Discontentment inevitably leads to covetousness.  Covetousness is the source of great misery for many people.  This is because it is an inward tension that seldom knows any release for very long.  Up to now the commandments have dealt with outward actions; but this commandment deals with inward thoughts.

The last commandment outlines five areas where covetousness is typically a problem.

Possessions – nor his ox, nor his ass

Today we do not think of an ox or an ass as something to particularly desire.  In Bible times, especially in the Old Testament, wealth was concentrated in livestock.  The temptation of wealth was frequently addressed by Christ.  His perspective clearly contradicts the attitudes so prevalent in men.

Luke 12;13-21 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 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. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

How much of this world’s goods is enough?  Those who live in the realm of possession are possessed by the possessions.  There is nothing inherently evil about money; there is something evil about an inordinate love for money.

1 Timothy 6:9, 10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Possibilities – nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s

It really does not matter what you desire if it belongs to someone else, the desire is misplaced.  Intangible things like personality, intelligence, and appearance, and ability are all matters to be accepted as God gives them.  If there are deficiencies, God has given us the capacity to change within reasonable limits.  Every believer ought to live with the possibilities that God gives without concern for the gifts given to other people.  “Envy, therefore, is first cousin to covetousness, for it is a feeling of dissatisfaction at beholding the good fortune of another.�[1]

Psalm 37:23-26 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.  He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

If you covet anything other than the will of God, the blessings of God, and the glory of God you are going to be discontented and miserable.  If you choose to content your heart with God’s will, His blessings, and His glory, you will be happy wherever you are!

Pastor Milton Jones

Heritage Baptist Church

–
“. . . the church of the living
God, the pillar and ground of the
truth . . .” 1 Tim. 3:15