Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often synonymous with greed or avarice, is a deep-seated desire for possessions or wealth that belongs to others. This longing is not merely a fleeting wish but a persistent craving that can consume an individual's thoughts and actions. The Bible consistently warns against covetousness, highlighting its destructive nature and the misery it brings to individuals and communities.Biblical Warnings Against Covetousness The Tenth Commandment explicitly addresses covetousness: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, 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 contentment and respect for others' possessions, emphasizing that covetousness is not merely a personal failing but a violation of divine law. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the dangers of covetousness in Luke 12:15: "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" . Here, Jesus highlights the futility of equating material wealth with true life, pointing to the spiritual emptiness that accompanies a covetous heart. Consequences of Covetousness The Bible provides numerous examples of the misery that covetousness can bring. Achan's account in Joshua 7 illustrates how covetousness led to his downfall and brought trouble upon the entire nation of Israel. Achan coveted and took forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho, resulting in Israel's defeat at Ai and his eventual execution. This narrative demonstrates how covetousness can lead to personal ruin and communal suffering. In the New Testament, the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a stark warning. Their desire to appear generous while secretly withholding part of their wealth led to their deaths. This account illustrates the deceit and spiritual peril that accompany covetousness, as well as the severe consequences of prioritizing material gain over honesty and integrity. Covetousness and Idolatry The Apostle Paul equates covetousness with idolatry in Colossians 3:5: "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" . By linking covetousness to idolatry, Paul emphasizes that an inordinate desire for material possessions can replace God as the central focus of one's life, leading to spiritual desolation. The Path to Contentment The antidote to covetousness is contentment, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. In Philippians 4:11-12, Paul 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" . Contentment, rooted in trust in God's provision, frees individuals from the relentless pursuit of more and shields them from the misery that covetousness brings. Conclusion While the Bible acknowledges the human tendency toward covetousness, it offers a clear path away from its misery through contentment and trust in God. By heeding biblical warnings and embracing a life of gratitude and simplicity, believers can avoid the pitfalls of covetousness and experience the peace and fulfillment that come from a life centered on God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Liberal Church The Natural Supremacy of Reflection Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I. Opposition to Messiah Ruinous The Pure in Heart "For to be Carnally Minded is Death; but to be Spiritually Minded ... {24A} Upon the Love of Our Neighbour. Preached on Advent Sunday. Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism On the Nativity of John the Baptist the First Sermon The Important Question Resources What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Rich Fool? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel? | 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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