Commandments 8, 9, and 10
The remaining three commandments continue to guide us in how we are to
relate to others based on our relationship with God. Commandment eight says we
are not to steal; commandment nine tells us not to lie; and commandment ten
says not to covet. We can fulfill these commands by not taking or keeping
things that do not belong to us; being truthful and not gossiping about others;
and being satisfied and grateful for what we have.
Command number eight says we are not to steal (Exodus 20:15). David
Guzik writes that this command establishes the right to personal property and
is another important foundation for our society. God has entrusted each of us
with possessions of His choosing. These should not be taken from another
without consent or by legal means. God
made provision for the security of everyone’s property. There were laws
concerning restitution for injuries to another person’s animals (Exodus
21:33-36). Thieves were not sent to
jail, but required to restore what they had taken and pay an additional
penalty. If they could not make payment, then they were sold as an indentured
laborer (Exodus 22:1-4). Personal responsibility, even in regards to another’s
property, was very important. Restitution was always to be made, even for
accidental loss (Exodus 22:5-8). These principles applied to borrowing and
lending as well (Exodus 22:14-15). It was also required that honest weights and
measures were used so as not to cheat anyone what was owed them (Leviticus
19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-16).
Stealing is more than just taking something that doesn’t belong to us;
it also includes keeping something that doesn’t belong to us (Leviticus 19:4-5;
Deuteronomy 22:1-4). If you find
something that doesn’t belong to you, you should try to return it to the
rightful owner. This idea of keeping what doesn’t belong to us also applies to
God. We can in fact steal from God when we withhold our tithes and offerings to
Him (Malachi 3:8-10). We can also steal from God when we refuse to be obedient
and use
The ninth commandment tells us not to bear false witness against our
neighbor (Exodus 20:16). Wiersbe says, “Speaking the truth and honoring
promises is the cement that holds society together.” This command can be broken by various forms of
lying which include slandering, gossiping, deluding, remaining silent, judging,
or giving insincere praise. David Guzik adds that when we lie about another
person in any of these ways, we risk ruining their reputation; which may never
be restored.
The Old Testament says we are not to circulate a false report (Exodus
23:1). The person who tells lies
The final command says we are not to covet (Exodus 20:17). The NIV
Study Bible note for this verse says that here coveting means to “desire
something with evil motivation.” The verse specifies we are not to covet our
neighbor’s house, wife, male or female servant, ox, donkey or anything that
belongs to our neighbor. We can covet
all kinds of things. David Guzik explains that the root of all covetousness is
“dissatisfaction with what we have, and jealousy towards those who have
something ‘better.’” We see something
and admire it; but then our will begins to desire it and we move to possess it
at all costs. Even if we don’t actually acquire it, we are still in the process
of coveting. The NIV Study Bible note for Exodus 20:17 continues to explain
this commandment by reminding us that breaking God’s commandments inwardly is
the same as breaking them outwardly (Matthew 5:21-30).
Jesus spoke about covetousness and gave a warning. He said to “take
heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the
abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) The first command regarding idolatry is linked
to this last command as they both deal with what is in a person’s heart. “No. .
. covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ
and God.” (Ephesians 5:5) The New
Testament also reminds us that our conduct is to be without covetousness; that
we are to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5).
We should do our best to not take or keep things that don’t belong to
us, to be truthful in all we say and to be satisfied with what we have. But
even as followers of Christ, who have the Holy Spirit to help us obey God’s
Word; we may not always obey all of God’s commandments. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned the
disciples to stay alert and to pray so they would not give in to temptation. He
stated that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Paul also shared that he struggled with doing
the things he knew he should do and not doing the things he knew he shouldn’t
do (Romans 7:15-24). Thankfully, there is no condemnation when we sin. We may
have to face the consequences of our sinful actions, but God
Quotes taken from:
-David Guzik, “Study Guide for Exodus 20”, Blue Letter Bible
-The Wiersbe Bible Commentary; The Complete Old Testament, “Exodus
20:1-17”, Page 183
-The NIV Study Bible, Zondervan
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