Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions that belong to others, is consistently portrayed in the Bible as a sin that is detested by those who seek to live a life pleasing to God. The saints, or holy ones, throughout Scripture, are depicted as individuals who reject covetousness in favor of contentment and trust in God's provision.Old Testament Context The commandment against covetousness is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments: "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 respecting others' property and being content with one's own possessions. The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also speaks against covetousness. Proverbs 28:16 warns, "A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but one who hates covetousness will prolong his days" . This verse highlights the destructive nature of covetousness and the wisdom in rejecting it. 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 5:3, he writes, "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" . Paul equates covetousness with impurity, indicating that it is incompatible with the holy life to which believers are called. The Saints' Perspective The saints, as exemplars of faith and righteousness, are depicted as those who despise covetousness. Their lives reflect a commitment to godliness and a rejection of worldly desires. 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 assurance of God's presence and provision encourages believers to trust in Him rather than in material wealth. The early church, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, provides a model of communal living where covetousness is absent. Acts 4:32 states, "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had" . This spirit of generosity and mutual care stands in stark contrast to covetousness. Practical Implications For the saints, covetousness is not merely a personal failing but a spiritual danger that can lead one away from God. It is seen as a root of many other sins, as indicated in 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" . Therefore, the saints are called to cultivate contentment, generosity, and trust in God's provision, recognizing that these virtues are essential to a life of holiness and devotion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 18:21Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 20:33 Library Of the Stink of Lechery and the Peril of Touching: and of the ... The Saints' Privilege and Profit; 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday. The Course of the World. The Fundamentals of the Christian Religion An Appendix to the Beatitudes The Alarum The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon. Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla 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) |
    |