“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Deuteronomy 5:21 (BSB)
Then He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15 (BSB)
I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances… I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:11, 13 (BSB)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. – 1 Timothy 6:6–8 (BSB)
Coveting distorts love. Rather than rejoicing in the blessings of others, it breeds jealousy and bitterness. Fr. Joel Scandrett (ACNA, Trinity School for Ministry) notes, “The Tenth Commandment diagnoses the soul. It shows us that sin is not only what we do, but what we want.” (Law and Desire, 2019) In this way, the commandment prepares us for the gospel by showing our deep need for transformation.
This commandment also teaches contentment—resting in God’s provision with gratitude and peace. Bishop Juan Garcia (Anglican Church in America, Anglican Union) explains, “To obey this command is to learn the freedom of trusting God’s goodness in every season. It is not the abundance of possessions but the presence of Christ that makes one rich.” (Sermons on the Ten Commandments, 2021)
Fr. James Basinger (Reformed Episcopal Church, Diocese of Mid-America) points out the social wisdom of this command: “Coveting fuels economic injustice, corruption, and exploitation. But contentment leads to justice, generosity, and peace.” (Lectures on Christian Ethics, 2020) The Tenth Commandment invites a life of simplicity, generosity, and joy in God’s sufficiency.
Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) observes, “The root of every outward sin is often a disordered desire. This final commandment calls us to examine our longings and to bring them under the rule of Christ.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2018)
“Coveting is the seedbed of sin. Let your heart be filled with thanksgiving, and you will not envy your neighbor.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans, c. 390 AD
“The man who covets cannot love. He sets himself in rivalry with others and in rebellion against God.” – Basil the Great, Moral Exhortations, c. 375 AD
“To desire what is not yours is to forget that God is your portion. Contentment is the worship of a soul at peace.” – Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, c. 200 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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