Learning about the Old Testament laws and commands is not the most popular choice for a Sunday School lesson or church sermon. Lots of believers’ eyes glaze over after hearing the lists of instructions for the sacrifices or the “thou shalt nots” of the Ten Commandments. Yet, the entire Bible is relevant to our lives, even the parts we do not necessarily enjoy reading or studying. Coveting is one of these areas. Deuteronomy 5:21 instructs us:
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (NIV).
We might scratch our heads at parts of this commandment. Not many people in the modern Western world have an ox, donkey, or servant. However, God’s instruction to the Israelites has application to our lives today as followers of Jesus.
Biblical Meaning and Examples of Coveting
In the commandment that tells us not to covet, the emphasis is on the condition of our hearts. God used everyday examples from that time, such as coveting a neighbor’s house, wife, ox, or servant, to show us that we should not greedily long for something wrong (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21). The Lord moved beyond actions and included the need to evaluate our motives. Sin comes from within (Mark 7:21-23).
Biblical examples show us that coveting means greedily longing for or desiring something that God has forbidden (i.e., that which is sinful). Eve desired the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil after the serpent made it seem appealing (Genesis 3:1-6). She knew that God instructed them not to eat from the tree, but she coveted the fruit because she pridefully wanted to be her own god. As a result, Eve and Adam ate from the tree, disobeyed God, and brought sin into the world.
Another example of covetousness further demonstrates the biblical definition of greedily longing for something. While David was king, and his men were off fighting in a war, he went to the rooftop of the palace and saw Bathsheba bathing (2 Samuel 11:1-3). From the moment he saw her, he desired her even though she was married to one of his mighty men, Uriah (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:39). He disregarded the fact that God’s law condemned coveting another man’s wife and committing adultery. Not only did he commit adultery with Bathsheba, but he also schemed to have Uriah murdered (2 Samuel 11:4, 14-17). David had possessed everything a man could want. Yet, coveting the one thing Uriah had – Bathsheba – led him into great sin and sorrow (2 Samuel 12:1-14).
People can also covet nonmaterial things, such as power or prestige. We see this in the examples of Simon the Sorcerer, who thought he could purchase the Holy Spirit to possess power (Acts 8:18-23), and the couple Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Although the couple desired to keep a portion of their money, their central aim was to receive praise from people through a semblance of sacrifice (Acts 5:2). In both cases, their greediness cost them.
We see through these examples that covetousness involves an inner desire for something that is forbidden or does not belong to us. Certain things we want may not be wrong in and of themselves, such as longing for a house or spouse. However, we step into the realm of coveting when we look at what others have and want to take those things for ourselves.
The defining mark of coveting is a sinful attitude focused on the desire without consideration for others. For example, Eve did not stop to think about what God wanted her to do, and David did not consider his friend Uriah. The person who covets is not focused on loving God or others.
What Does This Look Like Today?
Today, we probably will not covet another person’s donkey or servant. The modern equivalent, though, may still tempt us to want what others have: expensive cars and services to complete everyday tasks. Instead of greedily wanting our neighbor’s ox, we might desire the landscaping service they use.
The other specific things that God commanded us not to covet are still prevalent in the modern world. People continue to desire their neighbor’s house, spouse, and possessions. We see the effects of this in the frantic grasping for increasing wealth and prominence. Enough is never enough in our materialistic society (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
A covetous attitude can sneak in anywhere in our lives. Technology has made it easier for us to see the lives of others, envy them, and covet what they have. We fall for the lie that if we only had what they had, we would be happy and fulfilled. This includes their material possessions but also their outward appearance, personality, job, and relationships.
We can recognize the effect of coveting on our lives by evaluating the way we view the Lord and others. When we are consumed with the overwhelming desire for something, we put aside any thought about God and His Word. Any care or love for others disappears from our lives, too. In our covetous thoughts, even if we do not immediately act on them, we are willing to do anything to get what we want, including hurting others and disobeying the Lord.
For example, a Christian teenager in school might covet a prestigious friend group. Individuals in the group seem to possess it all, though they have a reputation for bullying others. The desire to join them is so strong that the teenager is willing to forsake and hurt other friends. Coveting could also lead this Christian to rationalize portions of Scripture, thinking he or she is being wise by pursuing popularity when, in reality, he or she is acting foolishly (see 1 Corinthians 15:33).
Believers can also notice covetousness in their lives if they grasp onto things and are unwilling to let them go. A person may greedily desire a romantic relationship to the extent that he or she ignores what God wants them to do and turns away from His timing. Likewise, believers with a covetous attitude will not easily give their time or money to others, for they are always searching for more. Sacrificial giving has no place in their lives.
How Can I Deal with Covetousness in My Life?
Growth in technology may have made us more tempted to covet, but we are all responsible for our sins. Acting like Adam and Eve by passing the blame does us no good. We must acknowledge our sin, which means seeing it as God does, and confess it to Him. When we do, the Lord forgives us (1 John 1:9).
Of course, God’s grace is not a license to sin (Romans 6:15). We should not think, “God will forgive me, so it is fine if I allow myself to covet.” The Lord wants His children to walk in holiness. Though we may struggle with wrong desires, we can find help from our Savior. He will provide us with a way out when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18). We can avoid coveting by practicing contentment and thankfulness. Scripture tells us,
“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” - 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
Instead of allowing greedy desire to take root in our lives, we should be content with what the Lord has provided us. Most of us have the necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing. More importantly, we have an eternal relationship with the Lord, who has promised to never leave us (see Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5). As believers, we should give thanks for these blessings. In addition to practicing contentment and gratitude, we can combat a covetous spirit through love. Loving God wholeheartedly causes us to love others and, in turn, makes us want the best for others. As the Bible tells us,
“The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet, and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” - Romans 13:9-10, NIV
If we love others as God calls us to, we will not greedily long for what they have or use them to get what we want. Let us be content with what we have and praise God for the blessing of knowing Him. When others receive good things, let us also give thanks. The more we focus on loving the Lord and others, the less we will selfishly focus on our desires.
A Prayer for Guarding Our Hearts from Covetousness
Any of us can fall into the temptation of coveting. Hence, we need to guard ourselves from adopting a covetous spirit or attitude. We can do so by praying and asking God to help us whenever we feel the tug and pull of the temptation.
Together, let us pray:
Lord, help me to love You more than anyone or anything. You know I am prone to stray and chase after lesser things. Guard my heart and mind against coveting what others have and what You have forbidden. Help me be content with what You have given and thankful for each day’s provision. You are faithful, and I trust You will strengthen me to withstand temptation. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/JGI/Jamie Grill
