A. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why he forbids everything which incites unchastity,1 whether it be actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires.2 1 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18
2 Matt. 5:27-29; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Eph. 5:3-4
A. He forbids not only outright theft and robbery, punishable by law.1 But in God”s sight theft also includes cheating and swindling our neighbor by schemes made to appear legitimate,2 such as: inaccurate measurements of weight, size, or volume; fraudulent merchandising; counterfeit money; excessive interest; or any other means forbidden by God.3 In addition he forbids all greed4 and pointless squandering of his gifts.5
1 Ex. 22:1; 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 6:9-10
2 Mic. 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1-6
3 Deut. 25:13-16; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9-12; Luke 6:35
5 Prov. 21:20; 23:20-21; Luke 16:10-13
A. That I do whatever I can for my neighbor”s good, that I treat him as I would like others to treat me, and that I work faithfully so that I may share with those in need.1
1 Isa. 58:5-10; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:9-10; Eph. 4:28
A. God”s will is that I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one”s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone without a hearing or without a just cause.1 Rather, in court and everywhere else, I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind; these are devices the devil himself uses, and they would call down on me God”s intense anger.2 I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it.3 And I should do what I can to guard and advance my neighbor”s good name.4
A. That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any one of God”s commandments should ever arise in my heart. Rather, with all my heart I should always hate sin and take pleasure in whatever is right.1
1 Ps. 19:7-14; 139:23-24; Rom. 7:7-8
A. No, we shouldn”t try to be wiser than God. He wants his people instructed by the living preaching of his Word-1 not by idols that cannot even talk.2
A. That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God by cursing,1 perjury,2 or unnecessary oaths,3 nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.4 In a word, it requires that we use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe,5 so that we may properly confess him,6 pray to him,7 and praise him in everything we do and say.8
1 Lev. 24:10-17
2 Lev. 19:12
3 Matt. 5:37; James 5:12
4 Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24
6 Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10
7 Ps. 50:14-15; 1 Tim. 2:8
A. Yes, indeed.1 No sin is greater, no sin makes God more angry than blaspheming his name. That is why he commanded the death penalty for it.2
1 Lev. 5:1
2 Lev. 24:10-17
A. Yes, when the government demands it, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness for God”s glory and our neighbor”s good. Such oaths are approved in God”s Word1 and were rightly used by Old and New Testament believers.2
1 Deut. 6:13; 10:20; Jer. 4:1-2; Heb. 6:16
2 Gen. 21:24; Josh. 9:15; 1 Kings 1:29-30; Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:23
A. No. A legitimate oath means calling upon God as the one who knows my heart to witness to my truthfulness and to punish me if I swear falsely.1 No creature is worthy of such honor.2