Topical Bible: Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction

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Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions that belong to others, is a sin that the Bible warns against repeatedly. It is a condition of the heart that can lead to various forms of domestic affliction, disrupting the peace and harmony within a household.

Biblical Definition and Warnings

The Bible defines covetousness as a form of idolatry, where one's desires for material possessions or status take precedence over their devotion to God. In Colossians 3:5 , Paul admonishes 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 highlights the severity of covetousness, equating it with idolatry and urging believers to rid themselves of such desires.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides several examples of how covetousness leads to domestic strife. In the account of Achan in Joshua 7, Achan's covetousness led him to take forbidden items from Jericho, resulting in Israel's defeat at Ai and the subsequent punishment of Achan and his family. This narrative illustrates how one individual's greed can bring calamity upon an entire household.

Another example is found in the account of King Ahab and Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21. Ahab's covetous desire for Naboth's vineyard led to false accusations, murder, and divine judgment upon Ahab's house. This account demonstrates how covetousness can lead to moral corruption and familial destruction.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus warns 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 emphasizes that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth, but in spiritual richness.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , stating, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 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." Here, Paul warns that the pursuit of wealth can lead to spiritual and domestic ruin, causing individuals to stray from their faith and bring sorrow upon themselves and their families.

Impact on Family Dynamics

Covetousness can manifest in various ways within a family, leading to jealousy, strife, and division. When family members prioritize material gain over relationships, it can result in neglect, resentment, and conflict. The pursuit of wealth can consume time and energy that should be devoted to nurturing familial bonds, leading to emotional distance and breakdowns in communication.

Moreover, covetousness can set a poor example for children, teaching them to value possessions over people and spiritual growth. This can perpetuate a cycle of materialism and dissatisfaction, affecting future generations.

Spiritual Remedies

The Bible offers remedies for covetousness, encouraging believers to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision. 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.'" By focusing on God's faithfulness and sufficiency, individuals can overcome the destructive tendencies of covetousness and foster a peaceful and harmonious home environment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:27
He that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; but he that hates gifts shall live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Affliction, the best trial of faith, [10]125 ... from sin, [34]270; better none, than
with covetousness, [35]ib ... duty of, enjoined, [36]284; neglect of, leads to hell ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... subvert, [1369]377; weak, shaken by affliction, strong confirmed ... Zaccheus,
[1476]ib.; little, great covetousness shown in ... the wisdom of the Spirit leads them ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Christian Behavior
... with him but it is safe and leads to the ... to glorify him in the discharge of domestic
duties ... upon good neighbourhood; and a discovery of covetousness, pride, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Memphite Empire
... to Bubastis, excited their pillaging instincts, and awoke in them an irrepressible
covetousness. ... been lifted up, a tortuous passage is seen which leads to the ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Footnotes
... their services during the vigour of life, when they were unencumbered by domestic
cares, and ... 146 [That is, Fate leads the willing and drags the unwilling."Ed ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... the spontaneous effusions of the heart principally in private, or at the domestic
altar upon ... A sense of our want and unworthiness leads us to God in that new ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

part i
... he, like an animal that was once domestic, but afterwards ... to emerge from a state
of spiritual, sinful affliction. ... sin, and return to the road that leads to life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Should peace be preserved, domestic, social, and national ... and its awful consequences,
This leads to the ... midst of torment, all present affliction is aggravated ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm