Definition: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbourâÂÂs house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbourâÂÂs wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbourâÂÂs.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this verse from Exodus 20:17. Itâs a really important one about our hearts and what we should not focus on. Here's the explanation in plain language: The Core Message: âDonât desire what your neighbor has.â Letâs unpack it piece by piece: âThou shalt not covetâŚâ â This is a command, meaning itâs something we must avoid doing. âCovetâ means to desire something that belongs to someone else, often with envy or greed. It's about wanting what isnât yours . ââŚthy neighbourâs house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbourâs wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbourâÂÂs.â â This is the list of what we shouldn't covet. Itâs a detailed list of all sorts of possessions: House: A home, shelter. Wife: A woman in a marriage. Manservant/Maidservant: Someone working for someone else. Ox/Ass: Animals used for work or labor. Anything that [is] thy neighbourâÂÂs: This is the most important part â it includes everything that belongs to a neighbor, and we shouldn't think they are better or more valuable than us. So, what does this mean practically? Itâs about guarding your heart from envy and greed. It encourages us to: Focus on our own blessings: Instead of worrying about what you lack, concentrate on appreciating what you have and being grateful for it. Recognize that God gives everything to those who love Him. Our possessions are a reflection of how we treat others. Donât compare yourself to others: We all have different blessings and circumstances. Comparing ourselves to someone elseâs success can lead to unhappiness. In essence, the verse is a reminder to cultivate contentment and not let our desires become a source of bitterness or dissatisfaction. It's a call for a humble and grateful heart. --- Would you like me to: Explain it in a different way? Give you an example of how this verse might apply to your life?