Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions that belong to others, is a recurring theme in the Bible, frequently associated with moral and social decay. The Scriptures warn against this vice, highlighting its potential to lead to injustice and oppression.Biblical Definition and Context Covetousness is explicitly condemned 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 destructive nature of covetous desires, which can disrupt social harmony and lead to various forms of injustice. Covetousness and Injustice The Bible illustrates how covetousness can lead to unjust actions. In the account of Ahab and Naboth's vineyard, King Ahab's covetous desire for Naboth's property results in a grave injustice. Ahab, unable to obtain the vineyard through legitimate means, allows his wife Jezebel to orchestrate Naboth's wrongful execution, thus seizing the land (1 Kings 21:1-16). This narrative exemplifies how covetousness can corrupt authority and lead to the oppression of the innocent. The prophet Micah also speaks against the covetousness of the leaders of Israel, who "covet fields and seize them; they also take houses. They defraud a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance" (Micah 2:2). Here, covetousness is directly linked to social injustice, as those in power exploit their positions to satisfy their greed, resulting in the oppression of the vulnerable. Covetousness and Oppression The New Testament continues to address 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" . This admonition highlights the spiritual peril of covetousness, which can lead individuals to prioritize material wealth over righteousness and justice. The Apostle Paul further emphasizes the destructive nature of covetousness in his letters. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, he writes, "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" . Covetousness, driven by the love of money, can lead to various forms of evil, including oppression and exploitation. Moral and Spiritual Implications Covetousness is not merely a personal failing but a societal issue with far-reaching implications. It can corrupt leaders, distort justice, and create systems of oppression. The Bible calls believers to reject covetousness and instead pursue righteousness, justice, and contentment. As Paul advises in Hebrews 13:5, "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 call to contentment serves as a countermeasure to the destructive tendencies of covetousness, promoting a just and equitable society. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 28:20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 2:2 Library The Pure in Heart Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience. The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations Index of Subjects. The Fourth Book Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. part i part ii 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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