Covetousness is a mortal sin that has taken over our society. Today, many people want to get rich by all means and at all costs. People live above their means. Envy has become a common thing as people struggle to acquire wealth illicitly. People want to own the best mansion in town, drive the best car, some even dream of private jets even though there are no defined means to get such things. Some are in a hurry to join the millionaires’ club through shortcuts at others’ expense. Innocent and hardworking men have had to lose their lives as a result of unjustified attacks by those who want to reap where they did not sow.

From our text, Paul the apostle warns believers not to join the ungodly rat-race for acquisition of wealth and other mundane things. He warns believers against discussing other people in bad light. He also adds that we must be content with what we have. There are those who discuss others with the attitude of running them down. Some, out of envy, get involved in evil conversation and backbiting. Paul’s admonition that believers flee evil conversation and covetousness is very apt. It is not by discussing others or their success that anyone’s situation will change. Engaging in sidetalk or evil conversation will not improve our lot. Instead, it will rob us of boldness before the throne of God’s grace. How we need to keep our tongues and hearts free from every act of covetousness so that our blessings will not elude us.