10th Commandment: Do Not Covet
Salvation Bible Basics
The tenth commandment is in verse seventeen. ‘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.’
To covet means to desire strongly. Have you ever desired something that God has not provided for you? Have you desired it so much that you sat there, really wishing it were yours? In fact, you desired it so much that thinking about how you could get it and make it yours captivated your mind and your heart. The Bible says that is coveting.
In Colossians 3:5, the Bible says covetousness is the same as idolatry. Now we are right back to that second commandment again, and also the first because what you have done is said, ‘I want this car more than I want God. I want this money more than I want God. I’d do anything to get that job. I want that job so much, I’ll give up church for it.’ Wait a minute – that is covetousness so you have broken commandment #10. You are also breaking the 4th commandment because you are not giving God the time He deserves. You have also broken the 2nd commandment because you are putting things before God. Friend, you are in trouble.