One young 24-year-old wife of a government employee committed suicide. Her husband had taken loans for about 1.5 million rupees (USD 18000) to bet on Indian Premier League matches. Tragically, he lost, those who gave loans to that man were pressurizing the woman to pay. She took this extreme step in despair. (India Today, 26 March 2024)
Contentment: The man was working with the government. He was earning better than eighty percent of the population. However, he did not have contentment, to enjoy this privilege. Hence, he could have taken bribes, again that did not satisfy his desire for more money. The Bible teaches that godliness based on the right relationship with God combined with contentment is a great profit or gain. (I Timothy 6:6)
Covetousness: The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet is a reminder for all humans. (Exodus 20:17) Admiring and desiring which is not ours leads to the sin of covetousness. It could be money, material possessions, or people like spouses of others, smart workers, or servants. This man was covetous of making quick money and did not care for his wife.
Companions: There will be always good friends and bad friends. Choosing the right companions is essential. He chose wicked companions who induced him into the habit of betting. They promised quick money and boosted his ego, stating that he could be a winner and richest man in the world. Like Satan who seduced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by false promises, these friends led him in the path of destruction.
Consequences: Humans are created as moral beings. They are responsible for their decisions and face the consequences. His foolish decisions made him pursue mirage like a deer. He lost all his money, hope, and relationships and became a debtor.
Cost: His hapless wife, tragically committed suicide. She could neither help her husband to come out of this betting habit, nor save him from sinking in debts. Considering herself as unworthy to live, unfortunate to be married to such a man, she committed suicide.
Do I self-check often to save myself from the sin of covetousness?