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

our gifts for service to others. Because of what God has done for us, we should offer ourselves in service to Him for His glory (Romans 6:12-13; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Colossians 3:17). Warren Wiersbe writes, “Ephesians 4:28 teaches that there are only three ways to get wealth: work for it, have it given to you, or steal it, and stealing is wrong.”

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

is a fool (Proverbs 10:18). A dishonest witness tells lies (Proverbs 12:17). A person who speaks lies will perish (Proverbs 19:9).  We are not to speak against anyone without a good reason; we are not to say things that are false (Proverbs 24:28).  God felt so strongly about lying in court that he made the accusers the executioners in capital crimes (Deuteronomy 17:6-13).  In the New Testament we are told simply not to lie to one another (Colossians 3:9);  to not speak evil of anyone (Titus 3:1-2; James 4:11);  and to lay aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking (1 Peter 2:1).  Satan is a liar and always ready to encourage us to be one too (John 8:44).  We must be on the alert and always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

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

will not hold it against us because we are saved from the punishment of death for our sin (Romans 8:1-2).  We are delivered through Jesus’ death on the cross (Romans 7:25).  David wrote that the sins of those who fear God are removed “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:11-12).  It is not enough to just be sorry for our sin though, we must ask God for forgiveness and repent, which means to turn away and not repeat the sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).  But God promises to forgive us and let us have a fresh start (Lamentations 3:22-23).

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