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To: cornelis
I never think of taking anything from my neighbors.

No, neither do I. It probably is related to the abundance of material goods available to us. If I want a lawn tractor exactly like the Carters', I can go to Home Depot and buy one. If I want a pool like theirs, I know who the contractor is.

The commandment against "covetousness" in the strict sense - "I want HIS stuff" - is still relevant when applied to coveting your neighbor's wife, since a wife is an individual person, or perhaps his house, which is not instantly duplicable.

I think that's why we hear more about "greed" than about "covetousness," even though they're not identical concepts.

What disposes a person to envy?

That's the big question, isn't it? We're told somewhere in the Bible that envy was the sin that led the angels to fall, so it's clearly foundational as a choice against God.

35 posted on 11/04/2006 2:18:08 PM PST by Tax-chick ("If we have no fear, Pentecost comes again." ~ Bishop William Curlin)
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To: Tax-chick

So envy is the desire for something that you are not supposed to have?


41 posted on 11/04/2006 2:24:54 PM PST by cornelis
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To: Tax-chick
Envy and jealousy are probably the two most destructive emotions humans have.

They go hand in hand and unchecked lead straight to the destruction of human beings.

The most dangerous combination is an envious person with a little bit of power over others. Such a person is to be feared, despised, and if possible destroyed.

L

42 posted on 11/04/2006 2:25:37 PM PST by Lurker (“A liberal thinks they can sleep in, and someone will cover their lame ass.” Ted Nugent)
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