FAQs Mondays: What is the Eighth Commandment?

Last week, we answered the question, "What is the seventh commandment."  You can view that post here.  This week we turn our attention to the question, "What is the eighth commandment?".

Which is the eight commandment?

The eighth commandment is, "You shall not steal" (Ex. 20:15).

What is required in the eight commandment?

The eight commandment requires that we pursue lawful and useful work to provide for our needs and for those unable to provide for themselves.  Deuteronomy 15:10 states, "You shall give to him [the poor] freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake." Leviticus states, "If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you" (Lev. 25:35).  Paul states, "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need" (Eph. 4:28).

What is forbidden in the eight commandment?

The eight commandment forbids whatever would unjustly withhold or diminish a person's possessions or attainments.  Romans 13:7 states, "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed."  The Lord said, "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me.  But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions" (Mal. 3:8).

Summary

The eight commandment expressly forbids taking, in an unlawful manner, what rightly belongs to another.  Yet it implies much more.  The eight commandment requires that we work diligently, give generously, and protect the poor.  Next week, we turn our attention to answering the question, "What is the ninth commandment?".