What does the Bible say about covetousness?

The Bible explicitly condemns covetousness, defining it as the unlawful desire for something that belongs to someone else. Jesus teaches in Luke 12:15 to 'Take heed and beware of covetousness' because life is not measured by the abundance of one’s possessions. This instruction is critical as it helps believers to focus on eternal values rather than materialistic gains. The commandment in Exodus 20:17 further underscores this, listing various forms of coveting, showing that it is not merely an issue of desire but a transgression against God's law.