“You shall not covet… anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:17 NRSVCE
“…Neither shall you desire… anything that belongs to your neighbor.” – Deuteronomy 5:21 NRSVCE
In the review of the Seventh Commandment, we covered how it is focused on the physical acts and forbids us to do anything wrong to the goods and the property of our neighbor. The Tenth Commandment addresses the deliberate and conscious intentions and thoughts inside of us – our desires, thoughts, and covetousness. It pertains to the inner attitudes of greed and envy that lead us to act unjustly toward the goods and property of our neighbor. It goes beyond the exterior actions to purify even the intentions of the heart.
Similar to how the Ninth Commandment is the expansion of the Sixth Commandment, the Tenth Commandment is the expansion of the Seventh Commandment. The sins forbidden by the Tenth Commandment are the roots of those sins forbidden by the Seventh Commandment. In other words, the coveting of goods, property, or material wealth (Tenth Commandment), often leads to stealing and other selfishness actions (Seventh Commandment). The Tenth Commandment prohibits coveting other’s belongings, even if they could be acquired justly and lawfully.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO COVET?
According to Catholic Answers, coveting means, “an inordinate attachment to things. It is being obsessed with having. To be obsessed with something is to make a god of it. It becomes more important than anything else.” I’ve also seen covet defined as “lusting after” or “longing for with great desire.”
In the case of the Ninth Commandment, it prohibits longing for someone in which it is not morally right to long after. For the Tenth Commandment, it forbids longing for other’s goods or property. Even if you don’t act on those thoughts, the inordinate attachment, obsession, or great desire for things is to make a god of things. This is idolatry and also forbidden by the Greatest Commandment to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart… all your soul… all your mind” (Matthew 22:37), the First Commandment, the Sixth Commandment, and the Tenth Commandment. Also, by putting things ahead of people, we are also violating the Second Greatest Commandment to, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
You might think that since coveting things, as well as putting things ahead of God and ahead of others, is addressed in so many of God’s commands that most Christians are able to follow this Commandment with ease. As we all know, that is not the case. Covetousness, and the deadly sins of greed and envy, are unfortunately prevalent in our society. Due to our sinful nature as human beings, or our concupiscence as described in the Ninth Commandment, we are drawn to sinful desires and so become prey to sin. We can find ourselves so easily influenced by others, or by our own justification and rationalization, to have immoral thoughts and take unjust actions to satisfy these desires and get what we want.
By addressing sinful covetousness, and the sinful actions that often follow, in so many of the Commandments and scripture, it seems God is making it clear to us how wrong this is. He knows our sinful nature. He knows we are going to try to make excuses to rationalize our thoughts and behavior however the Bible and the Catechism are very clear, “The end does not justify the means.” (CCC no 1753) God also knows that in order to receive His grace, mercy, and forgiveness, we need to be willing to accept these gifts by acknowledging when we sin. Remember Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NRSVCE) and “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24 NRSVCE) Is our treasure the property of another or is our treasure God, His Word, and His Commandments? Are our thoughts and actions devoted to God or toward acquiring wealth, goods, or property?
WHAT DOES THE COMMANDMENT REQUIRE?
According to the Catechism, the Tenth Commandment requires that, “You shall not covet . . . anything that is your neighbor’s…“. “The Tenth Commandment… forbids coveting the goods of another, as the root of theft, robbery, and fraud, which the seventh commandment forbids. ‘Lust of the eyes’ leads to the violence and injustice forbidden by the fifth commandment. Avarice, like fornication, originates in the idolatry prohibited by the first three prescriptions of the Law. The tenth commandment concerns the intentions of the heart; with the ninth, it summarizes all the precepts of the Law.” (CCC no. 2534)
“The Tenth Commandment forbids greed and the desire to amass earthly goods without limit. It forbids avarice arising from a passion for riches and their attendant power. It also forbids the desire to commit injustice by harming our neighbor in his temporal goods: When the Law says, ‘You shall not covet,’ these words mean that we should banish our desires for whatever does not belong to us. Our thirst for another’s goods is immense, infinite, never quenched. Thus it is written: ‘He who loves money never has money enough.‘” (CCC no 2536)
“It is not a violation of this commandment to desire to obtain things that belong to one’s neighbor, provided this is done by just means…” (CCC no. 2537) In other words, the desire to obtain things through just means, such as legitimate work, or as a gift, is okay as long as the means were moral and abiding by the other Commandments and laws.
“The Tenth Commandment requires that envy be banished from the human heart… Envy can lead to the worst crimes. ‘Through the devil’s envy death entered the world’” (CCC no 2538) ” “Envy is a capital sin. It refers to the sadness at the sight of another’s goods and the immoderate desire to acquire them for oneself, even unjustly…’From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor, and displeasure caused by his prosperity.’” (CCC no 2539) “Envy represents a form of sadness and therefore a refusal of charity; the baptized person should struggle against it by exercising good will. Envy often comes from pride; the baptized person should train himself to live in humility: Would you like to see God glorified by you? Then rejoice in your brother’s progress and you will immediately give glory to God. Because his servant could conquer envy by rejoicing in the merits of others, God will be praised.” (CCC no 2540)
MONEY CAN’T BUY LOVE, HAPPINESS, PEACE, OR SECURITY
If we desire to be happy and get to heaven, keep in mind that the, “…precept of detachment from riches is obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of heaven.” (CCC no. 2544) ” “The Lord grieves over the rich, because they find their consolation in the abundance of goods. ‘Let the proud seek and love earthly kingdoms, but blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.’ Abandonment to the providence of the Father in heaven frees us from anxiety about tomorrow. Trust in God is a preparation for the blessedness of the poor. They shall see God.” (CCC no 2547) “Desire for true happiness frees man from his immoderate attachment to the goods of this world so that he can find his fulfillment in the vision and beatitude of God. “The promise [of seeing God] surpasses all beatitude… In Scripture, to see is to possess… Whoever sees God has obtained all the goods of which he can conceive.” (CCC no 2548) “It remains for the holy people to struggle, with grace from on high, to obtain the good things God promises. In order to possess and contemplate God, Christ’s faithful mortify their cravings and, with the grace of God, prevail over the seductions of pleasure and power.” (CCC no 2549)
Despite what our modern society tells us, money can’t buy you love, happiness, peace, or even security in this life or for eternity. In the parable of the “Rich Fool” (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus told us to guard our minds against all kinds of greed and that we should not be fooled into thinking our lives are secured by what we own, even if it’s more than we need. Storing up material treasures for ourselves will mean nothing when we die. We are merely stewards of material things which are all provided by our Creator. By sharing our wealth with the poor and good causes, we store up treasures in heaven.
If we let our desires control us, we will never be satisfied. There is never enough money, goods, property, wealth, etc. to satisfy these disordered desires. It only leads to a stronger desire for more. If we constantly long for more, we fall into the trap of fooling ourselves that more will satisfy us. This irrational, disordered desire grows when it is fed with more or when we see more and can’t obtain it. Even if we get more, it will quickly lose that instant satisfaction and we are left only desiring more. This desire for more can also lead to desiring the misfortune of others, or taking delight in the misfortune of others, if it leads to our financial gain.
HOW CAN WE APPLY THIS TO OUR FAITH?
- Consistently reevaluate your priorities and where you are spending your time and treasure to ensure that God is first. Our desires should be growing to live our lives consistent with His Word, following His Commandments, striving to get to know Him better, and deepening our relationship with Him. As MyCatholic.Life explains, “In this growing desire for God, we will begin to realize that our disordered desires start to fade away. We will no longer desire earthly wealth in an irrational and distorted way. Instead, all the desires of the Earth and the flesh will be put in perspective and purified. In their place, the overriding longing of our hearts will be for God and holiness of life. And this longing will become fulfilled in an ever-deepening way as we are freed of the many unhealthy attachments we have. It’s important to realize that our desires are good and were created by God. And when they are properly ordered, we reap abundant satisfaction and fulfillment in life through them. When they are disordered, they enslave us and lure us into countless empty promises of happiness. The choice is ours.“
- The virtue of charity is an antidote to greed and envy. We can reflect on the biblical concept of stewardship and on our attitude towards money and material possessions. Be generous, and promote generosity, with all that God has provided. Many Christians have adopted the biblical practice of tithing 10% or more of their income to their Church family and the poor. If we’re not able to give a full 10%, we can give what we can once our own legitimate needs are met. The Church and the poor should receive more than just a small portion of our surplus. Ideally, it should be part of our budget. If not presently tithing, consider setting aside some of your monthly income to support the Church and poor. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.” (Proverbs 19:17 NRSVCE)
- As one of the Ten Commandments that falls under the Second Greatest Commandment communicated by Jesus, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, we should look at our thoughts and desires through this lens. Do all of our thoughts and desires in regards to the goods, resources, skills, property, etc. of ourselves and others (personally or in the business world) demonstrate that we love our neighbor as ourselves?
- As with any of the Commandments, it’s important to contemplate where you may have violated this Commandment when doing an examination of conscience prior to going to confession. Where you may have gone against this commandment, confess, repent, make it right as best you can, which would include providing restitution for those you may have sinned against, and ask for forgiveness from them and God. God knows our heart. He knows if there is true humility and acknowledgment of the sin, true contrition, and the true desire to repent and avoid the sin in the future. Without these things, forgiveness is not possible. God gives us the path to accept His grace and to be forgiven sins however He also gives us the free will to choose not to take the path to forgiveness.
- Examination of conscience: Am I envious or jealous of others or their possessions? Am I selfish, greedy or possessive with things or relationships? Do I desire to make a profit from the misfortune of others? Have I made of money, or any possession, a false god? Have I tried to live in a spirit of Gospel poverty and simplicity? Do I give generously to others in need? Have I considered that God has provided me with things so that I might use them to benefit others, as well as meet my own legitimate needs? Have I freed myself from a consumer mentality? Have I practiced works of mercy?
HOW CAN WE APPLY THIS TO OUR FAMILY?
- Watch for and seek to eliminate sibling rivalry. Society breeds selfishness in the form of envy, greed, idolatry, and covetousness. These forms of selfishness contribute to fostering sibling rivalry and the destructive force it creates in family relationships and society. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16) Sibling rivalry encourages competition and selfish ambition within the family however as Jesus told us, “… Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) If not discouraged, and ideally eliminated, sibling rivalry will continue to fester and grow into adulthood within the family where the consequences can be even more disastrous. Christian Living Today offers some suggestions on how to eliminate this destructive force in families and society.
- Lead by example for our children and other families through charity and generosity for the Church and the poor. If you don’t see or come in contact with those in need, consider looking for opportunities to seek out and help those in need through local organizations or mission trips.
- Live simply and modestly so we can truly appreciate all our blessings and use what our Creator has provided for us to help others. As Saint Teresa of Calcutta said, “Live simply so that others may simply live.” Every once in a while, we should take a good look at how we’re spending money. How are we using our financial blessings? Are we being responsible stewards of God’s material blessings? If upon review, we believe our stewardship can be improved, consider the advice of financial guru, Dave Ramsey, on living simply, “If you live like no one else now, later you can live and GIVE like no one else.“
HOW CAN WE APPLY THIS TO OUR BUSINESS?
- Watch for and seek to eliminate sibling rivalry. Although this was mentioned in the family applications above, it bears repeating here for any family business. As Dean Fowler described in Family Business Success Factors, “…rivalry could continue into adulthood, and as such it can devastate your family and undermine your business.” Fowler explains that rivalry may be either strategic (strategy of the business), emotional (rooted in self-esteem, maturity, competition for attention andapproval), or combination of both. The primary problem for emotional rivalry lies between the parent and the child, not between the siblings. Because of this, the solution has more to do with working on the relationship between the parents and children, along with the family as a whole, versus the siblings. Requiring and continuing to encourage effective and respectful communication skills for discussing the undiscussables and other conflict resolution techniques within the family are critical. Ideally, these fundamentals are instilled and fostered within the family as children. If not, they must become table-stakes within the family business.
- Do I desire to make a profit from the misfortune of others? If so, it reveals that my desires are disordered and prohibited by the Tenth Commandment. Some specific examples mentioned in the Catechism (CCC no. 2537),
- “. . . merchants who desire scarcity and rising prices, who cannot bear not to be the only ones buying and selling so that they themselves can sell more dearly and buy more cheaply;“
- “…those who hope that their peers will be impoverished, in order to realize a profit either by selling to them or buying from them;“
- “…physicians who wish disease to spread;“
- “…lawyers who are eager for many important cases and trials.“
- Consider the mission, strategy, tactics, and day-to-day operations of our businesses. Do they support those people associated with our businesses to live their lives in accordance with the Tenth Commandment and the two greatest commandments to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “…love your neighbor as yourself.“? (Matthew 22:37-40) Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker, once said that, “Everything a baptized person does every day should be directly or indirectly related to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.”
- Give generously publicly and anonymously. Most businesses give to charitable organizations in some fashion and many also promote employees giving to charitable organizations within the business. This can be very positive if done in an appropriate way. It helps society, as well as the charitable organizations and their causes. It is important to distinguish this type of public giving, where a business or person’s name is attached, and the type of almsgiving as required by our faith, that should be anonymous. Giving to charitable organizations publicly is a form of advertisement for the personal brand of someone or the company. Those people or companies are rewarded by others seeing their giving and the positive impact it has on society. This is good for those people and for society however don’t confuse this with what is required by our faith. Remember what Jesus said concerning almsgiving, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4) In other words, it’s a great thing for people and businesses to give to charitable organizations however when you give, and attach your name to the giving, you have already received your reward and credit for it here and now. The type of almsgiving required by our faith, and described by Jesus, should be done in secret to receive your reward from our Father in Heaven.
Take care and God bless. I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.
ADDITIONAL WISDOM FROM THE BIBLE
- “Such is the end of all who are greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.” – Proverbs 1:19 NRSVCE
- “…thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:10 NRSVCE
- “And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” – Luke 12:15 NRSVCE
- “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the Lord.” – Proverbs 23:17 NRSVCE
- “Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with them” – Proverbs 24:1 NRSVCE
- “Do not envy the success of sinners, for you do not know what their end will be like.” – Sirach 9:11 NRSVCE
- “…but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it.” – Wisdom 2:24 NRSVCE
- “…therefore, as I live, says the Lord God, I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them; and I will make myself known among you, when I judge you.” – Ezekial 35:11 NRSVCE
- “Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.” – James 3:13-16 NRSVCE
- “Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask.You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.” – James 4:1-3 NRSVCE
- “The greedy person stirs up strife, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” – Proverbs 28:25 NRSVCE
- “The eye of the greedy person is not satisfied with his share; greedy injustice withers the soul.” – Sirach 14:9 NRSVCE
- “And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation, pronounced against them long ago, has not been idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” – 2 Peter 2:3 NRSVCE