On Covetousness
S. Lavington. Luke 12:15 And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness… I. CAUSES OF COVETOUSNESS. 1. A corrupt and perverted judgment. We form a false opinion of the world, and think more highly of it than it merits. 2. Distrust of the providence of God. 3. Involving ourselves too much in the world. 4. Neglecting to look at things unseen and eternal. II. BAD EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF COVETOUSNESS, 1. It tempts men to unlawful ways of getting riches. 2. It tempts men to base and sinful ways of keeping what they have thus procured. 3. It fills the soul with disquietude and distraction. 4. It prevents all good, and is an inlet and encouragement to evil. Nothing so soon and so effectually stops the ear and shuts the heart against religious impressions. 5. It excludes from the kingdom of God. III. CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION AND CURE OF COVETOUSNESS. 1. Endeavour to be convinced of the vanity of all worldly possessions. They are insufficient and uncertain. 2. Seek Divine grace to enable you to set bounds to your desires. 3. Learn to order your affairs with discretion. 4. Cast all your cares upon God. (S. Lavington.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. WEB: He said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."