Exodus 20:14
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, nor his wife, his man-servant, his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.
This is the provision on coveting.
Understanding the Tenth Commandment: “Thou Shall Not Covet”
The Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian morality, and are considered a guiding light for living a moral life. The tenth commandment, in particular, is often overlooked compared to the others. However, it is just as important as the rest of the commandments. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the tenth commandment, its significance, and how we can follow it in our daily lives.
What is the Tenth Commandment?
The text of the tenth commandment, as found in the Bible, reads as follows: “Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.” The word “covet” in this context means to have a strong desire or craving for something that belongs to someone else.
Coveting is not just a desire to acquire something; it is a desire to acquire something that rightfully belongs to someone else. For example, if you see your neighbor’s brand new car and you desire to have one like it, that is not necessarily coveting. However, if you desire to have your neighbor’s car instead of your own car, that is coveting.
Why is the Tenth Commandment Important?
The tenth commandment is different from the others because it deals with thoughts and desires rather than actions. It is easier to control our actions than it is to control our thoughts and desires. Coveting can lead to breaking other commandments such as stealing or adultery.
Furthermore, coveting can lead to a lack of contentment with what we have. In today’s world, we are bombarded with messages that tell us we need to have the latest and greatest things to be happy. This can lead to a constant cycle of wanting and acquiring more things, which can ultimately lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
How Can We Follow the Tenth Commandment?
To follow the tenth commandment, we must learn to control our desires and cultivate contentment with what we have. Here are a few strategies to help avoid covetousness:
Practice gratitude: Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, we should focus on what we do have and be grateful for it.
Avoid comparisons: We should avoid comparing ourselves to others and their possessions. Instead, we should focus on our own journey and progress.
Seek happiness from within: True happiness comes from within and is not dependent on external possessions. We should focus on cultivating happiness from within ourselves.
Conclusion
The tenth commandment is just as important as the rest of the commandments. It teaches us the importance of controlling our desires and cultivating contentment with what we have. Coveting can lead to breaking other commandments and can ultimately lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. By practicing gratitude, avoiding comparisons, and seeking happiness from within, we can avoid covetousness and live a more contented life.
In conclusion, the tenth commandment is a reminder to focus on what truly matters in life. It reminds us to avoid the constant cycle of wanting and acquiring more things and to cultivate contentment with what we have. By following the teachings of the tenth commandment, we can live a more fulfilled and meaningful life.