Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions that belong to others, is a recurring theme in biblical teachings, frequently warned against as a destructive force. In the context of eschatology, or the study of the last days, covetousness is prophesied to be particularly rampant, serving as a sign of the moral and spiritual decline preceding the return of Christ.Biblical Warnings Against Covetousness The Bible consistently warns against covetousness, emphasizing its incompatibility with a life devoted to God. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly commands, "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 importance of contentment and the dangers of desiring what is not rightfully ours. The New Testament reiterates this warning. In Luke 12:15, Jesus cautions, "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 admonishes believers in Ephesians 5:5, stating, "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" . Covetousness in the Last Days The prophetic writings of the New Testament indicate that covetousness will be a hallmark of the last days. In 2 Timothy 3:1-2, Paul writes, "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy" . Here, the love of money, a form of covetousness, is listed among the vices that will characterize humanity in the end times. This increase in covetousness is seen as part of a broader moral decay, where individuals prioritize material wealth and self-interest over spiritual values and communal well-being. The Apostle Peter also alludes to this in 2 Peter 2:3, warning of false teachers who "in their greed will exploit you with deceptive words" , suggesting that covetousness will not only be a personal failing but also a tool for manipulation and deceit. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, covetousness is often equated with idolatry, as it places material desires above God. This is evident in Colossians 3:5, where Paul instructs, "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" . The identification of greed with idolatry highlights the spiritual danger it poses, as it diverts worship and devotion away from God. The prevalence of covetousness in the last days serves as a call to vigilance for believers, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to resist the temptations of materialism. The anticipation of Christ's return is meant to inspire a life of holiness and contentment, contrasting sharply with the greed and self-indulgence that will characterize the world. Practical Considerations for Believers In light of these warnings, believers are encouraged to cultivate contentment and generosity as antidotes to covetousness. 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'" . This assurance of God's provision is intended to liberate believers from the anxiety and dissatisfaction that fuel covetous desires. Furthermore, the practice of generosity is emphasized as a means of counteracting greed. 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" , framing generosity as a way to lay up "treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age" . In summary, the biblical portrayal of covetousness, particularly in the context of the last days, serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual perils associated with unchecked material desires. Believers are called to a higher standard, one that prioritizes spiritual wealth and eternal values over temporal gains. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 3:2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Peter 2:1-3 Library Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times. The Twelve Minor Prophets. Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ... Psalm CXI. Miscellaneous Subjects. Scriptural Christianity 2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds. A New Year's Benediction The Puritan Conflict. 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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