Covetousness is an inordinate, greedy desire for things that belong to others (or even things one shouldn’t have), violating the Tenth Commandment, and is considered a capital sin (avarice/greed) that becomes a root of other sins like theft, adultery, and murder by making material things idols over God. It’s an internal sin, a disordered love for possessions, status, or even other people’s spouses, leading to a focus on self-gratification rather than God, and it’s serious if it involves unjust means or displaces love for God and neighbor.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala