Covetousness is desiring in your heart what belongs to another. Do not think that such desire is harmless, for if you do not squelch it, the covetousness will manifest itself and grow into a greater sin, such as it did with King Ahab.

He coveted the vineyard of Naboth, and Ahab’s wife found out what he wanted, had false charges brought against Naboth, leading to his execution (1 Kings 21:11-14). Then Ahab went to take what he wanted,

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” So it was, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite (1 Kings 21:15–16).

Covetousness led to the murder of an innocent, God-honoring man, and the king and queen of Israel did not think much of it!

Watch out! Do not let covetousness get a stronghold in your heart.