Introduction
The questions and answers below are copied from different catechisms. Please see the note at the end of each question for the reference.
Eighth Commandment
- You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15 ESV)
- And you shall not steal. (Deuteronomy 5:19 ESV)
What is the eighth commandment?1
The eighth commandment is, “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
What is required in the eighth commandment?2
The eighth commandment requires the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward state of ourselves and others. (Proverbs 27:23; Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 15:10; 22:14)
What does God require of you in this commandment?3
I must promote my neighbour’s good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need. (Isaiah 58:5-10; Matthew 7:12; Galatians 6:9, 10; Ephesians 4:28)
What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?4
God forbids not only outright theft and robbery (Exodus 22:1; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:9-10) but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury (Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Psalm 15:5; Proverbs 11:1; 12:22; Ezekiel 45:9-12; Luke 6:35); we must not defraud our neighbour in any way, whether by force or by show of right. (Micah 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1-6) In addition God forbids all greed (Luke 12:15; Ephesians 5:5) and all abuse or squandering of his gifts. (Proverbs 21:20; 23:20-21; Luke 16:10-13)
Does it only prohibit the thefts which are punished by human laws, or does it go farther?5
Under the name of theft, it comprehends all kinds of wicked acts of defrauding and circumventing by which we hunt after other men’s goods. Here, therefore, we are forbidden either to seize upon our neighbour’s goods by violence, or lay hands upon them by trick and cunning, or get possession of them by any other indirect means whatever.
Is it enough to withhold your hand from the evil act, or is covetousness also here condemned?6
We must ever return to this — that the law given, being spiritual, intends to check not only outward thefts, but all counsels and wishes which incommode others in any way; and especially covetousness itself, that we may not long to enrich ourselves at the expense of our brethren.
Are we obliged to repair the damage we have unjustly caused?7
We are bound to repair the damage we have unjustly caused. (Exodus 22:1)
Footnotes
What are Catechisms? (47 articles)
- What are Catechisms? (1 of 47)
- What do Catechisms Teach? (2 of 47)
- What are the Ten Commandments? (3 of 47)
- Why Are The Ten Commandments Numbered Differently? (4 of 47)
- What is the First Commandment? (5 of 47)
- What is the Second Commandment? (6 of 47)
- What is the Third Commandment? (7 of 47)
- What is the Fourth Commandment? (8 of 47)
- What is the Fifth Commandment? (9 of 47)
- What is the Sixth Commandment? (10 of 47)
- What is the Seventh Commandment? (11 of 47)
- What is the Eighth Commandment? (12 of 47)
- What is the Ninth Commandment? (13 of 47)
- What is the Tenth Commandment? (14 of 47)
- Are People Able to Keep the Ten Commandments? (15 of 47)
- How are Catechisms Organized? (16 of 47)
- Who is God? (17 of 47)
- What is the Trinity? (18 of 47)
- Who is Jesus Christ? (19 of 47)
- Who is the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost)? (20 of 47)
- What is Creation? (21 of 47)
- What are Angels? (22 of 47)
- Who is Man? (23 of 47)
- What is Sin? (24 of 47)
- What are the Effects of Sin? (25 of 47)
- What is the Bible? (26 of 47)
- What Covenants did God make with People? (27 of 47)
- What is Faith? (28 of 47)
- What is Repentance? (29 of 47)
- What is Grace? (30 of 47)
- What is Redemption? (31 of 47)
- What is Righteousness? (32 of 47)
- What are Justification, Adoption and Sanctification? (33 of 47)
- Why did Jesus Suffer and Die? (34 of 47)
- What was Jesus’ Resurrection? (35 of 47)
- What is the Forgiveness of Sin? (36 of 47)
- What is the Church? (37 of 47)
- What is the Second Coming? (38 of 47)
- What is the Resurrection of Believers? (39 of 47)
- What is the Judgement of non-Christians? (40 of 47)
- What is Everlasting Life? (41 of 47)
- What is Prayer? (42 of 47)
- What is the Lord’s Prayer? Introduction (43 of 47)
- What is the Lord’s Prayer? Baptist Catechism (1677) (44 of 47)
- What is the Lord’s Prayer? Luther’s Small Catechism (1529) (45 of 47)
- What is the Lord’s Prayer? Geneva Catechism (1545) (46 of 47)
- What is the Lord’s Prayer? Heidelberg Catechism (1563) (47 of 47)