The Ten Commandments
As the father of the family should present them simply to the members of his household
The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean?
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
The Second Commandment
You shall not misuse the name of your God.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not curse, swear, practice witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name; but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
The Third Commandment
You shall sanctify the day of rest.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not despise preaching and His Word; but hold it sacred, and gladly hear and learn it.
The Fourth Commandment
You shall honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not despise or anger our parents and those in authority over us; but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
The Fifth Commandment
You shall not murder.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body; but help and support him in every bodily need.
The Sixth Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we lead a pure and chaste life in word and deed, and each one love and honor his spouse.
The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not take our neighbor’s money or property, nor get them with deceitful products or dealings; but help him to improve and protect his property and livelihood.
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not falsely deceive, betray, or slander our neighbor, or give him a bad reputation; but defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.
The Ninth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, nor get it in a way that outwardly appears lawful, and so on; but aid and assist him to keep it.
The Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, manservant, maidservant, animals, or anything that is his.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God, that we do not unharness, coerce, or alienate from our neighbor his wife, servants or animals; but urge them to stay and do their duty.
The Conclusion
What does God say about all these commandments?
He says: “I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, who visits the sin of the fathers upon their children who hate Me, to the third and fourth generation; but to those who love Me and keep My commandments, I do good for a thousand generations.”
What does this mean?
God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments; therefore, we should fear His wrath and not disobey them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep them; therefore, we should also love and trust in Him, and gladly obey His commandments.