Lord, Have Mercy: For Failing to Live with Integrity
Pr Jon Arndt
7th - 10th Commandments and Luther's Explanations
Scripture
The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not take our neighbor’s money or property, or get it by dishonest dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and means of income.
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, or give him a bad name, but defend him, speak well of him, and take his words and actions in the kindest possible way.
The Ninth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or obtain it by a show of right, but do all we can to help him keep it.
The Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, workers, animals, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not force or entice away our neighbor’s spouse, workers, or animals, but urge them to stay and do their duty.