Covet – To passionately desire or wish for inordinately or without regard for the rights of others.
God used this word in its various forms 41 times in Scripture: 18 times to Israel in their Masoretic Text Old Testament; 3 times to Israel in their Koine Greek Old Testament books of Matthew thru John; once to the Body of Christ in the transition book of Acts; 16 times to the Body of Christ in the Gospel of Grace (Romans thru Philemon); and 3 times to Israel’s Little Flock in their tribulation books (Hebrews thru Revelation).
Of the 41 usages, in only 2 instances is anyone instructed to covet. Both instances are found in I Corinthians, during the birth of the Body of Christ; the nurturing phase of the infant Church before Scripture was complete. During that time, before Scripture was complete, God was using Divine Intervention (gifts and prophecy) to fill the gaps for instruction and understanding.
Today, since Scripture is complete, there is nothing for us to covet. We are instructed to Study and Rightly Divide Scripture (II Timothy 2:15-17). Since the completion of Scripture (that which is perfect has come) and the maturity of the Church, there is no need for gifts and prophecy and God is no longer using them or any other form of Divine Intervention (I Corinthians 13:9-12, II Timothy 3:16-17).
See also Concupiscence, Envy, Lust