Important Notice:
Always check out what you read and hear for yourself, using the Bible, asking our HEAVENLY FATHER for wisdom, guidance, and understanding. Never take anyone's word alone, including this website, without first doing your own homework. As Christians, we should be listening to GOD's WORD, not what someone else has to say if it can't be documented. As it's written in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Please note, the yellow text within our studies is Scripture, whereas the white text is our commentary.
The Ten Commandments
The ten commandments are the fundamental laws to abide by, which our HEAVENLY FATHER gave unto Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. Although some people believe these were done away with or were only instructed for the Israelites to live by, as you will see below, they were written for everyone to live by and will continue to apply to everyone until the end of this flesh age. Below we will begin in Exodus 20 but before we do, let's take a look at what CHRIST HIMself said in Matthew 5:17-18.
Matthew 5:17-19
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
This word "jot" mentioned here, is the Greek word iōta, which is talking about the tenth and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, Yod ('). It is what changes the sound of a vowel. And a tittle refers to the least particle of a Hebrew letter which distinguishes the difference between two letters similar in appearance. So as we can clearly see, CHRIST did not come to change even the slightest bit of the law, nor even the pronunciation till all be fulfilled; and all will not be fulfilled until CHRIST returns at the seventh trumpet, which is the last trumpet and this heaven and earth age pass away. So these Old Testament commandments still stand today. The only thing that was done away with in part of fulfilling the law was blood ordinances (i.e. animal sacrifices) because CHRIST became our ultimate Sacrifice on the cross, for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12), which not only covers sins, but is able to forgive sins as well (1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1), and to sacrifice an animal today would be a great sin to do. Remember CHRIST was GOD in the flesh, as HIS very name Emmanuel means "with us is GOD" or "GOD with us", which is why HE would say "I AM the BREAD of LIFE (John 6:35, John 6:41, John 6:48, John 6:51)", "I AM the LIGHT of the world (John 8:12)", "I AM the DOOR of the sheep (John 10:7, John 10:9)", "I AM the resurrection and the LIFE (John 11:25)", "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10:11, John 10:14)", "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE (John 14:6)", "I AM the TRUE VINE (John 15:1, John 15:5)". And remember, who the GREAT I AM is? Is is ALMIGHTY GOD (Exodus 3:14), as HE does not change; HE is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:8).
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
This word "jot" mentioned here, is the Greek word iōta, which is talking about the tenth and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, Yod ('). It is what changes the sound of a vowel. And a tittle refers to the least particle of a Hebrew letter which distinguishes the difference between two letters similar in appearance. So as we can clearly see, CHRIST did not come to change even the slightest bit of the law, nor even the pronunciation till all be fulfilled; and all will not be fulfilled until CHRIST returns at the seventh trumpet, which is the last trumpet and this heaven and earth age pass away. So these Old Testament commandments still stand today. The only thing that was done away with in part of fulfilling the law was blood ordinances (i.e. animal sacrifices) because CHRIST became our ultimate Sacrifice on the cross, for one and all times (Hebrews 10:12), which not only covers sins, but is able to forgive sins as well (1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1), and to sacrifice an animal today would be a great sin to do. Remember CHRIST was GOD in the flesh, as HIS very name Emmanuel means "with us is GOD" or "GOD with us", which is why HE would say "I AM the BREAD of LIFE (John 6:35, John 6:41, John 6:48, John 6:51)", "I AM the LIGHT of the world (John 8:12)", "I AM the DOOR of the sheep (John 10:7, John 10:9)", "I AM the resurrection and the LIFE (John 11:25)", "I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10:11, John 10:14)", "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE (John 14:6)", "I AM the TRUE VINE (John 15:1, John 15:5)". And remember, who the GREAT I AM is? Is is ALMIGHTY GOD (Exodus 3:14), as HE does not change; HE is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:8).
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Exodus 20:1-17
1 And God (= ʼĕlôhîym [pronounced el-o-heem') spake all these words, saying,
This first verse alone, documents that these commandments we are about to see below (verses 3-17) apply to all of mankind. Notice that "GOD" here in the Hebrew is Elohim. Anytime you see Elohim used for our HEAVENLY FATHER, it refers to HIM as the Creator and shows HIS divine relation to mankind [as a whole] as HIS creation. The first occurrence of this is in the very first verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1), which says "In the beginning God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created the heaven and the earth". You will also see this used again in verse 26 & 27 of that first chapter and book when describing the creation of mankind, "And God (= ʼĕlôhîym) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27)". So as we can see, that clarifies exactly as to who these below commandments, we are about to read of, apply to; and again that's everyone, and if you're truly a CHRISTian, then you'll strive in every aspect of your life to keep them.
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 (1st commandment) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
As we can see, this is the first Commandment and not just the first commandment, but the greatest one too as JESUS CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) HIMself even stated in Matthew 22:36-38. These first four commandments as you will see are spiritual and apply to loving GOD, while last six that will follow apply to loving your neighbor. And remember those who truly love GOD will love their neighbor/s (i.e. brethren) too and will keep these commandments of GOD. See also: 1 John 4:20. When you truly put GOD first, everything else will fall into place at just the right timing.
4 (2nd commandment) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Graven images are things worshiped as representations of GOD, or things put in the place of GOD. Sadly many believers fall into this by worshiping objects such as money, jewelry, flags, statues, crosses, figures of Jesus, "pictures of Jesus", Mary, buildings or even their cell phone and T.V., as they can't bear the thought of living without it. Now regardless of what it may be, GOD wants you to focus only on HIM in worship and to worship HIM only. John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." And the best form of worship is always obedience. Though there's nothing wrong with having certain things, depending on what they are, never treat any of those things as idols or show worship towards them, and never let any possession come before GOD. See also: John 14:15.
5 thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Some people think this verse means the punishment of a father's sins is passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, etc, but every person is responsible for their own actions. Notice the end of this verse says "of them that hate me". If a father of a child hates GOD and his child grows up to also hate GOD, then indeed that child will receive the same punishment as his father, as he followed in the same iniquity as his father. But if a child grows up to love GOD, then that child is not punished for the actions of his father. So again, the following generation is only punished if they follow in the same footsteps of iniquity as their fore-fathers. If they choose to love GOD, then they're free from punishment. Ezekiel 18:17-21 documents this.
6 and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
If you love GOD, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as HE does not punish those who love and obey HIM.
7 (3rd commandment) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
If you're not praying to our HEAVENLY FATHER or telling others about HIM in the sense of praising HIM, or talking positive of HIM, then you're using HIS name/title in vain. Other ways people do this is by using HIS name/title in cusswords which is something that should never come out of your mouth, as HE isn't a part of your profanity and wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Even if you're not including HIM in profanity, it still shouldn't come out of your mouth, as every aspect of your life should be to reflect JESUS and honor HIM in all of your actions. Taking GOD's name in vain not only just consists of using HIS name wrong when you speak but also based on a wrong way of living. When you claim to represent JESUS CHRIST and you call yourself a CHRISTian, but yet others can't tell you're a CHRISTian based on how you're living because you're too busy living like the rest of the world, okay with sinning whenever you want, then that also can be considered taking GOD's name in vain. Don't call yourself a "CHRISTian" if you're not willing to fully commit yourself into following CHRIST and be a representative of HIM. Although we all have sinned and we all fall short at times regardless of what sins we commit (Romans 3:23), true CHRISTians strive to be free from sin, not strive to sin freely and think that GOD's just going to forgive them; after all, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13).
8 (4th commandment) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Although all of these commandments should be remembered, it's sad how the very one that starts with "remember" is the most ignored and forgotten by most Christians today.
10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
As we can see, this wasn't just instructed for the Israelites to follow, it was instructed for all to follow, including the stranger, which refers to foreigners (gentiles [i.e. non-Israelites]) in their land. After all, if you're a Christian today, regardless if you're an Israelite, you're grafted in (see Romans 11:17-25, Galatians 3:26-29), and part of being grafted in and receiving the gift of the promise land is by loving JESUS, and by loving HIM, we keep HIS Commandments (John 14:15). JESUS even says in Mark 2:27 "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:" "Man" is in reference to mankind in general, not a specific race/group of people.
11 for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
See study "Remember The Sabbath" for more information.
12 (5th commandment) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
When you know your parents/guardians are doing their best to raise you and help you, it should be your absolute desire to honor them. Although there are bad parents that exists in many households today, you should always have enough respect for the fact that they at least helped bring you into the world and gave birth to you. Even if they are in the wrong on whatever it may be, keep living your very best life, reflecting the ways of JESUS and hopefully as time moves on, they will be convicted, changed, and start living and showing Godly love and examples too. See also: 1 John 4:7-8 and 1 John 4:18-21.
13 (6th commandment) Thou shalt not kill.
This word "kill" in the Hebrew is "râtsach" and it means murder.
14 (7th commandment) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Most people know what adultery is but to those who don't, it means for someone to have intimate relations with someone who is not their spouse. In the figurative and spiritual sense, it means to apostatize or commit idolatry, as unfortunately some of the children of Israel did later on in Scripture. If you're someone reading this today and you think you can get away with this, just know that GOD sees everything and you will be judged by HIM one day. Don't play Russian roulette with your soul as you can never win against GOD. Adultery also is one of the few sins that if committed, resulted in capital punishment in Biblical days, which shows how serious it is. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."; that is if they don't repent and come to CHRIST, as again, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13). JESUS also said in Matthew 5:28 "but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." In other words, if you covet and lust after another person's spouse (in this example a woman, as JESUS was talking to men), you've already committed adultery in your heart/mind. So always be careful what you fill your mind with. Watch your thoughts before they become your actions.
Something also interesting about this commandment, is how it happens to be the seventh commandment listed, and as we know, our TRUE CHRIST returns at the seventh trumpet (the last trumpet), after the tribulation of satan (2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13) and when HE returns, HE's coming for a virgin bride (spiritually speaking [see 2 Corinthians 11, Matthew 25]), and if people are already deceived by satan, who will appear to be the "savior" of these end times to the world, then they're already spiritually married to him, and will be unfit for our ultimate wedding ceremony with CHRIST, and will miss out on the Kingdom of Heaven, as they will have committed spiritual adultery (idolatry) with satan.
15 (8th commandment) Thou shalt not steal.
If you know something belongs to somebody else, then don't take it without their permission. Just as you wouldn't want someone stealing from you, neither should you steal from others, regardless of how small or worthless you think it might be in their eyes, and regardless of how rich they may be. If there's something you really want or need from somebody, even if it's food, piece of bubble gum, etc, just ask them and perhaps they'll give it to you or sell it to you.
16 (9th commandment) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
In other words, don't lie or spread rumors. One of the worst things a person can do is try to get somebody in trouble for something they didn't do. Proverbs 19:9 says "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish."
17 (10th commandment) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
This last commandment deals with the mind and is one that unfortunately many people struggle with who have their mind set on the things of the flesh and the things of this world. Once you realize that there is absolutely nothing this flesh and world has to offer that can truly bring satisfaction to you, then you will find this easier to overcome, as CHRIST should always be your first love and main focus. Colossians 3:2 says "Set your affection (= mindset) on things above (i.e. CHRIST), not on things on the earth." and 1 John 2:15 says "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." If your neighbor, friend, relative, or whoever it is has something nice, be happy for them. Don't try to compete or waste your life away desiring and coveting what's theirs. Be thankful for what you do have as it could always be worse for you. 1 Timothy 6:7 says "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Set your mind on CHRIST and obeying HIS commandments, for when you do this, you make HIS day and when you make HIS day, you can bet HE most certainly is going to make yours and bless you.
This first verse alone, documents that these commandments we are about to see below (verses 3-17) apply to all of mankind. Notice that "GOD" here in the Hebrew is Elohim. Anytime you see Elohim used for our HEAVENLY FATHER, it refers to HIM as the Creator and shows HIS divine relation to mankind [as a whole] as HIS creation. The first occurrence of this is in the very first verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1), which says "In the beginning God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created the heaven and the earth". You will also see this used again in verse 26 & 27 of that first chapter and book when describing the creation of mankind, "And God (= ʼĕlôhîym) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God (= ʼĕlôhîym) created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27)". So as we can see, that clarifies exactly as to who these below commandments, we are about to read of, apply to; and again that's everyone, and if you're truly a CHRISTian, then you'll strive in every aspect of your life to keep them.
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 (1st commandment) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
As we can see, this is the first Commandment and not just the first commandment, but the greatest one too as JESUS CHRIST (GOD in the flesh) HIMself even stated in Matthew 22:36-38. These first four commandments as you will see are spiritual and apply to loving GOD, while last six that will follow apply to loving your neighbor. And remember those who truly love GOD will love their neighbor/s (i.e. brethren) too and will keep these commandments of GOD. See also: 1 John 4:20. When you truly put GOD first, everything else will fall into place at just the right timing.
4 (2nd commandment) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Graven images are things worshiped as representations of GOD, or things put in the place of GOD. Sadly many believers fall into this by worshiping objects such as money, jewelry, flags, statues, crosses, figures of Jesus, "pictures of Jesus", Mary, buildings or even their cell phone and T.V., as they can't bear the thought of living without it. Now regardless of what it may be, GOD wants you to focus only on HIM in worship and to worship HIM only. John 4:24 says "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." And the best form of worship is always obedience. Though there's nothing wrong with having certain things, depending on what they are, never treat any of those things as idols or show worship towards them, and never let any possession come before GOD. See also: John 14:15.
5 thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Some people think this verse means the punishment of a father's sins is passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, etc, but every person is responsible for their own actions. Notice the end of this verse says "of them that hate me". If a father of a child hates GOD and his child grows up to also hate GOD, then indeed that child will receive the same punishment as his father, as he followed in the same iniquity as his father. But if a child grows up to love GOD, then that child is not punished for the actions of his father. So again, the following generation is only punished if they follow in the same footsteps of iniquity as their fore-fathers. If they choose to love GOD, then they're free from punishment. Ezekiel 18:17-21 documents this.
6 and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
If you love GOD, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as HE does not punish those who love and obey HIM.
7 (3rd commandment) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
If you're not praying to our HEAVENLY FATHER or telling others about HIM in the sense of praising HIM, or talking positive of HIM, then you're using HIS name/title in vain. Other ways people do this is by using HIS name/title in cusswords which is something that should never come out of your mouth, as HE isn't a part of your profanity and wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Even if you're not including HIM in profanity, it still shouldn't come out of your mouth, as every aspect of your life should be to reflect JESUS and honor HIM in all of your actions. Taking GOD's name in vain not only just consists of using HIS name wrong when you speak but also based on a wrong way of living. When you claim to represent JESUS CHRIST and you call yourself a CHRISTian, but yet others can't tell you're a CHRISTian based on how you're living because you're too busy living like the rest of the world, okay with sinning whenever you want, then that also can be considered taking GOD's name in vain. Don't call yourself a "CHRISTian" if you're not willing to fully commit yourself into following CHRIST and be a representative of HIM. Although we all have sinned and we all fall short at times regardless of what sins we commit (Romans 3:23), true CHRISTians strive to be free from sin, not strive to sin freely and think that GOD's just going to forgive them; after all, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13).
8 (4th commandment) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Although all of these commandments should be remembered, it's sad how the very one that starts with "remember" is the most ignored and forgotten by most Christians today.
10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
As we can see, this wasn't just instructed for the Israelites to follow, it was instructed for all to follow, including the stranger, which refers to foreigners (gentiles [i.e. non-Israelites]) in their land. After all, if you're a Christian today, regardless if you're an Israelite, you're grafted in (see Romans 11:17-25, Galatians 3:26-29), and part of being grafted in and receiving the gift of the promise land is by loving JESUS, and by loving HIM, we keep HIS Commandments (John 14:15). JESUS even says in Mark 2:27 "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:" "Man" is in reference to mankind in general, not a specific race/group of people.
11 for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
See study "Remember The Sabbath" for more information.
12 (5th commandment) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
When you know your parents/guardians are doing their best to raise you and help you, it should be your absolute desire to honor them. Although there are bad parents that exists in many households today, you should always have enough respect for the fact that they at least helped bring you into the world and gave birth to you. Even if they are in the wrong on whatever it may be, keep living your very best life, reflecting the ways of JESUS and hopefully as time moves on, they will be convicted, changed, and start living and showing Godly love and examples too. See also: 1 John 4:7-8 and 1 John 4:18-21.
13 (6th commandment) Thou shalt not kill.
This word "kill" in the Hebrew is "râtsach" and it means murder.
14 (7th commandment) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Most people know what adultery is but to those who don't, it means for someone to have intimate relations with someone who is not their spouse. In the figurative and spiritual sense, it means to apostatize or commit idolatry, as unfortunately some of the children of Israel did later on in Scripture. If you're someone reading this today and you think you can get away with this, just know that GOD sees everything and you will be judged by HIM one day. Don't play Russian roulette with your soul as you can never win against GOD. Adultery also is one of the few sins that if committed, resulted in capital punishment in Biblical days, which shows how serious it is. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."; that is if they don't repent and come to CHRIST, as again, there is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 28:13). JESUS also said in Matthew 5:28 "but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." In other words, if you covet and lust after another person's spouse (in this example a woman, as JESUS was talking to men), you've already committed adultery in your heart/mind. So always be careful what you fill your mind with. Watch your thoughts before they become your actions.
Something also interesting about this commandment, is how it happens to be the seventh commandment listed, and as we know, our TRUE CHRIST returns at the seventh trumpet (the last trumpet), after the tribulation of satan (2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13) and when HE returns, HE's coming for a virgin bride (spiritually speaking [see 2 Corinthians 11, Matthew 25]), and if people are already deceived by satan, who will appear to be the "savior" of these end times to the world, then they're already spiritually married to him, and will be unfit for our ultimate wedding ceremony with CHRIST, and will miss out on the Kingdom of Heaven, as they will have committed spiritual adultery (idolatry) with satan.
15 (8th commandment) Thou shalt not steal.
If you know something belongs to somebody else, then don't take it without their permission. Just as you wouldn't want someone stealing from you, neither should you steal from others, regardless of how small or worthless you think it might be in their eyes, and regardless of how rich they may be. If there's something you really want or need from somebody, even if it's food, piece of bubble gum, etc, just ask them and perhaps they'll give it to you or sell it to you.
16 (9th commandment) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
In other words, don't lie or spread rumors. One of the worst things a person can do is try to get somebody in trouble for something they didn't do. Proverbs 19:9 says "A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish."
17 (10th commandment) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
This last commandment deals with the mind and is one that unfortunately many people struggle with who have their mind set on the things of the flesh and the things of this world. Once you realize that there is absolutely nothing this flesh and world has to offer that can truly bring satisfaction to you, then you will find this easier to overcome, as CHRIST should always be your first love and main focus. Colossians 3:2 says "Set your affection (= mindset) on things above (i.e. CHRIST), not on things on the earth." and 1 John 2:15 says "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." If your neighbor, friend, relative, or whoever it is has something nice, be happy for them. Don't try to compete or waste your life away desiring and coveting what's theirs. Be thankful for what you do have as it could always be worse for you. 1 Timothy 6:7 says "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Set your mind on CHRIST and obeying HIS commandments, for when you do this, you make HIS day and when you make HIS day, you can bet HE most certainly is going to make yours and bless you.
So there we have the ten commandments and as always, strive with everything to be free from sin, not to sin freely. As CHRIST said in Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.". And again, HE kept the commandments, which we are to observe and abide by today as well.
Things To Consider:
- If the Ten Commandments, which by the way were written with the very finger of GOD (see Exodus 31:18), and the law in general was done away with, as some claim today, there would be no such thing as sin today, and wouldn't even be possible for someone to sin today as sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4).
- Malachi 3:6 documents that GOD does NOT change. Therefore, what was a sin thousands of years ago is still a sin today.
- The only thing CHRIST's sacrifice on the cross did away with, was blood ordinances (i.e. animal sacrifice), not the law of GOD.
- If GOD's law could be changed, then JESUS CHRIST need not to have died.