What is required in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Proofs
- The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others. (Genesis 30:30; 1 Timothy 5:8; Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 22:1–5; Exodus 23:4–5; Genesis 47:14, 20)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is it lawful for us to seek our own temporal advantage?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: And now when shall I provide for my own house, (Genesis 30:30)
Should we do this by an application to some lawful calling?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Study to be quiet and to do your own business, (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
And by diligence in that calling?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Not slothful in business, (Romans 12:11)
And by frugality?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He that gathereth in the summer is a wise (Proverbs 10:5)
And by a discreet conduct?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For by understanding is a house established, (Proverbs 24:3)
And to all this should we join fervent prayer?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I will for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, (Ezekiel 36:37)
Section 2
Must we be just to all that we deal with?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Render to all their due, (Romans 13:7)
Must we not over-reach the ignorant?
Answer: No.
Proof: Let no man defraud or go beyond his brother, (1 Thessalonians 4:6)
Nor oppress the indigent?
Answer: No.
Proof: We must not buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes, (Amos 8:6)
But should we rather relieve them?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: If thy brother be waxen poor and fallen into decay, thou shalt relieve him, (Leviticus 25:35)
And be forward so to do?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: We must be ready to distribute, willing to communicate, (1 Timothy 6:18)
Section 3
Must we faithfully fulfil our promises?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I took an oath of them that they should do according to this promise, (Nehemiah 5:12)
And be true to our trusts?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful, (1 Corinthians 4:2)
And return what we have borrowed?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the wicked borroweth and payeth not again, (Psalm 37:21)
And discharge our just debts?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Owe no man any thing, (Romans 13:8)
And make restitution where wrong has been done?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, (Leviticus 6:4)
And is such honesty the best policy?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For a little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked, (Psalm 37:16)