Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions that belong to others, is a sin that Scripture warns against repeatedly. It is a condition of the heart that reflects a lack of contentment and trust in God's provision. The Bible clearly states that those who practice covetousness will not inherit the kingdom of God, thus excluding them from heaven.The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of covetousness in several of his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , he writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." Here, "the greedy" is synonymous with those who are covetous, indicating that such individuals are among those who will not enter heaven. Similarly, in Ephesians 5:5 , Paul warns, "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—that is, an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." This passage equates covetousness with idolatry, suggesting that a covetous person places their desires above God, thus violating the first commandment to have no other gods. The gravity of covetousness is further emphasized in Colossians 3:5 , where believers are instructed to "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry." The call to "put to death" these traits underscores the seriousness with which covetousness is to be treated, as it is incompatible with a life devoted to Christ. The Old Testament also addresses covetousness, most notably 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, which can extend to any object of desire that belongs to another. Jesus Himself warned against covetousness in Luke 12:15 , saying, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This teaching points to the futility of seeking fulfillment in material wealth and possessions, which can never satisfy the deeper spiritual needs of the human heart. In summary, covetousness is a sin that Scripture consistently condemns as incompatible with the life of a believer. It is a form of idolatry that places material desires above God, leading to spiritual death and exclusion from the kingdom of heaven. The biblical call is to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision, recognizing that true riches are found in a relationship with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 6:10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 5:5 Library Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Index of Subjects. Typology Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount A Description of Heart-Purity Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism Hebrews x. 26, 27 An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Indexes and Tables Hopkinsians. Resources What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is "You shall not covet" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | 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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