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 20:17}

To covet means to yearn to possess or have. This last of the 10 commandments is one of the most fundamental and important principles of living the Christian life. Covetousness originates from the motives, desires, and attractions of the heart. It is an inordinate love that makes good things into ultimate things. Covetousness is idolatry as it sets our desires on things other than God. ^{Read Colossians 3:5} This commandment is yet another demand that you love the Lord your God above everything else!

To covet is the root of many sins. You would not commit adultery if you did not covet. Why would you lie, steal or murder if you did not covet? You cannot love your neighbor if you yearn to have his stuff. To extinguish covetousness requires a change in your heart, a change that can only come from God. So, pray for him to deliver you from these worldly desires and strive to be holy, lest your life will be ruined.

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. ^{James 1:14-15}