In Micah 2, the prophet addresses the sin of covetousness among the people of Jerusalem, using the Greek word *epithumeo* (G1937), which is a compound of *epi*, meaning "upon," and *thumos*, meaning "passion." This term translates to "fix passion upon," indicating an obsessive desire for something, often something belonging to another. *Epithumeo* vividly captures the mindset that drives poor financial decisions, gambling, war, and poverty, frequently fueled by external influences like advertising. Covetousness, as described by this word, reflects an overpowering want for what one does not possess, leading to materialism and greed. Micah accuses the people of breaking the tenth commandment through this internal sin of the heart, which exists long before it manifests in outward actions, revealing the deep-rooted nature of their transgression.

The Greek word translated as "lusts" in the NKJV and "desires" in the KJV is *epithumia*, derived from *epithumeo* (G1937), and it serves as a critical concept in understanding the moral consequences of humanism. The Stoics defined *epithumia* as a reaching after pleasure that defies all reason, while Clement of Alexandria described it as an unreasonable reaching for that which will gratify itself. It represents a passionate desire for forbidden pleasure, driving individuals to engage in shameless acts. This desire characterizes a way of life where a person becomes so immersed in the world that they cease to be aware of God. Historical accounts reveal that some great Greek philosophers, despite their high ideals and utopian visions, were guilty of the foulest vices, a direct result of human reasoning and trusting in oneself. Such moral perversion inevitably follows humanism, which is why God pronounces woe upon it. When individuals set themselves up as the final authority, they descend into an abyss of evil, lacking the power to free themselves from these desires.

The verb translated as covetousness in the New Testament is *epithumeo* (G1937), a compound word consisting of *epi*, meaning upon, and *thumos*, meaning passion. Combined, *epithumeo* means to fix passion upon. In the context of gambling, it describes becoming obsessed with getting rich quickly. This term vividly captures the mind-set that often surrounds the gambling climate, reflecting a motive of getting for oneself rather than giving and sharing with others. The love of money, driven by this intense desire, can also cause a person to refrain from giving tithes and offerings. The principle behind gambling, rooted in this covetous attitude, is ungodly as it destroys or prevents the building of God's nature of giving in our minds. Gambling, whether through lotteries, raffles, or bingo, often justified by so-called worthy causes, still embodies this selfish desire and violates God's legitimate laws of obtaining money through labor, exchange, and love. This covetous way, defined by *epithumeo*, stifles productive effort and character growth, producing bad fruit and failing to glorify God.