Why are India’s wealthiest women still dying in ‘Respectable’ Marriages? Around 5,700 dowry deaths occur annually in India. (NDTV 20 May 2026) There was an old, wicked practice called Sati, in which a widow was burnt along with the corpse of her dead husband. Nowadays, brides are burnt alive on the altar of covetousness.
Culture: Dowry is a cultural and religious practice. Husband is god, while wife is a slave, who must worship her visible husband god. Worship involves offering, and dowry is such an offering made to the husband-God. But some husband gods are not satisfied with the dowry; hence, they torture wives to bring more. Many times, the brides die during torture, or a few kill themselves. Since women are taught that they should keep the honor of the family, they suffer in silence. When unable to endure, they sadly commit suicide. There is a pride that goes with those who can pay the highest bidder among the probable bride-givers.
Covetousness: “You shall not covet” is one of the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:17) Humans do not have contentment naturally, in most things, including money. It is a spiritual discipline. Paul taught that Contentment with godliness is a great gain. (I Timothy 6:6) Unsatiated desire to become rich, influential, powerful, and popular leads to covetousness.
Callous society: Sadly, there is no discomfort or conscious effort to curb this evil. There is a silent approval for this social lawlessness. It is shameful that even spiritual leaders practice this. There is no preaching from pulpits, teaching in seminaries, or awareness in Christian educational institutions.
Careless authorities: There is a law that forbids giving or taking a dowry. Such transactions are illegal. Yet, there is no action by the government authorities. Mostly, there are no complaints filed. This has led to lawlessness. When there are too many violators of the law, the government is helpless to implement such laws.
Choice: There is no opportunity or chance given to the bride to make a choice. It can be termed as a forced marriage instead of an arranged marriage.
Am I victorious over the sin of covetousness?