How to Spot and Stop Covetousness in Your Life

Biblical Meaning and Examples of Coveting 

In the commandment that tells us to not covet, the emphasis is on the condition of our hearts. God used on a regular basis examples from that point, corresponding to coveting a neighbor’s house, wife, ox, or servant, to indicate us that we must always not greedily long for something unsuitable (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21). The Lord moved beyond actions and included the necessity to judge our motives. Sin comes from inside (Mark 7:21-23). 

Biblical examples show us that coveting means greedily eager for or desiring something that God has forbidden (i.e., that which is sinful). Eve desired the fruit from the tree of information of fine and evil after the serpent made it seem appealing (Genesis 3:1-6). She knew that God instructed them to not eat from the tree, but she coveted the fruit because she pridefully desired 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 eager 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 regardless that she was married to one among his mighty men, Uriah (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:39). He disregarded the undeniable fact that God’s law condemned coveting one other 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 the whole lot a person could want. Yet, coveting the one thing Uriah had – Bathsheba – led him into great sin and sorrow (2 Samuel 12:1-14). 

People also can covet nonmaterial things, corresponding to power or prestige. We see this within the examples of Simon the Sorcerer, who thought he could purchase the Holy Spirit to own power (Acts 8:18-23), and the couple Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Although the couple desired to maintain a portion of their money, their central aim was to receive praise from people through a semblance of sacrifice (Acts 5:2). In each cases, their greediness cost them.   

We see through these examples that covetousness involves an inner desire for something that’s forbidden or doesn’t belong to us. Certain things we wish might not be unsuitable in and of themselves, corresponding to eager for a house or spouse. However, we step into the realm of coveting after we have a look at what others have and need to take those things for ourselves.  

The defining mark of coveting is a sinful attitude focused on the need without consideration for others. For example, Eve didn’t stop to take into consideration what God wanted her to do, and David didn’t consider his friend Uriah. The one who covets will not be focused on loving God or others.      

What Does This Look Like Today? 

Today, we probably is not going to covet one other person’s donkey or servant. The modern equivalent, though, should tempt us to want what others have: expensive cars and services to finish on a regular basis tasks. Instead of greedily wanting our neighbor’s ox, we would desire the landscaping service they use.       

The other specific things that God commanded us to not covet are still prevalent in the trendy world. People proceed to desire their neighbor’s house, spouse, and possessions. We see the consequences of this within the frantic grasping for increasing wealth and prominence. Enough isn’t 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’ve. We fall for the lie that if we only had what that they had, we can be blissful and fulfilled. This includes their material possessions but additionally their outward appearance, personality, job, and relationships. 

We can recognize the effect of coveting on our lives by evaluating the best way we view the Lord and others. When we’re consumed with the overwhelming desire for something, we put aside any thought of God and His Word. Any care or love for others disappears from our lives, too. In our covetous thoughts, even when we don’t immediately act on them, we’re willing to do anything to get what we wish, including hurting others and disobeying the Lord.  

For example, a Christian teenager at school might covet a prestigious friend group. Individuals within the group seem to own all of it, though they’ve a fame for bullying others. The desire to hitch 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, considering she or he is being sensible by pursuing popularity when, in point of fact, she or he is acting foolishly (see 1 Corinthians 15:33). 

Believers also can notice covetousness of their lives in the event that they grasp onto things and are unwilling to allow them to go. An individual may greedily desire a romantic relationship to the extent that she or he ignores what God wants them to do and turns away from His timing. Likewise, believers with a covetous attitude is not going to easily give their time or money to others, for they’re all the time looking for more. Sacrificial giving has no place of their lives.           

How Can I Deal with Covetousness in My Life? 

Growth in technology could have made us more tempted to covet, but we’re all liable for our sins. Acting like Adam and Eve by passing the blame does us no good. We must acknowledge our sin, which suggests 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 will not be a license to sin (Romans 6:15). We mustn’t think, “God will forgive me, so it’s nice if I allow myself to covet.” The Lord wants His children to walk in holiness. Though we may struggle with unsuitable desires, we will find help from our Savior. He will provide us with a way out after 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 will take nothing out of it. But if we now have food and clothing, we might be content with that.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV 

Instead of allowing greedy desire to take root in our lives, we must always be content with what the Lord has provided us. Most of us have the necessities of life, corresponding to food, shelter, and clothing. More importantly, we now have an everlasting relationship with the Lord, who has promised to never leave us (see Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5). As believers, we must always give thanks for these blessings. In addition to practicing contentment and gratitude, we will combat a covetous spirit through love. Loving God wholeheartedly causes us to like others and, in turn, makes us want the most effective 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 could also be, are summed up on this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the success of the law.” – Romans 13:9-10, NIV

If we love others as God calls us to, we is not going to greedily long for what they’ve or use them to get what we wish. Let us be content with what we now have and praise God for the blessing of knowing Him. When others receive good things, allow us to also give thanks. The more we concentrate on loving the Lord and others, the less we are going to selfishly concentrate on our desires.  

A Prayer for Guarding Our Hearts from Covetousness 

Any of us can fall into the temptation of coveting. Hence, we want to protect ourselves from adopting a covetous spirit or attitude. We can achieve this by praying and asking God to assist us at any time when we feel the tug and pull of the temptation.  

Together, allow us to pray:  
Lord, help me to like You greater than anyone or anything. You know I’m susceptible 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 every day’s provision. You are faithful, and I trust You will strengthen me to face up to temptation. Amen.     

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/JGI/Jamie Grill

Sophia Bricker is a author. Her mission is to assist others grow of their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She accomplished a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.