Thou Shalt Not Covet

This episode recounts how a religious fanatic smashed a friend’s fine dishes, claiming they violated the tenth commandment, and uses the incident to show how badly God’s law can be misunderstood. The Hebrew term for “covet,” the author explains, means to seize immorally by force, not simply to possess or enjoy good things; thus the woman who destroyed another’s property was the true lawbreaker. Scripture never condemns wealth, beauty, or material blessings themselves only the love of money, a devotion appropriate to persons, not things. Likewise, Peter warns against trusting in outward adornment, not against having it. The Bible consistently teaches that God’s material gifts are meant to be enjoyed with gratitude (Eccles. 5:18–20) and that His blessing “makes rich” without sorrow (Prov. 10:22). Those who forbid or despise such gifts, the author concludes, misrepresent Scripture and burden others with false teaching.