“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:17
Bible Verses About Coveting
Exodus 20:17 – This verse clearly states God’s command against coveting, highlighting the need to focus on what we have rather than envying others.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:17
Deuteronomy 5:21 – Again, this restates the importance of not coveting, emphasizing that desiring what others have can lead to harmful actions.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Deuteronomy 5:21
Romans 7:7 – Here, Paul reflects on the law and how it defines coveting, showcasing it as a wrongdoing that brings awareness to our desires.
“What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law; for I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.'” – Romans 7:7
James 4:2 – This verse highlights how coveting can stir up conflicts and quarrels among people, pointing to the destructive nature of desire.
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” – James 4:2
1 Timothy 6:9 – This verse warns about the pitfalls of desiring wealth and material things, which can lead to temptation and ruin.
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” – 1 Timothy 6:9
Luke 12:15 – Jesus cautions against all kinds of greed, reminding us that life is not measured by what we own.
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'” – Luke 12:15
Colossians 3:5 – Paul encourages believers to put to death earthly desires, including coveting, aligning their lives with Christ.
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
Ephesians 5:5 – This verse warns that those who covet do not have a place in the kingdom of God, highlighting its seriousness.
“For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” – Ephesians 5:5
Hebrews 13:5 – The writer encourages contentment, reminding us that God will never leave us or forsake us.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5
Philippians 4:11-12 – Paul expresses a learned attitude of contentment, regardless of circumstances, demonstrating a key antidote to coveting.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” – Philippians 4:11-12
Proverbs 14:30 – This verse highlights how a tranquil heart brings life while envy can harm the body.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
Proverbs 27:4 – This indicates how fierce anger is comparable to wrath, which often stems from coveting.
“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?” – Proverbs 27:4
1 Kings 21:2 – A powerful story illustrating king Ahab’s coveting of Naboth’s vineyard and how it led to tragedy.
“Ahab said to Naboth, ‘Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange, I will give you a better vineyard, or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.'” – 1 Kings 21:2
Proverbs 11:28 – Here, the focus on trust in God rather than wealth highlights the emptiness of coveting material goods.
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” – Proverbs 11:28
Ezekiel 18:12 – The warning against oppressing the needy serves as a reminder of the collective impact of coveting.
“He commits robbery; he looks to the idols; he does detestable things. He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a person live? He will not!” – Ezekiel 18:12
James 1:14-15 – This verse shows how temptation, often born out of coveting, leads to sin and death.
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:14-15
Proverbs 23:17-18 – A meaningful reminder to not let jealousy take root, as the future holds hope for the righteous.
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18
Matthew 5:28 – Jesus clarifies that even looking at someone with desire is akin to committing adultery in one’s heart, stressing the significance of our thoughts.
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28
Proverbs 16:2 – Here, we are reminded that our motives can be deceptive, showcasing the importance of introspection.
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” – Proverbs 16:2
Galatians 5:26 – Paul urges believers not to become conceited or provoke one another, a lesson against the dangers of envy.
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” – Galatians 5:26
Proverbs 4:23 – This highlights the necessity of guarding our hearts, as they drive our thoughts and actions.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Romans 13:9 – Paul reiterates the commandments, emphasizing love as the antidote to coveting.
“The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Romans 13:9
Psalm 37:4 – A lovely reminder that when we delight in the Lord, our desires align with His will.
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
Matthew 6:21 – This indicates where we invest our hearts reveals our true treasures and desires.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Luke 16:15 – Jesus points out that what people value can often be an abomination in God’s sight.
“He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.'” – Luke 16:15
Matthew 7:7 – Encouragement to seek fulfillment from God rather than through coveting what others possess.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Philippians 4:19 – A reminder that God provides, eliminating the need to covet.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Isaiah 58:10 – This verse challenges us to care for others and not just focus on our desires.
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
Job 31:1 – Job speaks of making a covenant with his eyes, a powerful reminder to guard our thoughts against coveting.
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” – Job 31:1
1 John 2:15-17 – This passage emphasizes that desiring worldly things conflicts with the love of the Father.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – 1 John 2:15-17
Proverbs 11:24-25 – This stresses that generous living brings blessings while holding on tightly leads to loss.
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” – Proverbs 11:24-25
Matthew 19:21 – Jesus calls for a radical faith that requires letting go of possessions, which often leads to coveting.
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” – Matthew 19:21
Matthew 22:37 – Jesus teaches us to love the Lord supremely, keeping our hearts free from coveting.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'” – Matthew 22:37
Final Thoughts
Coveting is a significant topic in the Bible, addressed many times to remind us of the importance of contentment and gratitude. When we focus on what we have, rather than what others possess, it helps us find peace in our circumstances and focus on our relationship with God. Each verse encourages us to appreciate our blessings, seek God’s fulfillment, and reflect on our motives. It’s easy to feel envious in today’s world, but relying on God’s promises can lead us to a more fulfilling life. Let’s work together to avoid falling into the trap of coveting and instead cultivate a heart of gratitude.
There’s always more to explore about God’s wisdom and guidance in our lives! If you’re curious about other relevant topics, you might find it enlightening to check out Bible Verses About Encouraging Yourself or Bible Verses About Communication With Others.