Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often synonymous with greed or avarice, is a profound desire for possessions or wealth, particularly that which belongs to others. It is a sin that is frequently condemned in the Bible, as it leads individuals away from the love of God and neighbor, fostering a spirit of discontent and idolatry.Biblical Condemnation of Covetousness The Bible explicitly warns against covetousness in both the Old and New Testaments. The Tenth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:17, states: "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." This commandment highlights the comprehensive nature of covetousness, extending beyond material possessions to include relationships and status. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the dangers of greed 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." The Apostle Paul further emphasizes this in Ephesians 5:5, where he equates covetousness with idolatry: "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Consequences of Covetousness The Bible illustrates that covetousness leads to spiritual and moral decay. Proverbs 15:27 warns, "He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble to his household, but he who hates bribes will live." This verse underscores the destructive impact of greed on personal and familial relationships. In the narrative of Achan in Joshua 7, covetousness leads to dire consequences for the entire community of Israel. Achan's desire for forbidden spoils results in Israel's defeat at Ai and his eventual execution. This account serves as a stark reminder of the communal repercussions of individual greed. Covetousness as the Reward of Those Who Hate The concept of covetousness as the "reward of those who hate" is rooted in the understanding that those who reject God and His commandments often find themselves ensnared by their desires. Romans 1:28-29 describes how those who turn away from God are given over to a depraved mind, filled with "every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity." In Psalm 81:11-12, God laments the stubbornness of His people: "But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices." Here, the "reward" of those who hate God is the freedom to pursue their own destructive desires, leading to spiritual ruin. The Antidote to Covetousness The Bible offers a clear antidote to covetousness: 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, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" This assurance of God's presence and provision is the foundation for a life free from the bondage of greed. Furthermore, the practice of generosity and stewardship is encouraged as a means to combat covetousness. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs the wealthy to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share," thus laying up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age. In summary, covetousness is a sin that leads to spiritual and moral decay, serving as a "reward" for those who reject God. The Bible calls believers to a life of contentment, trust, and generosity, reflecting the character of Christ and the values of His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 28:16The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Way of Life and the Way of Death. The True Gnostic is Beneficent, Continent, and Despises Worldly ... "For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ... The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ... Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity Love Thy Neighbour John i. 9 Matt. v. 38, 39, 40 Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle. 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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