Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet.

The improper desire is the root of all evil. It can seldom be reached by human legislation; but it is open to the Searcher of hearts. The intent is that which, in the last resort, determines the moral character of the act. This last "word" is, therefore, the interpreting clause of the whole decalogue. Romans 7:7. It raises the code immeasurably above every code of man who looketh on the outward appearance of conduct, and at once renders it worthy of the Lord who looketh on the heart.-- Murphy. The precept reaches deep into the interior springs of action, and lays its interdict upon the very first risings of that discontented spirit, which is the prolific germ of all unhallowed lustings; to be dissatisfied with what we have is to desire something which we have not; and as most things which we have not are in the possession of our fellowmen, there is but. step between desiring what is not our own and coveting what is another's-- Bush. No human eye can see the coveting heart; it is witnessed only by him who possesses it, and by Him to whom all things are naked and open. But it is the root of all sins against our neighbor in word or in deed. James 1:14-15.-- Canon Cook.