Question 275: What does the Eighth Commandment teach you?

Answer:

The Eighth Commandment teaches me to respect the property and well-being of others. I must not steal, cheat, or take what is not mine, but live with honesty, generosity, and contentment. It calls me to work diligently, give freely, and steward what God has entrusted to me for the good of others. (Exodus 20:15, Ephesians 4:28, Proverbs 11:1, 1 Timothy 6:6–10, Hebrews 13:5)

Full Scripture References

“You shall not steal.” – Exodus 20:15 (BSB)

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one in need.” – Ephesians 4:28 (BSB)

“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” – Proverbs 11:1 (BSB)

“Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. Those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” – 1 Timothy 6:6–9 (BSB)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Eighth Commandment teaches me to live in honesty and trust, acknowledging that everything I have ultimately belongs to God. I am called to honor the possessions of others, to refrain from taking what is not mine, and to live with integrity in all financial and relational dealings. Bishop Jerry L. Ogles (Anglican Orthodox Church) writes, “The heart that covets or steals denies that God provides. The one who obeys this command lives in trust and contentment, knowing the Lord is his portion.” (Homilies on the Ten Commandments, 2018)

This commandment also challenges me to examine subtle forms of theft—fraud, tax evasion, dishonest business practices, or taking advantage of others’ labor. Bishop Henry Okeke (GAFCON, Diocese of Ideato, Nigeria) warns, “Injustice thrives where theft hides beneath systems and power. The Church must not only avoid stealing but expose it.” (GAFCON Statement on Righteousness and Justice, 2022)

Fr. Zachary Jones (Anglican Union, Church of the Holy Redeemer, OK) reminds us that this commandment has a constructive side: “God calls us not merely to avoid taking, but to begin giving. The transformed heart doesn’t ask ‘What can I keep?’ but ‘How can I bless?’” (Sermons on Faith and Practice, 2021)

The Anglican tradition teaches stewardship as a holy discipline. Canon David Roseberry (ACNA, Christ Church Plano) writes, “To obey the Eighth Commandment is to remember that we are not owners but stewards. Generosity flows from gratitude, and it breaks the grip of greed.” (Formation and the Commandments, 2019)

Fr. Eric Wallace (Reformed Episcopal Church, Diocese of Mid-America) adds, “This commandment sanctifies work, restores dignity to labor, and reminds us that every job honestly done can glorify God. Theft devalues not only possessions but persons. Integrity builds community.” (Lectures on the Moral Law, 2016)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Let him who has abundance share with the one who has little. The one who withholds in greed breaks this commandment in his heart.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Social Justice, c. 370 AD

“He who steals does not only wrong man but insults God, who gives to each as He wills. Let your hands labor in justice, and your heart rejoice in giving.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermon on the Mount, c. 395 AD

“Stealing is not always with the hand; it may be done with the tongue, the ledger, or the scale. Let us be pure in every transaction.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On Works and Alms, c. 250 AD

“Let no Christian take what is not his, for the Lord Himself became poor that we might be rich in righteousness.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD