31 Bible Verses about Covetousness

Most Relevant Verses

Mark 7:22

theft, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, uncleanness, and a wicked eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Romans 7:8

But sin took an occasion by the means of the commandment, and wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For verily, without the law sin was dead.

Ezekiel 33:31

These come unto thee, after the manner of a great people: yea, my people sit down before thee, and hear thy words, but they do not thereafter: for in their mouths they show themselves, as though they were fervent, but their heart goeth after their own covetous lucre.

1 Corinthians 6:10

neither thieves, neither the covetous, neither drunkards, neither cursed speakers, neither extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 5:11

but now I write unto you that ye company not together. If any that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or a worshipper of images, either a railer, either a drunkard, or an extortioner: with him that is such see that ye eat not.

Isaiah 57:17

I am wroth with him for his covetousness and lust, I smite him, I hide me, and am angry, when he turneth himself, and followeth the byway of his own heart.

Jeremiah 6:13

"For from the least unto the most, they hang all upon covetousness: and from the prophet unto the priest, they go all about with falsity and lies.

Exodus 18:21

Moreover, seek out, among all the people, men of activity which fear God; and men that are true and hate covetousness: and make them heads over the people, captains over thousands, over hundreds, over fifty, and over ten.

1 Thessalonians 2:5

Neither was our conversation at any time with flattering words - as ye well know - neither in cloaked covetousness, God is record:

Habakkuk 2:9

Woe unto him, that covetously gathereth evil gotten goods into his house: that he may set his nest on high, to escape from the power of misfortune.

2 Corinthians 9:5

Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, to come before hand unto you, for to prepare your good blessing promised afore, that it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a defrauding.

Proverbs 28:16

Where the prince is without understanding, there is great oppression and wrong; but if he be such one as hateth covetousness, he shall long reign.

Luke 12:13

One of the company said unto him, "Master, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me."

From Thematic Bible


Ambition » Connected with » Covetousness

Habakkuk 2:8-9

Seeing thou hast spoiled many Heathen, therefore shall the remnant of the people spoil thee: because of men's blood, and for the wrong done in the land, in the city and unto all them that dwell therein. Woe unto him, that covetously gathereth evil gotten goods into his house: that he may set his nest on high, to escape from the power of misfortune.

Covetousness » Not coveting

Romans 13:8-9

Owe nothing to any man: but to love one another. For he that loveth another, fulfilleth the law. For these commandments: Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not desire, and so forth: if there be any other commandment, they are all comprehended in this saying, "Love thine neighbor as thyself."

Deuteronomy 5:21

'Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbour's wife: thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, field, servant, maid, ox, ass nor ought that is thy neighbour's.'

Covetousness » Punishment of

Isaiah 57:17

I am wroth with him for his covetousness and lust, I smite him, I hide me, and am angry, when he turneth himself, and followeth the byway of his own heart.

Job 20:15

The riches that he devoured, shall he vomit out again; for God shall draw them out of his belly.

Jeremiah 22:17-19

Nevertheless, as for thine eyes and thine heart, they look upon covetousness, to shed innocent blood, and to do wrong and violence.'" And therefore, thus sayeth the LORD against Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah king of Judah, "They shall not mourn for him as they used to do, 'Alas brother, alas sister.' Neither shall they say unto him, 'Alas sir, alas for that noble prince.' But as an Ass shall he be buried corrupt, and be cast without the gates of Jerusalem.

Micah 2:2-3

When they covet to have land, they take it by violence; they rob men of their houses. Thus they oppress a man for his house, and every man for his heritage. Therefore thus sayeth the LORD: Behold, against this household have I devised a plague, whereout ye shall not pluck your necks. Ye shall no more go so proudly, for it will be a perilous time.

Covetousness » Instances of » Judas, in betraying jesus for twenty pieces of silver

Mark 14:10-11

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away unto the high priests, to betray him unto them. When they heard that, they were glad, and promised that they would give him money. And he sought, how he might conveniently betray him.

Luke 22:3-6

Then entered Satan into Judas, whose surname was Iscariot, which was of the number of the twelve: and he went his way, and communed with the high priests and officers, how he might betray him to them. And they were glad: and promised to give him money. read more.
And he consented, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them, when the people were away.

Matthew 26:15-16

and said, "What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?" And they appointed unto him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Covetousness » Instances of » Money-changers in the temple

Matthew 21:12-13

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that bought and sold in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.'"

Luke 19:45-46

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought, saying unto them, "It is written, 'My house is the house of prayer.' But ye have made it a den of thieves."

John 2:14-16

and found sitting in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep, and doves, and changers of money sitting. And he made a scourge of small cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen, and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables. And said unto them that sold doves, "Have these things hence, and make not my father's house a house of merchandise."

Covetousness » The reward for covetousness

Ephesians 5:5-6

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, either unclean person, or covetous person, which is the worshipper of images, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words. For through such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief.

Colossians 3:5-6

Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is worshipping of idols: for which thing's sakes the wrath of God cometh on the children of unbelief.

Covetousness » Excludes from heaven

1 Corinthians 6:10

neither thieves, neither the covetous, neither drunkards, neither cursed speakers, neither extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Covetousness » What to covet

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Ye are the body of Christ, and members one of another. And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first the apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles; after that, the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all doers of miracles? read more.
Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Covet after the best gifts. And yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

Covetousness » Who is covetous

Ezekiel 33:30-31

"And thou, son of man, the children of thy people that talk of thee by the walls and in the doors of their houses, saying one to another, 'Come, let us hear, what word is gone forth from the LORD' - These come unto thee, after the manner of a great people: yea, my people sit down before thee, and hear thy words, but they do not thereafter: for in their mouths they show themselves, as though they were fervent, but their heart goeth after their own covetous lucre.

Luke 16:14-15

All these things heard the Pharisees also which were covetous. And they mocked him, and he said unto them, "Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men: but God knoweth your hearts. For that which is highly esteemed among men is abominable in the sight of God.

Covetousness » Is never satisfied

Habakkuk 2:5

Like as the wine deceiveth the drunkard, even so the proud shall fail and not endure. He openeth his desire wide up as the hell, and is as insatiable as death. All Heathen gathereth he to him, and heapeth unto him all people."

Covetousness » Exemplified » saul

1 Samuel 15:9

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and they left of the sheep and of the oxen and fat things and the lambs and all that was good, and would not destroy them. But all that was nought worth and flaggy, that they destroyed utterly.

1 Samuel 15:19

And wherefore hast thou now not obeyed the voice of the LORD: But didst turn to the prey and hast wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD?"

Covetousness » What covetousness is

Covetousness » Is idolatry

Covetousness » Covetous people

Luke 12:13-21

One of the company said unto him, "Master, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." And he said unto him, "Man, who made me a judge, or a divider over you?" Wherefore he said unto them, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." read more.
And he put forth a similitude unto them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth fruits plenteously, and he thought in 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 destroy my barns, and build greater: and therein will I gather all my fruits, and my goods: and I will say to my soul: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink and be merry.' But God said unto him, 'Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?' So is it with him that gathered riches, and is not rich in God."

Covetousness » Is vanity

Psalm 39:6

Yea every man walketh as it were a shadow, and disquieteth himself in vain: he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.

Ecclesiastes 4:8

There is one man, no more but himself alone, having neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of his careful travail, his eyes cannot be satisfied with riches. Yet, doth he not remember himself, and say, "For whom do I take such travail? For whose pleasure do I thus consume away my life?" This is also a vain and miserable thing.

Covetousness » Shall abound in the last days

2 Peter 2:1-3

There were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you: which privily shall bring in damnable sects, even denying the Lord that hath bought them, and bring upon themselves swift damnation. And many shall follow their damnable ways, by which the way of truth shall be evil spoken of; and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you, whose judgment is not far off, and their damnation sleepeth not.

Covetousness » Is inconsistent » In saints

Covetousness » Exemplified » Ahab

1 Kings 21:2-4

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, "Let me have thy vineyard, to make me a garden of herbs thereof, because it lieth so nigh my house: and I will give thee a better vineyard for it: or if it please thee I will give thee, the worth of it in silver." But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that from me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee." Then went Ahab unto his house wayward and evil apaid, because of the words which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken unto him, saying, "I will not give to thee the inheritance of my fathers." And he laid him down upon his bed and turned away his face, and would eat no meat.

Covetousness » Engrosses the heart

Ezekiel 33:31

These come unto thee, after the manner of a great people: yea, my people sit down before thee, and hear thy words, but they do not thereafter: for in their mouths they show themselves, as though they were fervent, but their heart goeth after their own covetous lucre.

Covetousness » Exemplified

Isaiah 1:23

Thy princes are traitors and companions of thieves. They love gifts altogether, and gape for rewards. As for the fatherless, they help him not to his right, neither will they let the widows causes come before them.

Jude 1:11

Woe be unto them, for they have followed the way of Cain, and are utterly given to the error of Balaam for lucre's sake, and are cast away in the treason of Korah.

Nehemiah 5:7

and I advised so in my mind, that I rebuked the councilors and the rulers, and said unto them, "Will ye require usury one of another?" And I brought a great congregation against them,

Isaiah 56:11

They are shameless dogs, that be never satisfied. The shepherds also in like manner have no understanding, but every man turneth his own way, everyone after his own covetousness, with all his power.

More verses: Jeremiah 6:13

Covetousness » Leads to » Injustice and oppression

Covetousness » Hated by saints

Exodus 18:21

Moreover, seek out, among all the people, men of activity which fear God; and men that are true and hate covetousness: and make them heads over the people, captains over thousands, over hundreds, over fifty, and over ten.

Covetousness » Woe denounced against

Habakkuk 2:9

Woe unto him, that covetously gathereth evil gotten goods into his house: that he may set his nest on high, to escape from the power of misfortune.

Covetousness » Instances of » Balaam, in loving the wages of unrighteousness

Covetousness » Avoid those guilty of

1 Corinthians 5:11

but now I write unto you that ye company not together. If any that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or a worshipper of images, either a railer, either a drunkard, or an extortioner: with him that is such see that ye eat not.

Covetousness » Exemplified » Eli's sons

1 Samuel 2:12-14

But the sons of Eli were unthrifty children, and knew not the LORD. For the manner of the priests with the people was: whensoever any man offered any offerings, the priest's lad came, while the flesh was in seething, and a flesh hook with three teeth in his hand; and thrust it into the pan, kettle, cauldron or pot. And all that the flesh hook brought up the priest took away. And so they did unto all Israel that came thither to Shiloh.

Covetousness » Exemplified » Judas

Matthew 26:14-15

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said, "What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?" And they appointed unto him thirty pieces of silver.

Covetousness » Instances of » Laban » In deceiving jacob in wages

Genesis 31:15

he counteth us even as strangers, for he hath sold us, and hath even eaten up the price of us.

Genesis 31:41-42

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house, and served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy sheep, and thou hast changed my reward ten times. And except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the God whom Isaac feareth, had been with me: surely thou hadst sent me away now all empty. But God beheld my tribulation, and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesterday."

Covetousness » Leads to » Murder

Proverbs 1:18-19

Yea, they themselves lay wait one for another's blood, and one of them would slay another. These are the ways of all such as be covetous, that one would ravish another's life.

Covetousness » Exemplified » Gehazi

2 Kings 5:20-24

And when he was departed from him a furlong of ground, Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Behold, my master hath spared Naaman, this Syrian, so that he hath not taken from him that which he brought! As surely as the LORD liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat." And so Gehazi went after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him coming after him, he came down off the chariot against him, and said, "Is all well?" And he said, "Yea. But my master hath sent me, saying, 'See, there be two young men come to me out of Ephraim of the children of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, one talent of silver and a couple of good garments." read more.
And Naaman said, "Adventure and take two talents of silver in two bags, with two goodly garments." - and delivered them unto two of his servants, to bear it before him. And he went in the dark and took it of their hands and bestowed it in the house, and let the men go, and they departed.

Covetousness » Leads to » Lying

2 Kings 5:22-25

And he said, "Yea. But my master hath sent me, saying, 'See, there be two young men come to me out of Ephraim of the children of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, one talent of silver and a couple of good garments." And Naaman said, "Adventure and take two talents of silver in two bags, with two goodly garments." - and delivered them unto two of his servants, to bear it before him. And he went in the dark and took it of their hands and bestowed it in the house, and let the men go, and they departed. read more.
Then he went and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, "Whence cometh Gehazi?" And he said, "Thy servant went no whither."

Covetousness » Leads to » Departure from the faith

Covetousness » Leads to » Domestic affliction

Covetousness » Leads to » Misery

Covetousness » Leads to » Poverty

Proverbs 28:22

He that will be rich all too soon, hath an evil eye; and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

Covetousness » Those that hate covetousness

Proverbs 28:16

Where the prince is without understanding, there is great oppression and wrong; but if he be such one as hateth covetousness, he shall long reign.

Covetousness » A characteristic of the slothful

Proverbs 21:26

He coveteth and desireth all the day long; but the righteous is always giving and keepeth nothing back.

Covetousness » To be mortified by saints

Covetousness » Reward of those who hate

Proverbs 28:16

Where the prince is without understanding, there is great oppression and wrong; but if he be such one as hateth covetousness, he shall long reign.

Covetousness » Is the root of all evil

Covetousness » Natural fruits of » Disobedience

1 Samuel 15:9

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and they left of the sheep and of the oxen and fat things and the lambs and all that was good, and would not destroy them. But all that was nought worth and flaggy, that they destroyed utterly.

Covetousness » Natural fruits of » Oppression

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house, and served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy sheep, and thou hast changed my reward ten times.

Covetousness » Is inconsistent » Specially in ministers

Covetousness » Exemplified » Laban

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house, and served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy sheep, and thou hast changed my reward ten times.

Covetousness » Leads to » Foolish and hurtful lusts

Covetousness » Being aware of covetousness

Luke 12:13-15

One of the company said unto him, "Master, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." And he said unto him, "Man, who made me a judge, or a divider over you?" Wherefore he said unto them, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Covetousness » Natural fruits of » Unscrupulousness

2 Kings 5:20

And when he was departed from him a furlong of ground, Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Behold, my master hath spared Naaman, this Syrian, so that he hath not taken from him that which he brought! As surely as the LORD liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat."

Covetousness » Natural fruits of » Meanness

1 Kings 21:2

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, "Let me have thy vineyard, to make me a garden of herbs thereof, because it lieth so nigh my house: and I will give thee a better vineyard for it: or if it please thee I will give thee, the worth of it in silver."

Covetousness » Natural fruits of » Robbery

1 Kings 20:6

Or else I will send my servants unto thee by tomorrow this time: and they shall search thine house, and the houses of thy servants, which shall take all that is glorious in thine eyes, and bring it away with them.'"

Covetousness » Exemplified » Samuel's sons

Covetousness » Pray against

Covetousness » Comes from the heart

Mark 7:22-23

theft, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, uncleanness, and a wicked eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile a man."

Covetousness » Forbidden

Covetousness » Natural fruits of » Theft

Covetousness » Instances of » Demetrius, in raising a riot against paul and silas

Acts 19:24

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith which made silver shrines for Diana, was not a little beneficial unto the craftsmen:

Acts 19:27

so that not only this our craft cometh into peril to be set at nought: but that also the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised. And her magnificence should be destroyed, which all Asia, and the world worshippeth."

Covetousness » Instances of » Eli's sons, in taking the flesh of the sacrifice

1 Samuel 2:13-17

whensoever any man offered any offerings, the priest's lad came, while the flesh was in seething, and a flesh hook with three teeth in his hand; and thrust it into the pan, kettle, cauldron or pot. And all that the flesh hook brought up the priest took away. And so they did unto all Israel that came thither to Shiloh. Yea, and thereto before they had offered the fat, the priest's lad came and said to the man that offered, "Give flesh to roast for the priest, for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw." read more.
And if any man said unto him, "Let the fat be offered according to the day, and then take as much as thine heart desireth." The lad would answer him, "Thou shalt give it me now, or else I will take it with violence." And the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD. For they despised the people, and also the offering of the LORD.

Covetousness » Instances of » Lot, in choosing the plain of the jordan

Genesis 13:10-13

Then Lot lift up his eyes, and beheld all the country about Jordan: that it was a plenteous country of water. For, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, it was round about Zoar, even as the pleasant garden of the LORD, and as the land of Egypt. Then Lot chose all the coasts of Jordan and took his journey from the east. And so departed the one brother from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan: And Lot in the cities of the plain, and tented till he came to Sodom. read more.
But the men of Sodom were wicked, and sinned exceedingly against the LORD.

Covetousness » Instances of » Gehazi, in taking a gift from naaman

2 Kings 5:20-27

And when he was departed from him a furlong of ground, Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Behold, my master hath spared Naaman, this Syrian, so that he hath not taken from him that which he brought! As surely as the LORD liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat." And so Gehazi went after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him coming after him, he came down off the chariot against him, and said, "Is all well?" And he said, "Yea. But my master hath sent me, saying, 'See, there be two young men come to me out of Ephraim of the children of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, one talent of silver and a couple of good garments." read more.
And Naaman said, "Adventure and take two talents of silver in two bags, with two goodly garments." - and delivered them unto two of his servants, to bear it before him. And he went in the dark and took it of their hands and bestowed it in the house, and let the men go, and they departed. Then he went and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, "Whence cometh Gehazi?" And he said, "Thy servant went no whither." And he said, "Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned and came of his chariot against thee? Is it a time to receive silver and to receive garments, olive trees, vineyards, oxen, sheep, menservants and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed forever." And he went out from him a leper as white as snow.

Covetousness » Instances of » Ahab, in desiring naboth's vineyard

1 Kings 21:2-16

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, "Let me have thy vineyard, to make me a garden of herbs thereof, because it lieth so nigh my house: and I will give thee a better vineyard for it: or if it please thee I will give thee, the worth of it in silver." But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that from me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee." Then went Ahab unto his house wayward and evil apaid, because of the words which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken unto him, saying, "I will not give to thee the inheritance of my fathers." And he laid him down upon his bed and turned away his face, and would eat no meat. read more.
And then Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, "Why art thou so froward, that thou eatest no meat?" And he said unto her, "I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, 'Give me thy vineyard for silver, or else if thou wilt, I will give thee another vineyard for it.' And he said, 'I will not give thee my vineyard.'" Then said Jezebel his wife unto him, "What a goodly kingdom were thou able to make in Israel? Up, and eat meat and set thine heart at rest, for I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite." And she wrote a letter in Ahab's name and sealed it with his seal, and sent it unto the elders and chief men of his city that dwelt where Naboth dwelt. And she wrote in the letter, saying, "Proclaim fasting and set Naboth on high among the people, and set two unthrifties before him, and let them testify against him, saying, 'Thou didst curse both God and the king.' And upon that carry him out and stone him to death." And the elders and nobles of his city, which dwelt in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letter which she had sent unto them. They proclaimed fasting, and set Naboth on high among the people, and there came in two unthrifty persons and sat before him. And the two unthrifty persons witnessed against Naboth before the people, saying, "Naboth did curse God and the king." And upon that they carried him out of the city and stoned him with stones to death. And then they sent to Jezebel saying, "Naboth is stoned to death." And when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Up, and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth, the Jezreelite, which he denied to give thee for silver, for Naboth is not alive, but dead." And when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead. He stood up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

Covetousness » Instances of » The rich young ruler

Matthew 19:16-22

And behold, one came, and said unto him, Good master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" He said unto him, "Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, and that is, God: But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." The other said, "Which?" And Jesus said, "Thou shalt not kill: thou shalt not break wedlock. Thou shall not steal: thou shalt not bear false witness. read more.
Honour father and mother: and thou shalt love thine neighbor as thyself." And the young man said unto him, "I have observed all these things from my youth, what lack I yet?" And Jesus said unto him, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." When the young man heard that saying, he went away mourning. For he had great possessions.

Covetousness » Instances of » The rich fool

Luke 12:15-21

Wherefore he said unto them, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." And he put forth a similitude unto them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth fruits plenteously, and he thought in himself saying, 'What shall I do? Because I have no room where to bestow my fruits.' read more.
And he said, 'This will I do. I will destroy my barns, and build greater: and therein will I gather all my fruits, and my goods: and I will say to my soul: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink and be merry.' But God said unto him, 'Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?' So is it with him that gathered riches, and is not rich in God."

Covetousness » Exemplified » Achan

Covetousness » Instances of » Laban » In giving rebekah to be isaac's wife

Genesis 24:29-51

And Rebekah had a brother called Laban. And Laban ran out unto the man, to the well: for as soon as he had seen the earrings and the bracelets upon his sister's hands, and heard the words of Rebekah his sister saying "thus said the man unto me," then he went out unto the man. And lo, he stood yet with the camels by the well side. And Laban said, "Come in, thou blessed of the LORD. Wherefore standest thou without? I have dressed the house and made room for the camels." read more.
And then the man came in to the house: and he unbridled the camels: and brought litter and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet and their feet that were with him, and there was meat set before him to eat. But he said, "I will not eat, until I have said mine errand." And he said, "Say on." And he said, "I am Abraham's servant, and the LORD hath blessed my master out of measure that he is become great and hath given him sheep, oxen, silver and gold, menservants, maidservants, camels and asses. And Sara my master's wife bare him a son, when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me swear saying, 'Thou shalt not take a wife to my son, among the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell. But thou shalt go unto my father's house and to my kindred, and there take a wife unto my son.' And I said unto my master, 'What if the wife will not follow me?' And he said unto me, 'The LORD before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy journey that thou shalt take a wife for my son, of my kindred and of my father's house. But and if, when thou comest unto my kindred, they will not give thee one; then shalt thou bear no peril of mine oath.' And I came this day unto the well and said, 'O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if it be so that thou makest my journey which I go, prosperous: behold, I stand by this well of water, and when a virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her 'give me a little water of thy pitcher to drink,' and she say again to me, 'drink thou, and I will also draw water for thy camels,' that same is the wife, whom the LORD hath prepared for my master's son.' And before I had made an end of speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth, and her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well and drew. And I said unto her, 'give me drink.' And she made haste, and took down her pitcher from off her, and said, 'drink, and I will give thy camels drink also.' And I drank, and she gave the camels drink also. And I asked her, saying, 'whose daughter art thou?' And she answered, 'the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him.' And I put the earring upon her face and the bracelets upon her hands. And I bowed myself, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham which had brought me the right way, to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son. Now, therefore, if ye will deal mercifully and truly with my master, tell me - And if not, tell me also - that I may turn me to the righthand or to the left." Then answered Laban and Bethuel, saying, "The thing is proceeded even out of the LORD, we can not therefore say unto thee, either good or bad: Behold Rebekah before thy face: take her and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, even as the LORD hath said."

Covetousness » Instances of » Laban » Deceiving » jacob

Genesis 29:15-30

And afterward Laban said unto Jacob, "Though thou be my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? Tell me, what shall thy wages be?" And Laban had two daughters, the eldest called Lea and the youngest Rachel. Lea was tender eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well favored. read more.
And Jacob loved her well, and said, "I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy youngest daughter." And Laban answered, "It is better that I give her thee, than to another man: bide therefore with me." And Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. And Jacob said unto Laban, "Give me my wife, that I may lie with her. For the time appointed me is come." Then Laban bade all the men of that place, and made a feast. And when even was come, he took Lea his daughter and brought her to him and he went in unto her. And Laban gave unto his daughter Lea, Zilpah his maid, to be her servant. And when the morning was come, behold, it was Lea. Then said he to Laban, "Wherefore hast thou played thus with me? Did not I serve thee for Rachel? Wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?" Laban answered, "It is not the manner of this place, to marry the youngest before the eldest. Pass out this week, and then shall this also be given thee for the service which thou shalt serve me yet seven years more. And Jacob did even so, and passed out that week, and then he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, Bilhah his handmaid to be her servant. So lay he by Rachel also, and loved Rachel more than Lea, and served him yet seven years more.

Covetousness » Instances of » jacob » In defrauding laban of his flocks and herds

Genesis 30:35-43

And he took out that same day the he-goats that were party and of divers colours, and all the goats that were spotted and party coloured, and all that had white in them, and all the black among the lambs: and put them in the keeping of his sons, and set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob. And so Jacob kept the rest of Laban's sheep. Jacob took rods of green poplar, hazel, and of chestnut trees, and peeled white streaks in them and made the white appear in the staves: read more.
And he put the staves which he had peeled even before the sheep; in the gutters and watering troughs, when the sheep came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. And the sheep conceived before the staves, and brought forth streaked, spotted and party. Then Jacob parted the lambs, and turned the faces of the sheep toward spotted things, and toward all manner of black things throughout the flocks of Laban. And he made him flocks of his own by themself, which he put not unto the flocks of Laban. And always in the first bucking time of the sheep, Jacob put the staves before the sheep in the gutters, that they might conceive before the staves: But in the latter bucking time, he put them not there: so the last brood was Laban's and the first Jacob's. And the man became exceeding rich and had many sheep, maidservants, menservants, camels and asses.

Covetousness » Leads to » Theft

Covetousness » A characteristic of the wicked

Covetousness » Natural fruits of » Scoffing

Covetousness » Instances of » Simon magus, in trying to buy the gift of the holy spirit

Acts 8:18-23

When Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands on them, the holy ghost was given: he offered them money, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I put the hands, he may receive the holy ghost." Then said Peter unto him, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money. read more.
Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent, therefore, of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity."

Covetousness » Instances of » Saul, in sparing, agag and the booty

1 Samuel 15:8-9

and took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and they left of the sheep and of the oxen and fat things and the lambs and all that was good, and would not destroy them. But all that was nought worth and flaggy, that they destroyed utterly.

Covetousness » Instances of » David, of bath-sheba

2 Samuel 11:2-5

And it chanced in an evening that David arose from his couch and walked upon the roof of the king's palace; and from the roof saw a very beautiful woman washing herself. And he sent to enquire what woman it should be. And it was answered again, that she was Bathsheba the daughter of Eliam and wife to Uriah the Hittite. And David sent messengers and fetched her, and she came unto him, and he lay with her. And she was straightway purified of her uncleanness, and returned unto her house. read more.
And when the woman had perceived that she had conceived, she sent and told David, and said, "I am with child."

Covetousness » Exemplified » Felix

Acts 24:26

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might loose him, wherefore he called him the oftener, and communed with him.

Covetousness » Instances of » jacob » In defrauding esau of his, father's blessing

Genesis 27:6-29

she spake unto Jacob her son, saying, "Behold, I have heard thy father talking with Esau thy brother, and saying, 'bring me venison and make me meat, that I may eat and bless thee before the LORD yer I die.' Now therefore, my son, hear my voice in that which I command thee: read more.
get thee to the flock, and bring me thence two good kids, and I will make meat of them for thy father, such as he loveth. And thou shalt bring it to thy father and he shall eat, that he may bless thee before his death." Then said Jacob to Rebekah his mother, "Behold, Esau my brother is rough and I am smooth. My father shall peradventure feel me, and I shall seem unto him as though I went about to beguile him, and so shall he bring a curse upon me and not a blessing." And his mother said unto him, "Upon me be thy curse, my son, only hear my voice, and go and fetch me them." And Jacob went and fetched them and brought them to his mother. And his mother made meat of them, according as his father loved. And she went and fetched goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau which she had in the house with her, and put them upon Jacob her youngest son, and she put the skins upon his hands and upon the smooth of his neck. And she put the meat and bread which she had made in the hand of her son Jacob. And he went in to his father saying, "My father." And he answered, "Here am I, who art thou my son?" And Jacob said unto his father, "I am Esau, thy eldest son. I have done according as thou baddest me: up and sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me." But Isaac said unto his son, "How cometh it that thou hast found it so quickly my son?" He answered, "The LORD thy God brought it to my hand." Then said Isaac unto Jacob, "Come near and let me feel thee my son, whether thou be my son Esau or not." Then went Jacob to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said the voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he knew him not, because his hands were rough as his brother Esau's hands and so he blessed him. And he asked him, "Art thou my son Esau?" And he said, "That I am." Then said he, "Bring me and let me eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee." And he brought him, and he ate. And he brought him wine also, and he drank. And his father Isaac said unto him, "Come near and kiss me my son." And he went to him and kissed him. And he smelled the savour of his raiment and blessed him, and said, "See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed. God give thee of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of corn and wine. People be thy servants, and nations bow unto thee. Be lord over thy brethren, and thy mother's children stoop unto thee. Cursed be he that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee."

Covetousness » Commended by the wicked alone

Covetousness » Abhorred by God

Covetousness » Beware of

Covetousness » Instances of » The unjust steward

Luke 16:1-8

And he said also unto his disciples, "There was a certain rich man, which had a steward, that was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, 'How is it, that I hear this of thee? Give accounts of thy stewardship. For thou mayest be no longer my steward.' The steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master will take away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig, and to beg, I am ashamed. read more.
I know what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' Then called he all his master's debtors, and said unto the first, 'How much owest thou unto my master?' And he said, 'An hundred tonnes of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.' Then said he to another, 'What owest thou?' And he said, 'An hundred quarters of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take thy bill, and write fourscore.' And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely. For the children of this world, are in their kind, wiser than the children of light.

Covetousness » Instances of » Some jews » Building » Houses

Haggai 1:4-9

"Ye yourselves can find time to dwell in sealed houses: and shall this house lie waste? Consider now your own ways in your hearts, sayeth the LORD of Hosts. Ye sow much, but ye bring little in; Ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled; ye deck yourselves, but ye are not warm; and he that earneth any wage, putteth it in a broken purse. read more.
Thus sayeth the LORD of Hosts: Consider your own ways in your hearts, get you up to the mountain, fetch wood, and build up the house: that it may be acceptable unto me, and that I may show mine honour, sayeth the LORD. Ye looked for much, and lo it is come to little: and though ye bring it home, yet do I blow it away. And why so, sayeth the LORD of Hosts? Even because that my house lieth so waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

Covetousness » Instances of » Some jews » In exacting usury from their brethren

Nehemiah 5:1-11

And there arose a great complaint of the people, and of their wives, against their brethren the Jews. For there were some that said, "Our sons and daughters and we are too many, let us take corn for them to eat, that we may live." Some said, "Let us set our lands, vineyards, and houses, to pledge, and take up corn in the dearth." read more.
But some said, "Let us borrow money of the king's tribute for our lands and vineyards. Now are our brethrens' bodies as our own bodies and their children as our children: else should we subdue our sons and daughters into bondage, and some of our daughters are subdued already, and no strength is there in our hands, and other men shall have our lands and vineyards." But when I heard their complaint and such words, it displeased me sore, and I advised so in my mind, that I rebuked the councilors and the rulers, and said unto them, "Will ye require usury one of another?" And I brought a great congregation against them, and said unto them, "We, after our ability, have bought our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the Heathen. And will ye sell your brethren, whom we have bought unto us?" Then held they their peace, and could find nothing to answer. Also I said, "It is not good, that ye do. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of God because of the rebuke of the Heathen our enemies? I and my brethren, and my servants have lent them money and corn: but as for usury, let us leave it. Therefore this same day see that ye restore them their lands again, their vineyards, oil gardens, and houses, and the hundredth part of the money of the corn, wine, and oil, that ye have won of them."

Covetousness » Instances of » The sorcerers, in filing complaint against paul and silas

Acts 16:19

And when her master and mistress saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

Covetousness » Instances of » Demas in forsaking paul for love of the world

Covetousness » Instances of » Festus, in hoping for a bribe from paul

Acts 24:26

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might loose him, wherefore he called him the oftener, and communed with him.

Covetousness » Instances of » Achan, in hiding the treasure

Covetousness » Instances of » Pharisees

Covetousness » Instances of » Some jews » In following jesus merely for the loaves and fish

John 6:26

Jesus answered them and said, "Verily, verily I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles: but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled.

Covetousness » Instances of » Some jews » In keeping back the portion of the levites

Nehemiah 13:10

And I perceived that the portions of the Levites were not given them, for the which cause the Levites and singers were fled, everyone, to his land for to work.

Covetousness » Instances of » jacob » In buying esau's birthright

Genesis 25:31

And Jacob said, "Sell me this day thy birthright."

Covetousness » Instances of » Samuel's sons, in taking bribes

Covetousness » Instances of » Eve, in desiring the forbidden fruit

Idolatry » Consists in » Covetousness

Punishment of the The Wicked » On account of their » Covetousness

Isaiah 57:17

I am wroth with him for his covetousness and lust, I smite him, I hide me, and am angry, when he turneth himself, and followeth the byway of his own heart.

Jeremiah 51:13

O thou that dwellest by the great waters, O thou that hast so great treasure and riches, thine end is come: and the reckoning of thy winnings.

Servants » Characteristics of wicked servants: » Covetousness

2 Kings 5:20

And when he was departed from him a furlong of ground, Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Behold, my master hath spared Naaman, this Syrian, so that he hath not taken from him that which he brought! As surely as the LORD liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat."

Temptation » Comes from » Covetousness

1 Timothy 6:9-10

They that will be rich, fall into temptation and snares, and into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men in perdition and destruction. For covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after, they erred from the faith, and tangled themselves with many sorrows.

Topics on Covetousness

Covetousness, Example Of

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house, and served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy sheep, and thou hast changed my reward ten times.

Covetousness, Nature of

Proverbs 21:26

He coveteth and desireth all the day long; but the righteous is always giving and keepeth nothing back.

Never miss a post

Theasaurus: Covetousness