👉 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbours.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 20:17. It’s a really important one about our hearts and what we should not focus on. Here's the explanation in plain language: The Core Message: “Don’t desire what your neighbor has.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not covet…” – This is a command, meaning it’s something we must avoid doing. “Covet” means to desire something that belongs to someone else, often with envy or greed. It's about wanting what isn’t yours . “…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 neighbourâs.” – This is the list of what we shouldn't covet. It’s 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 neighbourâs: This is the most important part – 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? It’s 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. Don’t compare yourself to others: We all have different blessings and circumstances. Comparing ourselves to someone else’s 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?
