Question 110
Q. What doth God forbid in the eighth commandment?
A. God forbids not only those thefts and robberies which are punishable by the magistrate; but He comprehends under the name of theft all wicked tricks and devices whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbor, whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights, ells, measures, fraudulent merchandise, false coins, usury, or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness, all abuse and waste of His gifts.

Footnotes

• 1 Cor. 6:10
• 1 Cor. 5:10
• Luke 3:14. 1 Thes. 4:6
• Prov. 11:1
• Ezek. 45:9-11. Deut. 25:13
• Psa. 15:5. Luke 6:35
• 1 Cor. 6:10

Question 111

Q. But what doth God require in this commandment?
A. That I promote the advantage of my neighbor in every instance I can or may, and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others; further also that I faithfully labor, so that I may be able to relieve the needy.

Footnotes

• Mat. 7:12
• Prov. 5:16. Eph. 4:28