William Gouge preaches on covetousness as an immoderate desire for riches, emphasizing that it consists of an unsatiable desire for more than what God provides. He distinguishes between a lawful desire for riches, which can be prayed for, and covetousness, which is an immoderate desire for excess wealth beyond what is necessary. Gouge highlights that covetousness is a sin of the heart, not dependent on one's material possessions, and warns against the dangers of desiring superfluity.

William Gouge preaches about the three ways covetousness is practiced: in getting, in keeping, and in spending what one has. He explains that wealth obtained unconscionably or immoderately is a sign of a covetous heart, providing examples from biblical stories such as Achan, Ahab, and Judas. Gouge emphasizes that any acquisition through force, fraud, stealing, lying, or other dishonest means stems from covetousness, revealing an excessive desire for more. He warns against immoderate pursuit of worldly goods at the expense of neglecting spiritual treasures, citing instances where temporal concerns were prioritized over spiritual matters.

William Gouge preaches about covetousness in keeping wealth, highlighting two practices: hoarding excessively out of fear for the future, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12, and neglecting to provide for the common good or the needs of the poor. He emphasizes the folly of laboring endlessly for riches without satisfaction, as described in Ecclesiastes 4:8, and the sinful nature of worrying about the future, which goes against Christ's teachings in Matthew 6:34. Gouge warns against selfish accumulation of wealth and urges for a mindset of generosity and care for others.

William Gouge preaches about the manifestation of covetous practices in spending, highlighting two ways: being too sparing and niggardly in all things, neglecting necessities for oneself and others, and being too prodigal in certain areas while neglecting works of charity and contributions. He references Ecclesiastes 6:2 to illustrate the imbalance of wealth and lack of satisfaction, and examples from 1 Samuel 25 and Luke 16 to depict individuals who were lavish in personal indulgence but lacked generosity towards those in need.

William Gouge preaches about the sin of covetousness, highlighting its deceiving nature that blinds individuals to true happiness, its insatiable and galling characteristics that bring continual vexation and sorrow, its ensnaring quality that leads people away from God, and its role as a mother sin that spawns various other evils. He emphasizes how covetousness is a growing and devouring sin that chokes out the Word of God and brings curses from both man and God, ultimately leading to exclusion from the kingdom of God.

William Gouge emphasizes the importance of preventing and addressing covetousness by following specific rules: understanding true happiness and the deceitfulness of riches, setting our hearts on heavenly blessings, placing our confidence in God's providence, moderating our desire for riches, and praying against covetousness as it is a deeply rooted sin that requires divine intervention for healing.

William Gouge emphasizes the importance of using worldly abundance wisely, drawing from the examples of patriarchs like Job, David, and Solomon. He provides both negative and affirmative rules for handling riches, cautioning against placing too much value on earthly possessions and encouraging the use of wealth for good works and charity. Gouge reminds his audience to honor the Lord with their substance, be ready to let go of possessions if needed, and ultimately trust in the living Lord rather than in uncertain riches.

William Gouge preaches about the sin of covetousness, emphasizing the importance for every Christian to examine themselves to see how deeply it has taken root in their hearts. He highlights that covetousness is an inward desire that can be deceiving, often masked under seemingly harmless qualities like prudence or thriftiness. Gouge warns that if left unchecked, covetousness can consume and destroy like thorns choking the soil or like the accursed thing brought into the camp of the Israelites by Achan.

William Gouge preaches on the dangers of covetousness, providing seven directions to help identify and avoid this sin. He emphasizes the importance of examining one's inward desires, preferences, means of acquiring wealth, satisfaction levels, effects of desiring riches, hoarding wealth, and manner of spending as indicators of covetousness.

William Gouge preaches about the sin of covetousness, cautioning against hasty judgments of others and emphasizing the importance of self-reflection. He highlights the danger of covetousness in God's court of justice, urging individuals to examine their own desires before accusing others. Gouge addresses common suspicions towards those perceived as covetous, providing thoughtful responses to each scenario to encourage understanding and grace towards fellow believers.

William Gouge preaches on the importance of contentedness, highlighting how it distinguishes between contentedness and covetousness, emphasizing that a contented mind is never unsatisfied with any condition. He explains that satisfaction accompanies God's blessings, such as long life, food, and provision, and extends to all aspects of life, including peace, trouble, honor, and adversity. Gouge emphasizes that contentedness is not based on a set quantity but on trusting in God's wise providence and being satisfied with what He provides.

William Gouge preaches about the significance of preaching as 'The Word of God,' emphasizing that true ministers of God speak the word of God when exercising their ministerial function. The word of God is identified in four aspects: the primary author being God, the subject matter being the will of God, the purpose being the glory of God, and the powerful effect it has in bringing salvation and obedience to Christ. Ministers are warned not to deviate from God's word, with a curse pronounced against those who preach any other word.