What does Exodus 20:17 teach us?

Exodus 20:17 is the final commandment in the list of the Ten Commandments, a foundational ethical code given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This verse reads:

"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, NIV)

This commandment teaches us about the nature of desire and the importance of contentment in our lives. Unlike the other commandments, which often focus on outward actions, this commandment zeroes in on the internal attitudes and thoughts that can lead to sin. By addressing covetousness, God is calling His people to cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude, which is fundamental to living a life that honors Him and respects others.

The Nature of Covetousness

Covetousness is an intense, unhealthy desire for something that belongs to someone else. It is more than mere admiration or a wish to have similar possessions; it is a consuming longing that can lead to actions that violate other commandments. For example, covetousness can lead to theft, adultery, and bearing false witness. Jesus Himself warned against covetousness in Luke 12:15:

"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.'"

By addressing covetousness, God is essentially dealing with the root cause of many other sins. When we allow our hearts to be filled with envy and greed, it corrupts our character and disrupts our relationship with God and others.

Contentment and Trust in God

At its core, the commandment against coveting invites us to trust in God's provision and timing. When we covet, we are essentially saying that God has not given us enough or that He has made a mistake in what He has provided. This attitude undermines our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, expressed a profound understanding of contentment:

"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, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV)

Paul's contentment was rooted in his relationship with Christ, not in his external circumstances. This is the kind of contentment that God desires for His people, one that is anchored in faith and trust in Him.

Respecting Others

The commandment also teaches us to respect the boundaries and blessings of others. When we covet, we are not only dissatisfied with what we have but also resentful of what others possess. This can lead to broken relationships and a community marked by jealousy and strife. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to live differently:

"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, NIV)

By fostering a community where people are content and respectful of each other's blessings, we create an environment of peace and mutual support.

The Heart of the Law

The inclusion of this commandment in the Decalogue underscores that God’s law is not merely about external compliance but about the transformation of the heart. Jesus highlighted the importance of inner purity in His Sermon on the Mount when He expanded on the commandments, showing that anger is akin to murder and lust is akin to adultery (Matthew 5:21-30). In this way, Jesus affirmed that God's concern is not just with our actions but with our hearts.

Practical Applications

Understanding the depth of this commandment has several practical implications for our daily lives. First, it calls us to cultivate gratitude. By regularly giving thanks for what we have, we can combat the tendency to covet. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), recognizing that gratitude is a powerful antidote to discontent.

Second, it challenges us to examine our desires. Are our longings aligned with God's will? Are we seeking His kingdom first, or are we driven by materialism and envy? The Psalmist provides wise counsel:

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4, NIV)

When our delight is in the Lord, our desires will naturally align with His purposes.

Third, it encourages us to celebrate the successes and blessings of others. Rather than seeing others' prosperity as a threat, we can learn to rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). This fosters a spirit of unity and love within the community.

Conclusion

Exodus 20:17 is a profound commandment that goes beyond mere prohibition of wrongful actions to address the attitudes and desires of the heart. It calls us to a life of contentment, trust in God, and respect for others. By adhering to this commandment, we not only avoid the pitfalls of envy and greed but also cultivate a heart that is aligned with God's will and purposes. In doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and contribute to a community marked by peace, gratitude, and mutual respect.