One definition of Covet is “To desire, yearn to possess, or have something”. Another definition says, “To wish for earnestly”.
Let us review the meaning of Covet in the context of relationships. Desiring to emulate a loving relationship of another couple that appears to be happy in their marriage, are we wrong in this example? This question comes about from a definition of the word that says, “To eagerly desire something that someone else has”. Where do our examples of relationships fit? Each of us can relate to family members, friends, or neighbors that appear to exemplify happiness and marital bliss. It could be someone that we know who appears self-satisfied in being single or alone, or in a relationship without marriage. Is it wrong for us to desire happiness in our marriage, or live as one who is not married, because they seem content from our point of view? In essence copying what we desire for ourselves.
Before taking a look at what the Bible says about the word covet, we will examine whether we are coveting or copying. To look at something and admiring it, desiring to one day have one of our own is a distinctly different concept than if we seek to take that which we admire from its owner. The coveting of another’s property without due regard for the property owner’s rights, is considered wicked. In the same manner that having a desire to mimic or copy the relationship of our happy grand-parents, as oppose to seeking intimate relations with the spouse of a friend, family, or neighbor, wanting their happiness for ourselves. These two examples demonstrate the fundamental difference between copying and coveting. This is why the Bible instructs us to be Godly examples for our children to follow, as Jesus was the loving example for His children to follow.
The Bible instructs us that coveting is a sin, inseparably entwined to our want. We are instructed by the Bible to seek and want relations with The Lord, so that our want is not corrupted by worldly desires. All good things that we can want or desire is available to us through wanting a relationship with The Lord above all other desires.
Be careful not to want or eagerly desire that which belong to another, to the point of taking it from them. For appearances are deceiving and taste vary. The exact thing, which makes one happy, could make another totally miserable. As it relates to relationships, the process of one coveting or taking a spouse from their rightful matrimonial possessor without legal dissolution occurring first, creates unhappiness within three other people. There are those who hate the happiness displayed by other couples to the point of going out of their way to destroy that happiness, although it can never be their own. So when the Bible tells us that “You shall not covet”, we can consider this divine instruction to banish our desire for what does not belong to us. Too many people coveting what belongs to another, creates a world of people desiring, that which is owned by someone else.
Exodus 20:17
17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
Exodus 18:21
21 “Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:”
Deuteronomy 5:21
21 “Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
Psalm 10:3
3” For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.”
Jeremiah 6:13
13” For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.”
Micah 2:2
2 “And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.”
Luke 12:15
15 “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Mark 7:22
22 “Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:”
Acts 20:33
33 “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.”