Which of the following is NOT a sin against the 10th Commandment?

• A. Envy
• B. Contentment
• C. Greed
• D. Coveting

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is inner desire and whether it aligns with rightly ordered trust and gratitude. The Tenth Commandment focuses on covetous thoughts and disordered longing for what belongs to another. Contentment stands in direct contrast to that, because it is the virtue of being satisfied with one’s own circumstances and trusting God’s provision. It’s not a sin to have and appreciate what you have; rather, it’s a healthy stance that guards against envy, greed, and coveting.

Envy is a disordered resentment of another’s good, which fuels a longing that belongs to the wrong person to fulfill. Greed is an excessive, insatiable desire for more possessions. Coveting is precisely desiring something that belongs to someone else, sometimes even desiring a person’s spouse or their wealth. All of these reflect improper inner desires that violate the spirit of the Tenth Commandment.

So, contentment is the opposite kind of attitude and is not a sin, which is why it is the correct answer to the question about what is NOT a sin against the Tenth Commandment.