The prohibition “Do not covet”
10. The prohibition is violated not only when someone insists that an item be sold to him, but also when he asks for it as a gift.
If it is known that a family's finances are limited and there is not enough money to provide adequate food for all its members, guests who ask for seconds should also understand that their host is unlikely to refuse and will almost certainly give them even what he had planned to save for his family. If he brings more food because he feels embarrassed, then, besides the prohibitions mentioned above, this can sometimes also violate the prohibition “Do not steal.”
Similar things can happen between neighbors, when one resident asks the others to sign their consent to a building extension, or between the parents of a bride and groom, when one side demands that more money be allocated to a daughter's wedding than was originally agreed.
11. If Torah law requires someone to sell or hand over (return) belongings or money to others, and pressure is put on him to do so, the prohibition is not violated. Various forms of manipulation that help speed up the process are also permitted here.
12. Although envy is considered a negative character trait, someone who envies another person does not violate the prohibitions “Do not covet” and “Do not desire,” since envy, in its pure form, is not accompanied by plans to acquire someone else's property.
**** Mr. Silverstone saw an acquaintance in a new car and liked it very much. If he said to himself, “Where could I buy one like that?” this is not considered a violation of the prohibition, since he wishes his friend no harm and does not seek to acquire that particular possession of his. These words indicate only envy.
But if he said, “Why does he need a car like that? Why does he allow himself such things…” this is nothing other than “ayin hara” (the evil eye).