the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet ...anything that is your neighbor’s” (Exodus 20:17)
QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to covet?
Covetousness is perhaps the most subtle of sins. It seems minor compared to adultery, theft, or rape. However, before a man steals, he covets. Before he rapes or commits adultery, he covets. Covetousness is the spark that sets off the fuse of sin. It is a sin that lies close to the surface of every human being. Few children are content with ten pieces of candy when the child next to him gets eleven.
2. Why is the quiet sin of covetousness so harmful?
Covetousness is the bedfellow of jealousy, greed, and lust.
It was this quiet sin that found a place in the heart of King David, rich and blessed though he was. His covetous eye roamed toward another man’s wife, and opened the door to a multitude of sins.
3. What is the opposite of covetousness? (See Hebrews 13:5.)
Scripture admonishes us to “be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5).
4. What can we learn from Psalm 23 about this sin?
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul...
5. Are there some areas in which you are guilty of this sin?
Yes. Money, travel...
6. Why do you think covetousness is so prevalent?
Its inward, a matter of the mind, hidden thoughts from others (but not God).
Matthew Henry said, “The Tenth Commandment strikes at the root; Thou shalt not covet. The others forbid all desire of doing what will be an injury to our neighbour; this forbids all wrong desire of having what will gratify ourselves.”
Memory Verse
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
1 JOHN 2:15
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