The Ten Commandments
Q14. What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or things, or get them by cheating. Instead, we should help our neighbor protect and take care of what is theirs.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Ephesians 4:28
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
Luke 12:15
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Luther say we should do instead of stealing?
- 2
How can someone "get things by cheating" without it looking like stealing?
- 3
What does it look like to help your neighbor protect what is theirs?
Illustration
During a test, a student copies answers from the person next to him. He did not break into anyone's locker. He did not take money from a wallet. But he stole someone else's work and claimed it as his own. Cheating, cutting corners, and taking credit for what others did all break this commandment, even if no one calls it "stealing."
Application
This week, do your own work honestly, even when it is harder. If you see a classmate or sibling lose something, help them find it instead of ignoring it. Because God provides for you, you do not need to grab what belongs to others.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)