What is the Eighth Commandment in the Bible?
The eighth commandment is a commandment found in the Bible. It states that we should not steal, lie, or deal with others in a false way. This commandment is still relevant today. It is also important for us to not covet other people’s possessions.
You shall not deal falsely
You shall not steal, cheat, or deceive a neighbor. The Bible makes it clear that these behaviors are unacceptable and should not be allowed. The eighth commandment also prohibits lying to get what you want. Whether you’re after a valuable piece of jewelry or an ill-gotten gain, you should never steal.
Rather, it’s important to remember that this commandment reflects God’s view of what a Christian is supposed to be. Christians are called to take this commandment very seriously. This is because obedience is the fruit of grace, a testimony to the world of your conversion, and a reflection of your heart. If you want to be a good witness, you must be faithful to God’s Word.
The eighth commandment in the Bible also prohibits kidnapping. This was a common practice in the past. Many Africans were sold into slavery for centuries. Many Bible critics claimed this law to justify the practice, but the Bible itself says that no one can profit from slavery. Moreover, the next chapter of the Torah makes it clear that whoever kidnaps someone will be put to death.
You shall not lie to one another
One of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall not lie to one another.” Keeping your word is the best way to avoid conflict. You must be honest with everyone, even if you do not think it is a good idea. The Bible has several examples of how people who lie to each other will not prosper.
Christians should be honest with each other. Lying is an abomination and will bring judgment from God. This is what Peter teaches in Acts 5:3. Peter questioned two believers who had lied. He asked Ananias, a believer in Christ, about lying to the Holy Spirit. Ananias had lied to the Holy Spirit about receiving a portion of the proceeds from the sale of his land. The lie cost Ananias and his wife their lives. In this way, we can see that lying is part of our “old self.” The apostle Paul wrote to Christians that they should not lie.
You shall not covet
The word “covet” in Hebrew means “to lust after” or “to long for with great desire.” According to the Bible, it is forbidden for the Israelites to covet the possessions of their neighbor, which includes the wife of that neighbor.
While the Eighth Commandment is all about protecting our property, it also applies to the time, talent, and opportunity of others. It applies to all things that we have stewardship over. The Eighth Commandment is the most universal of them all. It is not only relevant for the physical world, but also for our spiritual life.
The Bible also emphasizes contentment as a virtue, which contrasts covetousness. Jesus preached that life was not about accumulating possessions, but about living contentedly. The book of Hebrews teaches us to be content with what we have and to depend on God. Likewise, the Epistle of James teaches that covetousness is an internal source of temptation, sin, and fighting. In other words, covetousness breeds covetousness, and the end result is destruction.
You shall not be covetous
The commandment, “You shall not covet,” is a contradiction in terms. Covetousness is the desire for an object without acting on it. For example, a peasant with sound mind would not covet his neighbor’s beautiful princess or his ability to fly. The Torah makes clear that covetousness is a moral wrong that should be avoided.
Those who practice this commandment should be honest, compassionate, and kind to their neighbors. In addition, they should not be ill-tempered, hypocritical, or indulge in evil schemes against their neighbors. They should love their neighbors as themselves.