Coveting—desiring what others have—can lead to discontent and unrest in our lives. The Bible teaches against coveting, emphasizing gratitude and contentment with what God has provided for us. Understanding this principle can foster a healthier perspective on our possessions and relationships.
This selection of Bible verses about coveting highlights the dangers of envy and the importance of focusing on the blessings we have rather than what we lack. These scriptures guide us toward cultivating a heart of gratitude and appreciation for God’s provisions.
As you meditate on these verses, reflect on the areas in your life where you may struggle with coveting, and seek God’s help in fostering contentment and peace.
Bible Verses About Coveting
Exodus 20:17 – Understanding the Sin of Coveting
“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
Related Christian Quotes:
“Coveting is not just desiring what others have; it’s a heart issue that can lead us astray from God’s plan for our lives.” – Joyce Meyer
“To covet means to desire what God has not given us. We learn to find joy in what we have, not in what we see in others.” – Charles Stanley
“The true wealth of life cannot be measured by material possessions but by our relationship with God and our ability to be content.” – Rick Warren
Also Read: Bible Verses About Travel And Adventure (with Christian Quotes)
Exodus 20:17 – The Tenth Commandment: A Biblical Foundation against Coveting
“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
Related Christian Quotes:
“The Tenth Commandment protects us from the pitfalls of envy and greed, guiding us to honor God and foster gratitude for our own blessings.” – Tony Evans
“Recognizing coveting as sin reminds us to focus on the grace we have, rather than the lack we perceive in our lives.” – David Platt
“When we cherish our neighbor’s possessions in our hearts, we forfeit the joy of treasuring what God has blessed us with.” – John Piper
Matthew 5:28 – What Jesus Says About Coveting
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28
Related Christian Quotes:
“The heart of coveting is not just the action but the desire that fuels it. Jesus taught us to guard our hearts and thoughts.” – Max Lucado
“In our thoughts and desires, we must remember that true purity comes from giving God first place in our hearts.” – Beth Moore
“Jesus urges us to examine the motives of our hearts, to ensure they align with the will of God and not the temptations of the world.” – Timothy Keller
1 Timothy 6:10 – The Consequences of Coveting: Biblical Examples
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
Related Christian Quotes:
“Coveting can lead us down a path filled with grief and regret. It blinds us to the true treasures God has placed in our lives.” – Frances Chan
“Wealth becomes a burden rather than a blessing when we let our desires for more overshadow our gratitude for what we have.” – David Jeremiah
“The pursuit of money can consume us, distract us, and ultimately destroy our spiritual life if we let coveting take root.” – John MacArthur
Philippians 4:11-12 – Coveting vs. Desire: A Biblical Perspective
“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
Related Christian Quotes:
“Contentment is not found in what we have or what we desire; it’s found in our relationship with Christ.” – Christine Caine
“When we learn to be content, we cultivate a heart that is free from the bondage of coveting.” – Charles Swindoll
“The secret to satisfaction is to realize that true worth comes from being who God created us to be, not from what we accumulate.” – Joyce Meyer
James 4:2 – The Dangers of Coveting in Relationships
“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
Related Christian Quotes:
“Coveting can poison relationships, creating competition rather than camaraderie in our lives.” – Chris Hodges
“When we focus on wanting what others have, we forfeit the joy of the relationships right in front of us.” – Lysa TerKeurst
“Desiring what belongs to others can lead to strife; we are called to foster community, not envy.” – Matt Chandler
Hebrews 13:5 – Overcoming Coveting Through Contentment
“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
Related Christian Quotes:
“True contentment comes not from what we possess but from knowing we are eternally secure in Christ.” – Rick Warren
“To be content is to recognize God’s presence and provision; it helps us guard against the sin of coveting.” – Steven Furtick
“God’s promise to never leave us is the foundation of our security and peace, freeing us from the need to covet.” – John Piper
1 Chronicles 29:18 – How to Cultivate a Heart Free from Coveting
“LORD, the God of our ancestors, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.” – 1 Chronicles 29:18
Related Christian Quotes:
“Cultivating a heart loyal to God helps us recognize and root out the temptation to covet.” – Charles Stanley
“Praying for the right desires is essential; it aligns our hearts with God’s will and spirit.” – Bill Hybels
“A heart fixed on God’s plans will find fulfillment in His promises, resulting in contentment and joy.” – Beth Moore
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Biblical Examples of Coveting
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10
Related Christian Quotes:
“The more we chase after worldly possessions, the emptier we feel; true satisfaction is found in knowing God.” – Timothy Keller
“Chasing wealth as an ultimate goal leads to endless dissatisfaction; we must learn to look to Christ for true fulfillment.” – David Platt
“The pursuit of wealth can become a cruel taskmaster, blinding us to the blessings that surround us.” – John MacArthur
2 Samuel 11:2-4 – Learning from King David’s Experience with Coveting
“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.'” – 2 Samuel 11:2-4
Related Christian Quotes:
“David’s story teaches us that sometimes the seeds of our downfalls are sown in moments of idle temptation.” – Phil Vischer
“We must guard our hearts diligently, for even the most honorable can fall prey to coveting.” – Charles Stanley
“Understanding the consequences of our desires is vital; it shapes our choices and ultimately our testimonies.” – Tony Evans
1 Timothy 6:6-8 – The Role of Gratitude in Preventing Coveting
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Related Christian Quotes:
“When we recognize that God provides our basic needs, we cultivate gratitude rather than greed.” – Joyce Meyer
“Godly contentment is a powerful antidote to coveting; it reminds us of the gifts we already have.” – Rick Warren
“Let us focus on what we have instead of what we lack, allowing gratitude to reshape our hearts and minds.” – Francis Chan
Psalm 37:4 – How to Pray Against Coveting
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
Related Christian Quotes:
“When we delight ourselves in the Lord, our hearts begin to desire what He desires.” – John Piper
“Prayer shifts our perspective from worldly desires to heavenly longings, helping us combat the sin of coveting.” – Lysa TerKeurst
“Aligning our desires with God’s will leads us away from temptations of the heart.” – David Jeremiah
Luke 12:15 – The Impact of Materialism on Coveting
“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
Related Christian Quotes:
“Greed blinds us; we miss the key joys of life when we place our trust in material possessions.” – Mark Batterson
“Our value hits deeper than possessions; finding fulfillment in Christ alone is vital.” – Rick Warren
“True life and satisfaction come from nurturing our relationships and our spirits, not our belongings.” – Christine Caine
Galatians 5:26 – The Relationship Between Coveting and Envy
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” – Galatians 5:26
Related Christian Quotes:
“Envy is closely linked with coveting; both steal our joy and distract us from God’s truths.” – Tony Evans
“When we focus on others’ blessings, we risk neglecting the richness of our own lives.” – Matt Chandler
“We are called to celebrate each other’s successes rather than letting envy breed division.” – John Piper
Matthew 6:19-21 – Stories of Redemption from Coveting in the Bible
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” – Matthew 6:19-21
Related Christian Quotes:
“Transformative change occurs when we set our hopes on heavenly treasures, freeing us from the chains of coveting.” – Max Lucado
“Understanding our true riches in Christ shifts our desires from earth to heaven.” – Rick Warren
“Our focus on eternal pursuits helps us combat the transient pleasures that lead us to covet.” – Timothy Keller
Ruth 1:16 – Teaching Children About the Dangers of Coveting
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.'” – Ruth 1:16
Related Christian Quotes:
“Teaching kids about loyalty and contentment equips them to recognize the dangers of coveting in their own lives.” – Lysa TerKeurst
“When children learn to value relationships over possessions, they are less likely to fall prey to greed.” – Christine Caine
“Early guidance in gratitude can shape a lifelong resistance to coveting.” – John Piper
Ephesians 4:29 – How Community Helps Us Combat Coveting
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” – Ephesians 4:29
Related Christian Quotes:
“A supportive community encourages us to uplift rather than compare, helping to combat the sin of coveting.” – Matt Chandler
“When we speak life into each other, we foster a culture of gratitude and shared blessings.” – Rick Warren
“Being surrounded by believers strengthens our resolve against the temptations of envy and greed.” – David Jeremiah
Acts 20:35 – Living a Life of Generosity to Combat Coveting
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Related Christian Quotes:
“Generosity breaks the cycle of coveting, reminding us that we are called to reflect God’s love.” – Charles Stanley
“The more we give, the more we are filled with joy, overshadowing our desire for what others have.” – John Piper
“When we focus on uplifting others through our generosity, we find our own hearts content.” – Beth Moore
Proverbs 3:9 – The Power of Scripture in Resisting Coveting
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” – Proverbs 3:9
Related Christian Quotes:
“Scripture is a powerful weapon in the fight against coveting; it reminds us of God’s provisions.” – Rick Warren
“When we hold God’s word close to our hearts, it transforms our desires into contentment.” – Victoria Osteen
“Engaging with Scripture daily equips us to resist the temptation to covet what others have.” – Charles Swindoll
1 Peter 2:11 – The Spiritual Battle Against Coveting
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” – 1 Peter 2:11
Related Christian Quotes:
“The battle against coveting is fought in our hearts; staying alert in faith is vital.” – Tony Evans
“Recognizing our internal struggle helps us to seek God’s strength to overcome.” – David Platt
“War against sinful desires requires vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit.” – Christine Caine
Philippians 4:19 – Coveting and the Pursuit of Happiness
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Related Christian Quotes:
“True happiness comes from trusting God’s provision, not in coveting what others possess.” – Rick Warren
“When we acknwoledge God as our provider, we shift our focus from lack to abundance.” – Joyce Meyer
“Our contentment in Christ is the true source of joy amidst temptation to covet.” – Max Lucado
Colossians 3:5 – The Connection Between Coveting and Idolatry
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
Related Christian Quotes:
“Coveting turns our hearts towards idolatry, shifting our focus from God to what we desire.” – Timothy Keller
“We must recognize that our desires can lead to idols; we should seek holiness instead.” – Tony Evans
“Turning our gaze back to Christ can help disarm the idols of our hearts.” – Francis Chan
Psalm 119:36 – Reflecting on Our Heart’s Desires: A Biblical Call
“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” – Psalm 119:36
Related Christian Quotes:
“Aligning our hearts with God’s word helps shape our desires to be in line with His will.” – John Piper
“Prayerfully seeking God’s direction allows us to escape the trappings of selfish desires.” – Beth Moore
“Desiring God above all else leads us to true contentment.” – Lysa TerKeurst
Proverbs 4:23 – The Importance of Setting Boundaries Against Coveting
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Related Christian Quotes:
“Setting boundaries is essential in protecting our hearts against the poison of coveting.” – Christina Caine
“When we safeguard our hearts, we nurture the fruits of the Spirit instead of indulging in greed.” – Rick Warren
“The battles we fight in our hearts shape the quality of our lives.” – John Piper
Philippians 4:8 – Exploring the Theme of Contentment in the Bible
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Related Christian Quotes:
“When we focus our thoughts on what is good and pure, we cultivate a heart that resists the sin of coveting.” – Frances Chan
“Contentment thrives when we shift our focus onto the blessings and goodness of God.” – Rick Warren
“A life focused on noble pursuits helps us fight against the temptations of this world.” – Lysa TerKeurst
2 Corinthians 9:7 – How Worship Helps Us Avoid Coveting
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Related Christian Quotes:
“Worship and generosity protect us from the dangers of coveting, focusing our hearts on serving others.” – John Piper
“When we give cheerfully, we reflect the heart of God and push aside feelings of greed.” – Rick Warren
“Worship reminds us of God’s abundant blessings, transforming our hearts from desires to thanksgiving.” – Beth Moore
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 – The Role of Accountability in Combatting Coveting
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
Related Christian Quotes:
“Accountability in our lives helps us resist the pull of coveting and reminds us of the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures.” – Lysa TerKeurst
“True fulfillment comes from deep, accountable relationships that encourage Godly living.” – Timothy Keller
“We thrive in community where we encourage each other to resist the temptations of the world.” – Rick Warren
1 Timothy 6:12 – The Fruit of the Spirit vs. Coveting
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
Related Christian Quotes:
“In seeking the Holy Spirit’s fruit, we find the strength to combat the sin of coveting in our lives.” – Charles Stanley
“The more we pursue Christ, the less we find ourselves entangled by worldly desires.” – Christine Caine
“True freedom comes when we center our hearts on God’s eternal promises rather than earthly possessions.” – Rick Warren
Colossians 3:2 – Recognizing When We Are in Danger of Coveting
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Related Christian Quotes:
“When we fix our gaze on the eternal, we gain perspective on our earthly wants and desires.” – David Platt
“Recognizing the pull of coveting requires honesty in assessing our motivations and desires.” – John Piper
“We must regularly realign our hearts to find joy in the hope of heaven rather than the things of this world.” – Lysa TerKeurst
Proverbs 11:28 – Finding Freedom from Coveting Through Faith
“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” – Proverbs 11:28
Related Christian Quotes:
“Faith leads us to recognize that true security is in Christ, liberating us from the bondage of coveting.” – Rick Warren
“When we place our trust in God rather than wealth, we find the peace that protects us from envy.” – Tony Evans
“The pursuit of righteousness leads to a life free of the chains of coveting.” – John MacArthur
Hebrews 13:5 – A Life of Hope Against Coveting
“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
Related Christian Quotes:
“God’s promise to be with us encourages us to fight against coveting and embrace contentment.” – Francis Chan
“When we focus on God’s faithfulness, we find assurance that leads us away from the temptation to covet.” – David Jeremy
“True contentment is knowing that God’s presence brings fullness beyond any earthly gain.” – Beth Moore
Final Thoughts
Coveting, as highlighted in the Bible, is more than just an unwanted longing; it’s a reflection of the state of our hearts. It’s a veiled sin that often leads us away from gratitude and into a cycle of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and envy. We are reminded through Scripture that contentment is not found in the accumulation of possessions but in the acknowledgement of God’s provision and our worth in Him.
As we navigate our daily lives, it is essential to cultivate a spirit of gratitude that allows us to experience peace and take joy in what we have. Through prayer, accountability, and the encouragement of Scripture, we can combat the temptation to covet, fostering a community focused on uplifting each other instead of competing.