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There are others who will not go that far, but will adulterate the truth to achieve their
objectives by enticing others with flattering words
(II Corinthians 2:17
). By unmasking
such people, the Apostle Paul separated himself and other true ministers from them, by
writing:
I Thessalonians 2:5 “For neither at any time did we use flattering words (
as
do deceitful people
), as you know, nor a cloak for COVETOUSNESS—God is
witness.”
Flattery lowers a person’s guard and leaves a person receptive to ill will. There is a
saying, “Flattery will get a person anything!” Knowing this should enable a person to be
on guard with such people.
God’s Instructions for a Life of Peace and Happiness
God the Father and Jesus Christ make known Their caring love provides the needs of all
who live godly lives. This is made known by the Apostle Paul:
Hebrews 13:5-6 “Let your conduct be without COVETINGNESS; be content
with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave
you nor forsake you.” So that we may boldly say, ‘The LORD is my helper; I
will not fear, what can man do to me.”
There is no need to COVET that which belongs to others. All one needs to do is to
fervently pray asking for those needs:
Matthew 7:7-12 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he
who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. . . .”
The rich and caring promises are there for those who believe and have faith in God our
Father who gives them through and by His Holy Spirit:
Luke 11:11-13 “If a son asks for bread from his father among you, will he give
him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a
fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
In addition to the essential needs one should consider what Jesus Christ said in this
Scripture about His Father’s desire to give to His children other desires as well.
There is no partiality with God with His gifts of giving to His people. With these caring
promises from God and Jesus Christ there should never be a cause to covet any of the
possessions of one’s neighbor;
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