Q.79. Which is the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.[r]

[r] Exod. 20:17.

Q.80. What is required in the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition,[s] with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his.[t]

[s] Heb. 13:5. 1 Tim. 6:6.

[t] Job 31:29. Rom. 12:15. 1 Tim. 1:5. 1 Cor. 13:4-7.

We are here taught,

1. That we are required to be contented with our condition in life.

2. That we are required to cultivate a right and charitable disposition towards the person of our neighbour.

3. That we are required to cultivate a right disposition towards the property of our neighbour.

Q.81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?

A. The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate,[v] envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour,[w] and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.[x]

[v] 1 Kings 21:4. Esther 5:13. 1 Cor. 10:10.

[w] Gal. 5:26. James 3:14,16.

[x] Rom. 7:7,8. Rom. 13:9. Deut. 5:21.

We are here taught,

1. That we are forbidden to be discontented with our condition in life.

2. That we are forbidden to be envious at the good of others.

3. That we are forbidden to grieve at the good of others.

4. That we are forbidden to indulge inordinate motions or affections towards any thing that belongs to our neighbour.