LORD’S DAY 42
Q. 110. What doth God forbid in the eighth commandment?
A. God forbids not only those thefts1 and robberies2 which are punishable by the magistrate; but He comprehends under the name of theft all wicked tricks and devices whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbor,3 whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights,4 ells, measures,5 fraudulent merchandise, false coins, usury,6 or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness,7 all abuse and waste of His gifts. God forbids not only those thefts1 and robberies2 which are punishable by the magistrate; but He comprehends under the name of theft all wicked tricks and devices whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbor,3 whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights,4 ells, measures,5 fraudulent merchandise, false coins, usury,6 or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness,7 all abuse and waste of His gifts.
- 1 Cor. 6:10.
- 1 Cor. 5:10.
- Luke 3:14. 1 Thes. 4:6.
- Prov. 11:1.
- Ezek. 45:9-11. Deut. 25:13.
- Psa. 15:5. Luke 6:35.
- 1 Cor. 6:10.
Q. 111. But what doth God require in this commandment?
A. That I promote the advantage of my neighbor in every instance I can or may, and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others;1 further also that I faithfully labor, so that I may be able to relieve the needy.2 That I promote the advantage of my neighbor in every instance I can or may, and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others;1 further also that I faithfully labor, so that I may be able to relieve the needy.2
- Mat. 7:12.
- Prov. 5:16. Eph. 4:28.
LORD’S DAY 42
Stealing
1. What is the eighth commandment?
“Thou shalt not steal.” Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19.
2. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
God forbids those thefts and robberies which are punishable by the magistrates. I Corinthians 5:10; 6:10.
3. What does God comprehend under the name of theft?
All wicked tricks and devices whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbor, whether by force or by appearance of right. Luke 3:14; I Thessalonians 4:6.
4. Can you give some examples of theft by deception?
Unjust weights, ells, measures, fraudulent merchandise, false coins, and usury. Psalm 15:5; Proverbs 11:1; Ezekiel 45:9-11.
5. Does God view as theft anything other than stealing?
God also comprehends under theft all covetousness and all abuse and waste of His gifts.
6. What does God require in the eighth commandment?
That I promote the advantage of my neighbor in every instance that I can or may. Matthew 5:38-42.
7. What rule must we follow to promote the advantage of our neighbor?
That I deal with my neighbor as I desire to be dealt with by others. Matthew 7:12.
8. What does the eighth commandment require of us as far as our earthly labors are concerned?
That I faithfully labor so that I may be able to relieve the needy. Proverbs 5:16; Ephesians 4:28.