Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is a sin that strikes at the very heart of human desire. It’s not just about wanting things; it’s an insatiable craving, a discontent with what we have, and an envious gaze upon what others possess. The Bible consistently warns against this attitude, recognizing its destructive power in individual lives and communities. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, scripture reveals covetousness as a root of many evils, calling us to find contentment in God and His provision.
"“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.”"
"A tyrannical ruler lacks understanding, but one who hates covetousness will have a long life."
"He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from all covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.”"
"What then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn’t have known sin, except through the law; for I wouldn’t have known coveting, unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”"
"But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;"
"Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;"
"But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
"Let your life be free from love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you alone, nor will I in any way forsake you.”"
"Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t of the Father, but is of the world. The world is passing away, with its lusts, but he who does the will of God remains forever."
Frequently asked questions
- The Bible defines covetousness as an inordinate desire for what rightfully belongs to another. The tenth commandment explicitly forbids it, serving as a foundational principle in God’s law for His people. This command highlights that sin isn't just in outward actions, but begins in the heart with wrong desires.