Covetousness is inordinate desire for what belongs to another — the violation of the tenth commandment: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s" (Exodus 20:17). The tenth commandment is uniquely inward — it forbids the desire itself, not just the resulting deed. Paul lists covetousness with idolatry: "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). Christ warns: "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). Covetousness drives theft, adultery, slander, and most lawsuits. Mortify it at the root.