousness with idolatry, indicating its profound spiritual implications. In Colossians 3:5, he instructs believers to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" . By equating greed with idolatry, Paul suggests that covetousness replaces God with material desires, thus engrossing the heart and leading it away from divine worship.

Consequences of Covetousness

The Bible illustrates the destructive nature of covetousness through various narratives. Achan’s sin in Joshua 7 serves as a stark warning. Achan coveted and took forbidden items, leading to Israel’s defeat and his own demise. His account demonstrates how covetousness can lead to personal and communal suffering.

In the New Testament, the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) further illustrates the folly of covetousness. The rich man, engrossed in his wealth, plans to build larger barns to store his surplus, only to lose his life that very night. This parable highlights the transient nature of earthly riches and the eternal consequences of a covetous heart.

Covetousness and Contentment

The antidote to covetousness is contentment, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. 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 verse reassures believers of God’s provision and presence, encouraging them to find satisfaction in Him rather than in material possessions.

The Apostle Paul exemplifies this attitude in Philippians 4:11-12, where he writes, "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" . Paul’s contentment, rooted in his faith, serves as a model for overcoming covetousness.

Conclusion

Covetousness, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound spiritual issue that engrosses the heart and leads it away from God. Through warnings, parables, and teachings, Scripture calls believers to guard against this sin and to cultivate contentment, trusting in God’s provision and presence.Ezekiel 33:31
And they come to you as the people comes, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their covetousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:14
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

{24A} Upon the Love of Our Neighbour. Preached on Advent Sunday.
... the degree in which self-love engrosses us, and ... every particular affection of the
heart, are equally ... of tranquillity and freedom than ambition or covetousness? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon xi 24a upon the.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... thirst after righteousness which now engrosses their whole ... they are pure in heart:
"Uncharitable creatures ... injustice, of malice, and fraud, and covetousness. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 23 upon our lords.htm

Wandering Thoughts
... takes up all our time, and engrosses all our ... of wandering thoughts; in which the
heart does not ... Pride, anger, revenge, vanity, lust, covetousness, every one of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 41 wandering thoughts.htm

"Bought with a Price"
... noblest topic and that which most engrosses their minds ... to the blessed Bridegroom
of his heart; it was ... Worldly ambition, covetousness, and so forth, might claim ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/bought with a price.htm

What is mortification of sin / the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

What 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