Of the Nature of Covetousness
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.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- I. Definition of Covetousness
- A. Immoderate desire of riches
- B. Desire of having more than God allows
- II. Not all desire of riches is covetousness
- A. Lawful prayer for riches is not covetousness
- B. Contentment with God's providence is key
- III. General object of covetousness
- A. Riches and abundance of worldly commodities
- B. Superfluity, not necessity, is the issue
- IV. Covetousness is a heart issue
- A. Can exist with little or much wealth
- B. Requires spiritual discernment and self-examination
Key Quotes
“Desire of riches is not simply covetousness, for a man may lawfully pray for them.” — William Gouge
“Covetousness consisteth in a desire, an unsatiable desire, is comprised.” — William Gouge
“Covetousness is a heart issue, existing in the heart, regardless of one's wealth or possessions.” — William Gouge
Application Points
- Be content with what God provides and avoid an immoderate desire for more.
- Recognize that covetousness is a heart issue, existing regardless of wealth or possessions.
- Practice spiritual discernment and self-examination to identify and avoid covetousness.