EXOD478 Do not covet another's property. Do not plan methods to gain possession of another’s belongings. Technically, however, the prohibition is violated only once such a forbidden plan bears fruit and one actually takes possession of the item that he covets. Someone who coerces his fellow into relinquishing possession of any of his belongings violates this prohibition even if he pays for the item. Coveting leads to much misery, for once a person sets his eyes upon something owned by his fellow, he loses his sense of proportion. If the owner refuses to sell him the item, the one who covets it will use force to gain possession. If all efforts fail and the owner remains obstinate, the one who covers the item might even resort to murder to gain hold of the thing.