The tenth commandment forbids coveting. The Bible fleshes out that command by giving us several practical reasons to flee coveting:

1. Life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions – there is more to life than stuff (Luke 12:15).

2. There is great gain in godliness, so we should pursue being godly instead of having more (I Timothy 6:6).

3. Things are temporary – you can’t take them with you when you die (I Timothy 6:7).

4. Only a few things are needful – things like food and clothing. Anything else is extra and unnecessary (I Timothy 6:8).

5. Coveting leads to other temptations that can lead to ruin and destruction (I Timothy 6:9).

6. Coveting has led some to walk away from Christ – they have lost their soul seeking to gain the world (I Timothy 6:10, Matthew 16:26).

7. Riches are uncertain – we should look to God to provide instead of pursuing things (I Timothy 6:17, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 6:33).

8. Things rot, wear out, rust, break, become obsolete, and can be stolen – we ought to pursue treasures that have a more eternal value (Matthew 6:19-20).

9. Coveting reveals a heart that is caught up in the idolatry of wealth (Matthew 6:21, 24).

10. Everything else is rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus (Philippians 1:21, 3:8).