Do not covet. Ephesians chapter
5 verse 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity and covetousness
must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Colossians chapter 3 verse 5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you, and covetousness
which is idolatry. 1 Timothy 6.10 For the love of
money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows. 2 Timothy 3.1-2 This know also,
that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall
be lovers of their own selves, covetous. Iniquity, however secret
in the commission, or subtle in its appearance, is hateful
and abominable in the sight of God. Covetousness is a sin of
which scarcely any people acknowledge themselves to be guilty of. However
much they are under the power of covetousness, they do not
see any occasion for repentance before God, provided they are
free from gross and scandalous sins. There is no sin more frequently
concealed from the view of those who harbor it than covetousness.
It assumes the names of prudence and economy, and under the semblance
of care for one's family, is too generally regarded as a virtue. If it does not incite us to the
violation of common honesty or totally deaden all the feelings
of humanity, then covetousness is applauded by others and serves
as a foundation for self-approval and self-delight. But the love
of money is the root of all evil. It is a base lust. It is the
vilest idolatry. Covetousness serves mammon in
preference to God. It must therefore of necessity
provoke the Lord to jealousy. In fact, God views covetousness
with abhorrence and indignation. Because of their wicked covetousness
I was angry. Isaiah chapter 57 verse 17. Luke chapter 12 verse 15. And
he said to them, Take care, and be on your guard against all
covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance
of his possessions. Hebrews 13.5 Let your conduct
be without covetousness, be content with such things as you have.
For he himself has said, I will never leave you, nor ever forsake
you. Exodus 20.17 Do not covet. Psalm chapter 139 verses 23 to
24. Search me, O God, and know my
heart. Test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting. Editors note, though Christians
are not to covet worldly vanities, we are to covet earnestly the
best gifts. 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verse
31. We are to covet such things as
close communion to God, heavenly mindedness, greater dependence
upon God, greater love to Jesus, greater humility, an increase
in every grace, and in the fruit of the Spirit.