Deu 5:21 | KingComments | STEP | This commandment lays bare the germ of sin. It is not about what man does, about taking away what belongs to another, something that is visible, but what underlies it: lust. Another person doesn’t see that. Sin is characterized and known by lust ( ). By envy, jealousy, not being content with what man has received, sin has come into the world. Being jealous of a neighbor, over what he has, may be about his possessions but it may also be about his spiritual gifts. This commandment makes it clear to everyone that the law cannot be kept by a human being. Paul can say that he did not covet anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing, but that he worked to be able to give ( ). In the area where all is by grace given, it is a bad thing to covet what belongs to the other.

‏ Deuteronomy 5:21

Tenth Commandment

This commandment lays bare the germ of sin. It is not about what man does, about taking away what belongs to another, something that is visible, but what underlies it: lust. Another person doesn’t see that. Sin is characterized and known by lust (Rom 7:7b-8). By envy, jealousy, not being content with what man has received, sin has come into the world. Being jealous of a neighbor, over what he has, may be about his possessions but it may also be about his spiritual gifts. This commandment makes it clear to everyone that the law cannot be kept by a human being.

Paul can say that he did not covet anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing, but that he worked to be able to give (Acts 20:33-34). In the area where all is by grace given, it is a bad thing to covet what belongs to the other.