Covetousness is a significant sin in the Bible, often misunderstood and underestimated in its severity. It is specifically addressed in the Ten Commandments and is intricately linked with idolatry, as it deals with the desires of the heart. Let’s explore what covetousness truly means, how it differs from admiration, and how it ultimately affects our devotion to God.
The Command Against Covetousness
The foundational command against covetousness is found in the Ten Commandments:
Exodus 20:17 (NKJV)
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
The Hebrew word for covet here is חָמַד (chamad), meaning “to desire, to take pleasure in, to long for with a consuming passion.” Notice how specific this command is—it covers not just objects but relationships and even status.
What Does It Mean to Covet?
To covet is not simply to admire something or recognize its value. Covetousness is a heart condition where desire turns into discontentment and a craving for what belongs to another. It involves a longing so intense that it distorts contentment and breeds sinful thoughts, envy, and even actions.
James 1:14-15 describes how sin is conceived in the heart:
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
Covetousness begins with unchecked desire. It’s not a fleeting thought but a growing, consuming hunger for what does not belong to you.
Coveting vs. Admiration
Admiration, on the other hand, acknowledges beauty, success, or blessing without craving it sinfully. The key distinction is contentment.
Admiration: “That is a beautiful home. I am happy for them.”
Coveting: “Why do they get that home? I deserve it more than they do.”
Paul provides clarity on the right heart attitude:
Philippians 4:11-12
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.”
Contentment safeguards the heart against covetousness. When admiration turns into dissatisfaction and envy, it crosses into coveting.
The Danger of Covetousness
Covetousness is a gateway sin, often leading to further transgressions. The Bible shows how deeply it corrupts the heart and actions:
Achan’s Sin in Joshua 7:20-21
“Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel…When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them.”
Achan’s coveting led to theft and brought judgment upon Israel. Covetousness can spiral into greater sins like theft, deception, and even murder.
James 4:2 describes this chain reaction clearly:
“You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war.”
The gravity of covetousness is evident—it disrupts relationships, breeds conflict, and ultimately dishonors God.
Covetousness as Idolatry
Paul makes a direct connection between covetousness and idolatry:
Colossians 3:5
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Why is covetousness linked with idolatry? Because it elevates the object of desire above God Himself. Covetousness shifts trust, devotion, and satisfaction away from God toward created things.
Matthew 6:24 reinforces this idea:
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other… You cannot serve God and mammon.”
When the heart desires material wealth or possessions more than God, it dethrones Him as Lord.
How to Guard Against Covetousness
Contentment is the antidote to covetousness. Paul emphasizes this:
Timothy 6:6-8
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”
Trust in God’s Provision
Covetousness often arises from a lack of trust in God’s ability to provide.
Jesus addresses this in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Fix Your Heart on Eternal Things
Earthly possessions are temporary.
2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us:
“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Recognize the Deceitfulness of Wealth
Jesus warned about the deceitful nature of wealth:
Luke 12:15:
“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
My Final Thoughts
Covetousness is far more than a surface-level desire for something nice. It is a heart issue where the desire for something—or someone—displaces God as the ultimate source of satisfaction and trust. The sin of covetousness often masks itself as ambition or harmless admiration but is deadly when unchecked, leading to deeper sins like theft, envy, and idolatry.
The cure is simple yet profound: contentment in Christ alone. When we trust God fully and keep our hearts fixed on eternity, the grip of covetousness loses its power.
