The “lust of the eyes” is a biblical phrase that refers to desiring or coveting something that belongs to someone else. This type of lustful desire usually stems from seeing something visually appealing and wanting it for oneself. The eyes are often viewed as a gateway that can lead to sinful lust if not guarded carefully. There are several passages in Scripture that address the dangers of the lust of the eyes.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23). Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye being the lamp of the body. If our eyes are fixed on godly things, we will be filled with light. But if our eyes lead us into lust and covetousness, we will be filled with darkness. The unchecked lust of the eyes leads to deeper spiritual darkness in our lives.
The apostle John wrote similarly about the dangers of the lust of the eyes in 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” Here, John specifies that the lust of the eyes is a worldly desire that is in opposition to the will of God. When we fixate on temporal things with unrestrained desire, we drift away from eternal spiritual truths.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus described seeds that fell among thorns as representing those who hear God’s word, “but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). The lure of wealth and earthly possessions seen by the eyes can stunt spiritual growth and prevent the fruits of the Spirit from maturing.
After bathing on the roof of his palace, King David saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba bathing on a nearby roof. After inquiring about her, he committed adultery with her (2 Samuel 11:2-4). This tragic episode paints a clear picture of how King David allowed his wandering eye to lead him into the grievous sins of lust, adultery and murder. Unchecked and unrestrained, the lust of the eyes led to devastating consequences in David’s life and kingdom.
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was “was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day” (Luke 16:19). Yet in the afterlife, the rich man was tormented in Hades while the beggar Lazarus was comforted in paradise. The rich man’s lifestyle suggests a lust of the eyes, always desiring more lavish possessions and experiences to lavish on himself in self-indulgence. But this temporal way of living reaped eternal consequences.
After Jesus spent forty days fasting in the wilderness, the devil came to tempt him, promising Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would but worship the devil (Matthew 4:8-9). Here Satan attempted to use the lust of the eyes to entice Jesus to sin, promising visually splendid kingdoms to rule. But Jesus refused the temptation and rebuked the devil with Scripture.
In Eden, the forbidden fruit that Eve saw was pleasing to the eye (Genesis 3:6). The lust kindled in Eve’s eyes led her to disobey God’s command and eat the forbidden fruit. Just as sin entered the world through Eve’s eyes, the lust of the eyes continues to lead humanity into sin generation after generation.
The apostle Peter warns believers to conduct themselves with fear during their exile on earth, and to not give in to former lusts (1 Peter 1:13-14). As Christians, we are exiles and foreigners on this earth. We must abstain from the lusts that wage war against the soul, including the lust of the eyes (1 Peter 2:11).
In Psalm 119:36-37, the psalmist prays, “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Turn away my eyes from looking at vain things; and give me life in your way.” Here we see desire to avoid the temptation of the lust of the eyes altogether, by training one’s eyes to focus on God’s ways.
The lust of the eyes leads to a craving for more of what is seen. We begin to rationalize and convince ourselves that we must have the object we see. This selfish appetite springs from a lack of contentment and gratitude to God for His provisions (1 Timothy 6:6-8). The lust of the eyes reflects a heart of discontentment, not finding full satisfaction in God alone.
Unchecked lust can lead to financial ruin as we squander resources trying to satisfy our lusts. We run up debt and destabilize our households when we give in to the lust of the eyes (Proverbs 21:20). All to try to possess the latest and greatest our eyes tell us we must have.
Not only can the lust of the eyes lead to financial ruin, it can also destroy relationships. When the eyes begin to wander and covet other people, it signals a heart that has shifted its allegiance. Unchecked lust of the eyes often leads to adultery, jealousy, and painful marital breakdown (Matthew 5:28).
The lust of the eyes manifests in envying what others have. Their possessions seem better, their lives seem easier or more comfortable. We want what they have. Social media has brought this to a whole new level, as we can gaze endlessly at carefully curated portrayals of others’ lives. What enters through our eyes fuels discontentment with our own lives.
When our eyes gaze upon things that displease God, it opens up further temptation. Feasting our eyes on sexually explicit content, for example, fills our minds with impure thoughts and fuels lustful desires. Entertainment that glorifies violence and wickedness also furthers moral desensitization when watched repeatedly (Psalm 101:3).
The lust of the eyes shows a deeper heart issue at work. Our eyes expose what our hearts value and treasure. As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). The longing gaze of the eyes often signal hearts that have shifted their affection away from God.
What steps can believers take to avoid falling into sin through the lust of the eyes?
We must ask God to help us remain faithful stewards of our eyes. We should avoid fixating our eyes upon people or possessions that might evoke envy or covetousness. When we notice our eye caught by lust, we can immediately shift our focus to things honorable and pure (Philippians 4:8).
The Bible urges us to avoid temptation whenever possible. It is wise to turn off shows or put away catalogs that reliably stir up discontentment and covetous cravings. Job went so far as to make a covenant with his eyes not to indulge lustful thoughts about young women (Job 31:1).
Seeking contentment is also key. As Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, God has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Lust often thrives in the soil of ingratitude and discontentment. As we meditate on God’s promises and blessings, it becomes easier to resist comparing ourselves to others.
We can fill our eyes with God’s beauty and excellence through studying Scripture and observing His handiwork in nature. As we behold His majesty, it exposes the fleeting temporality of earthly beauty and possessions. By seeking the transcendent beauty of the Lord, our eyes regain proper eternal perspective.
Pursuing generosity is another antidote to lust of the eyes. When we give freely to meet others’ needs, we reflect God’s selfless and sacrificial love. We put the needs of others above our own selfish desire to acquire and hoard more possessions.
Accountability can be useful in combating lust of the eyes. Sharing regularly with a trusted friend or group helps shed light on areas of materialism or discontentment that tend to lead us into sin. Their wisdom and objectivity can be invaluable.
Jesus taught that our hearts and minds must be transformed to defeat lust. As Matthew 15:18-20 notes, sin and evil desires proceed from within our hearts, not merely external circumstances. We cannot avoid tempting sights altogether, but we can saturate our minds with Scripture and prayer to purify our thoughts and perceptions.
Sinful desires feed off secrecy and shame. Bringing them into the light in humble repentance before God, and if needed before others, breaks much of lust’s control. Sin loses power when unveiled before God and other believers.
If lust has already taken root in our hearts, we require God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s supernatural work to defeat its grip. We need God’s power to cleanse, renew, and reorient our desires back toward Him. What is impossible for us to accomplish in our own flesh, God can do through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The lust of the eyes is a form of covetousness that feeds dissatisfaction and leads to sin. By God’s power, believers can gain victory over lust of the eyes. As our eyes and hearts are transformed to align with God’s values, we will use our eyes as He intends – to appreciate the good gifts He provides, and to notice opportunities to love and serve others.
