Topical Bible: Covetousness: Leads to Poverty

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Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions that belong to others, is a theme addressed throughout the Bible. It is considered a sin that not only affects one's spiritual state but also has tangible consequences in the material world, including leading to poverty.

Biblical Definition and Warnings

The Bible defines covetousness as a form of idolatry, where one's desires for material possessions or wealth 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, a direct violation of the first commandment.

Consequences of Covetousness

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how covetousness can lead to poverty. Proverbs 28:22 warns, "A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him." This proverb suggests that the pursuit of wealth driven by greed can result in financial ruin rather than prosperity. The relentless chase for more can lead to poor decision-making, risky ventures, and ultimately, loss.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the dangers of covetousness in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21). The rich man, consumed by his desire to store up earthly treasures, is called a fool by God, who demands his life that very night. This parable serves as a stark reminder that covetousness can lead to spiritual and material poverty, as one's life is not measured by the abundance of possessions.

Covetousness and Contentment

The Bible contrasts covetousness with the virtue of contentment. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10 , Paul writes, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 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." This passage underscores the idea that contentment, rather than covetousness, leads to true wealth and prevents the spiritual and material poverty that comes from greed.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, covetousness was not only a personal failing but also a societal issue. The prophets frequently condemned the leaders and wealthy individuals who exploited the poor and amassed wealth through unjust means. Isaiah 5:8 declares, "Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land." Such practices led to societal imbalances and poverty for the oppressed, highlighting the broader implications of covetousness.

Practical Implications for Believers

For believers, the call to avoid covetousness is a call to trust in God's provision and to seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). By focusing on spiritual riches and practicing generosity, believers can avoid the pitfalls of covetousness that lead to poverty. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles encourage a life of simplicity, stewardship, and reliance on God, which stands in stark contrast to the destructive path of greed and materialism.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:22
He that hastens to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Poverty
... nor God, whom by divers wiles he leads to endless ... for they dare not suffer anguish,
poverty and neediness ... seek more than enough is foul covetousness; to keep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter iii of poverty.htm

On Contempt for Pain, Poverty, and Other External Things.
... The conversion, however, which leads to divine things ... also honour, and marriage,
and poverty, have ten ... these very words, "Take heed, therefore, of covetousness. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v on contempt for pain.htm

On a Holy Martyr's Day
... Ensample unto us, to comfort our poverty and bereavement ... Therefore, beware of spiritual
covetousness, for the poorer ... And this often leads people to make many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxi on a holy.htm

Sermon on a Martyr's Day
... ensample unto us, to comfort our poverty and bereavement ... Therefore, beware of spiritual
covetousness; for the poorer ... And this often leads people to make many ...
/.../xxvii sermon on a martyrs.htm

Matt. xxviii. 11-14.
... But then, the one, covetousness, urges to insult the other ... Seest thou how far the
praises of poverty have proceeded ... it places thee, to what men it leads thee on ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xc matt xxviii 11-14.htm

A Liberal Church
... It is the spirit of covetousness which leads men to ... closely to the One who was rich,
yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
... Poverty leads the van, and persecution brings up the rear ... By the blessed effects
of this poverty, which are ... Christ and his pleasure, Christ and his covetousness. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/4 blessed are the poor.htm

Hebrews x. 13-Aug
... So great a good is Poverty. ... by the hand, as it were, on the path which leads to Heaven ...
but he shamelessly [asks] for ten thousand things for covetousness' sake. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xviii hebrews x 13-aug.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... Idolatry of Christians is covetousness, [339]134; its origin, [340]135. ... 377]29; once
led to, now leads from Christ ... Poverty the lot of the Christian, [481]46. ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Matt. xxvi. 6, 7
... and that the harm arises not from poverty but from ... diligence to put away the pest
of covetousness, that we ... This leads to the identification of Mary, the sister ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxx matt xxvi 6.htm