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  OF THE NATURE OF COVETOUSNESS
  by William Gouge
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Summary: Covetousness is an immoderate desire of riches that exceeds
what God allows, residing in the heart and requiring spiritual
discernment and self-examination to avoid.

Topics: "Covetousness", "Wealth Management"
Scripture References: Proverbs 30:8, Matthew 6:19, Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:9, Hebrews 13:5

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DESCRIPTION
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William Gouge preaches on covetousness as an immoderate desire for
riches, emphasizing that it consists of an unsatiable desire for more
than what God provides. He distinguishes between a lawful desire for
riches, which can be prayed for, and covetousness, which is an
immoderate desire for excess wealth beyond what is necessary. Gouge
highlights that covetousness is a sin of the heart, not dependent on
one's material possessions, and warns against the dangers of desiring
superfluity.

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CONTENT
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Covetousness is an immoderate desire of riches. The apostle implieth as
much, under this phrase, boulomenoi ploutein they that will be rich, 1
Tim. vi. 9; under that word, will, a desire, and that unsatiable desire,
is comprised. The notation of both the words before mentioned, namely,
love of silver and desire of having more, do demonstrate that
covetousness consisteth in a desire.

Desire of riches is not simply covetousness, for a man may lawfully pray
for them. So much is intended in the fourth petition. Now what a man may
pray for, he may desire, with the same limitations as he may pray for
it. Therefore it is an immoderate desire: that is, when a man is not
content with that portion which God by his providence in a lawful and
warrantable course doth afford unto him, but (according to the apostle's
phrase) he will be rich; he will have more than God alloweth him in a
fair way; and if he cannot otherwise get more, he will be discontent.

The general object of covetousness is riches. Under this word all the
commodities of this world are comprised, and withal abundance of them,
yea, more than is necessary. Things necessary may be desired, but not
superfluity, Prov. xxx. 8.

This sin is especially in the heart. One may have little, and yet be
covetous; and one may be rich, and yet free from covetousness.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/william-gouge/of-the-nature-of-covetousness/
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