18.1 Avoiding Covetousness

 18.1 Avoiding Covetousness

Question:

Why is covetousness considered evil? 

Answer:

If a man abandons rectitude and covets another's property, it will ruin

his family and lead to crimes.                                                                   (Couplet – 171)

 

The very thought of stealing others' wealth by fraudulent means

is evil.                                                                                                        (Couplet – 282)

 

நடுவின்றி நன்பொருள் வெஃகின் குடிபொன்றிக்

குற்றமும் ஆங்கே தரும்.                                                                                          (குறள் – 171)

 

உள்ளத்தால் உள்ளலும் தீதே பிறன்பொருளைக்

கள்ளத்தால் கள்வேம் எனல்.                                                                                   (குறள் – 282)

 

Explanation:

Our thoughts precede our words and deeds. Once the thought of coveting another man's property occurs in our minds, then most probably, it will lead to stealing. Stealing is a punishable crime. If a man is involved in stealing and punished for that, it will affect him and his family. If in case, there is no opportunity actually to steal the desired property, then frustration sets in. For these reasons, covetousness is considered evil. So, it is better not to entertain even the thought of coveting another man's property.  The Bible says that a covetous person brings trouble to his family (Proverbs 15:27). Also, the tenth commandment in the Ten Commandments says, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is thy neighbor's." Similar statements condemning covetousness can be found in other religions as well.