Coveting is wanting what others have, and the Bible warns us against it. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about covetousness, how it harms our hearts, and how God helps us find joy and contentment in what He has given us.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Covenants
What Does The Bible Say About Covetousness
Exodus 20:17
“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 verse, found in the Ten Commandments, warns against the sin of covetousness. It reminds us not to desire or envy what others have, whether it is their possessions, relationships, or status. Covetousness stems from a discontented heart and can lead to various sins such as greed, jealousy, and even stealing. Instead, we are called to be grateful for the blessings we have and to trust in God’s provision, knowing that He has a unique plan for our lives.
Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of envy and covetousness. When we harbor envy in our hearts, it not only affects our emotional well-being but also takes a toll on us physically. Envy rots our bones, symbolizing the deterioration of our inner being. It steals our peace and contentment, leading to feelings of bitterness and resentment. Instead, we are encouraged to cultivate a heart at peace, finding joy and fulfillment in God’s love and the blessings He has bestowed upon us.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
This verse cautions against the relentless pursuit of wealth and material possessions. It reminds us that no matter how much money or wealth we accumulate, it will never be enough to satisfy us. The love for money can consume us and lead us away from what truly matters in life, causing us to lose sight of our relationship with God and neglecting our spiritual well-being. It is a reminder to prioritize our hearts’ desires and seek contentment and fulfillment in God rather than earthly riches.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
This warning from Jesus instructs us to be vigilant and cautious when it comes to greed and covetousness. He reminds us that our worth and purpose in life are not determined by the abundance of possessions we possess. The material things we accumulate may bring temporary satisfaction, but true fulfillment comes from cultivating a rich relationship with God and living a life of love, service, and generosity towards others.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse emphasizes the incompatibility of serving both God and wealth. It reminds us that our devotion cannot be divided between the pursuit of material gain and the pursuit of a deep relationship with God. Covetousness can easily become an idol that dominates our lives and takes precedence over our worship and obedience to God. It calls us to examine our priorities and make a conscious choice to serve and follow God wholeheartedly, trusting Him to provide for our needs.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“But 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.”
These verses highlight the importance of cultivating godliness and contentment in our lives. It reminds us that the pursuit of material possessions and wealth is ultimately futile because we cannot take any of it with us when we leave this world. True gain comes from living a life characterized by godliness and finding contentment in the simple necessities of life. Rather than constantly yearning for more, we are encouraged to focus on spiritual growth and being grateful for the basic provisions God provides.
Hebrews 13:5
“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 verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a heart free from the love of money. It reminds us that our ultimate source of security and provision is not found in worldly wealth but in God’s faithfulness and presence. God promises His continual presence and support, assuring us that we need not obsessively chase after material possessions. Instead, we are called to be content with what we have, trusting in God’s unfailing love and care for us.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus challenges us not to place our ultimate value and security in earthly treasures, which are susceptible to loss and decay. Instead, we are encouraged to focus on storing up treasures in heaven, which are eternal and cannot be stolen or destroyed. This verse urges us to align our priorities and invest in the things that truly matter, such as loving God, serving others, and sharing the gospel, rather than pursuing wealth and possessions that offer only temporary satisfaction.
Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
This proverb reminds us of the futility of striving excessively for wealth. It warns against wearing ourselves out in pursuit of riches and relying solely on our own cleverness. Earthly wealth is fleeting and can disappear as quickly as it was acquired. Instead of becoming consumed by the pursuit of material gain, we are urged to focus on cultivating godly character, trusting in God’s wisdom, and seeking His guidance and provision.
Luke 12:32-34
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus reassures His followers not to fear or be anxious about material provisions because our Heavenly Father delights in giving us His kingdom. He encourages us to be generous and willing to give to the poor, recognizing that true treasure lies in investing in eternal matters. By investing in acts of kindness, charity, and meeting the needs of others, we lay up treasures in heaven that are secure and everlasting. Our hearts will naturally gravitate towards the things we value most, so let us set our hearts on the eternal and the kingdom of God.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
These words from the book of Hebrews remind us of the importance of honoring and valuing the sanctity of marriage. Covetousness can extend to desiring someone else’s spouse or engaging in immoral sexual behavior. God calls us to be faithful and pure in our relationships and to protect the sacredness of marriage. By doing so, we demonstrate our obedience to God’s commandments and honor the covenant of marriage as designed by Him.
Romans 13:9
“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.'”
In this verse, the apostle Paul highlights the connection between covetousness and other sins. Covetousness is included among the Ten Commandments as a warning against desiring what rightfully belongs to others. However, Paul reminds us that the ultimate commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we love others, we are less likely to covet or commit other offenses against them, as love seeks the well-being and contentment of others rather than selfish desires.
Philippians 4:11-13
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
These verses from Paul’s letter to the Philippians illustrate the importance of cultivating contentment regardless of our circumstances. Paul shares his personal journey of learning to be content in times of abundance and times of lack. His secret lies in relying on the strength and provision of Christ, which enables him to find contentment and peace, free from the grip of covetousness and longing for more. We too can find contentment in Christ, knowing that He provides for our needs and equips us with the strength to resist the temptation of covetousness.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
These words from the book of Colossians serve as a stern warning against the sin of greed and covetousness. Paul urges believers to put to death the desires and behaviors that stem from our earthly nature, including greed. Greed is equated with idolatry, as it places material possessions and wealth above the worship of God. This verse calls us to examine our hearts and actively resist the allure of covetousness, instead seeking after God and His righteousness.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
These verses serve as a reminder of the consequences of allowing covetousness to take root in our lives. The apostle Paul lists greed alongside various other sins, warning that those who practice such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. Covetousness is seen as a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God’s salvation and eternal life. It is a call to repentance and a reminder to prioritize righteousness and godly character in our lives.
Psalms 10:3-4
“The wicked boast about their cravings; they bless the greedy and revile the Lord. In their pride, the wicked do not seek him; in all their thoughts there is no room for God.”
This Psalm paints a picture of the mindset and attitude of those who are consumed by covetousness and greed. The wicked boast about their cravings and prioritize their own desires over the worship and reverence of God. Their pride leads them to neglect seeking a relationship with God and their thoughts are focused solely on their own gain. It serves as a cautionary reminder for us to guard our hearts against the enticement of covetousness and to humbly seek after God in all aspects of our lives.
Mark 7:20-23
“He went on: ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.'”
These words of Jesus reveal the root of covetousness and other sins. He explains that what defiles a person does not come from external circumstances or possessions but flows from the condition of the heart. Covetousness is listed among a range of other sins, demonstrating its destructive nature and its origin within the human heart. It is a reminder of the importance of guarding our hearts, inviting the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, and cultivating desires that are aligned with God’s will.
Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse emphasizes the incompatibility of serving both God and wealth. It reminds us that our devotion cannot be divided between the pursuit of material gain and the pursuit of a deep relationship with God. Covetousness can easily become an idol that dominates our lives and takes precedence over our worship and obedience to God. It calls us to examine our priorities and make a conscious choice to serve and follow God wholeheartedly, trusting Him to provide for our needs.
Proverbs 28:25
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.”
This proverb draws a contrast between the actions of the greedy and those who trust in the Lord. The greedy, driven by covetousness, often cause strife and conflict in their pursuit of personal gain. However, those who place their trust in the Lord and rely on His provision and guidance will experience prosperity in a broader sense. True prosperity is not solely measured by material wealth but includes spiritual and relational well-being. Trusting in the Lord frees us from the grip of covetousness and positions us to experience God’s abundant blessings.
1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
In these verses, John warns against loving the world and being enticed by its desires. Covetousness is rooted in the worldly desire for more possessions, recognition, and self-centered gratification. Instead, we are called to love the Father and prioritize doing His will. The things of the world are temporary and fleeting, but those who pursue God’s will and seek His kingdom will inherit eternal life. It reminds us to invest our hearts and desires in things that have eternal value and significance.
Hebrews 10:34
“You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”
These words in the book of Hebrews provide an example of believers who willingly accepted the loss of their material possessions for the sake of their faith. Their confidence and joy stemmed from their understanding that they possessed something far greater and everlasting in Christ. Covetousness can blind us to the eternal treasures and rewards that await us in heaven. It challenges us to hold loosely to earthly possessions and to be willing to sacrifice them if necessary, knowing that our true wealth is found in our relationship with Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
These words from Paul’s letter to Timothy provide guidance for those who have been blessed with material wealth. It cautions against arrogance and the temptation to find security and hope in riches. Instead, our hope should be firmly anchored in God, recognizing that He is the ultimate provider of everything we need for our enjoyment. Material wealth is uncertain and can vanish in an instant, but the goodness and faithfulness of God remain steadfast. It challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God and to use the resources He entrusts to us for His glory and the benefit of others.
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'”
This verse recounts Jesus’ interaction with a rich young man who desired eternal life. Jesus challenges him to let go of his earthly possessions and give to the poor, inviting him into a life of selflessness and sacrificial love. Covetousness can hinder our ability to fully surrender to God and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It is a reminder that our true treasure lies in our heavenly inheritance and the rewards we store up in eternity, which are of far greater value than anything this world can offer.