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What does the Bible say about covetousness?

Answered in 26 sources

The Bible warns that covetousness is a sin that leads to idolatry, stating that no covetous person has any inheritance in the kingdom of God (Ephesians 5:5).

Covetousness, as described in the Bible, is a deeply rooted sin that few can escape. It is condemned in others by many who struggle with it themselves, highlighting the deceptive nature of this sin. Ephesians 5:5 explicitly tells us that no covetous person, termed as an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of God. This makes it clear that covetousness is not merely a character flaw, but a serious spiritual issue that endangers one's relationship with God.

Furthermore, the pervasive nature of covetousness is evidenced in our materialistic culture, where the desire for wealth often overshadows spiritual growth. Many professing Christians appear indistinct from the ungodly world, entrapped in a cycle of acquiring more possessions at the expense of their spiritual lives. As believers, we are called to set our affections on things above, adhering to a life that glorifies God rather than being ensnared by the temptation to amass earthly treasures, which ultimately leads to sorrow and a lack of true peace and contentment.
Scripture References: Luke 12:13-34, Luke 12:15, James 4:1, Exodus 20:17, Luke 12:15-21, Colossians 3:2-5, 1 Timothy 6:10, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:11, Ephesians 5:5, James 4:16, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:16-20, Mark 10:21-22, Colossians 3:5, Romans 7:7, 2 Kings 5:20-27, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Ecclesiastes 1:8, Ecclesiastes 4:8, 1 John 3:17-18, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Timothy 6:9

Sermons (21)

Covetousness
Todd Nibert · Oct 28, 2009
A True worldling
Don Bell · May 10, 2015
Luke 12:15-21
Andy Davis · Oct 12, 2025
Luke 12:15-21
Andy Davis · Oct 12, 2025
Covetousness
Todd Nibert · Oct 28, 2009
Do not covet!
Charles Simeon · Apr 8, 2024

Articles (5)

Luke 12:13-21
J.C. Ryle · Jul 23, 2016
Covetousness
John Newton · Oct 9, 2024
Joshua

Joshua

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