Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of coveting, particularly in relation to houses, is addressed as a moral and spiritual issue. The Bible explicitly warns against the desire to unlawfully possess what belongs to another, including their house. This prohibition is rooted in the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational ethical guide in Judeo-Christian teachings.Biblical Commandment Against Coveting The commandment against coveting is found in Exodus 20:17, which states: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" . This verse underscores the importance of respecting the property and relationships of others, highlighting the house as a primary example of what should not be coveted. Moral and Spiritual Implications Coveting a neighbor's house is not merely a matter of desiring physical property; it reflects a deeper issue of discontentment and lack of trust in God's provision. The Bible encourages believers to find contentment in what they have been given and to trust that God will meet their needs. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" . Examples and Warnings The account of King Ahab and Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21 serves as a cautionary tale about coveting. Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard led to deceit and murder, illustrating the destructive consequences of coveting another's property. This narrative demonstrates how coveting can lead to a cascade of sin, affecting not only the individual but also the community. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of coveting, emphasizing the transformation of the heart and mind. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" . This teaching reinforces the idea that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth or possessions, including houses. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and generosity, recognizing that all they have is a gift from God. By focusing on spiritual riches and the well-being of others, Christians can resist the temptation to covet. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:11-12, shares his own experience of contentment: "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need" . In summary, the biblical injunction against coveting houses is a call to respect others' property, trust in God's provision, and seek contentment in Him rather than in material possessions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 20:17You shall not covet your neighbor's house, you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is your neighbor's. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 2:2 Library Greek and Jew Acts xx. 32 Picture of a Pauline Church Tenth Commandment Another Archbishop Footnotes: The Sack of Rome Choosing Her Course His Unconscious Preparation for his Work The Heavenly Race Resources Summary of the Book of Exodus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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