The Ninth Commandment

YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE

 

The Tenth Commandment

YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE, OR HIS MANSERVANT OR MAIDSERVANT, HIS OX OR DONKEY, OR ANYTHING THAT BELONGS TO YOUR NEIGHBOR.

 

What Does This Mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

The Central Thought

God created us to be content with the gifts by which He sustains our life.

• What are some of the reasons that people are not content with what God has given them?
• Name ten things for which you are grateful. Then offer a prayer of thanks to God.

DEFINITION: What is coveting?

Coveting is the sinful desire in our hearts to acquire for ourselves anything that belongs to our neighbor. It is also the desire to draw away from our neighbor for our own benefit anyone who is important to our neighbor (a spouse, friend, and so on).

---

Page 115, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation

Concordia Publishing House 2017