Exodus 20:15

Exodus 20:15

I. In this commandment the institution of property is recognised and sanctioned by the authority of God. The institution of property is necessary: (1) for increasing the produce of the earth; (2) for preserving the produce of the earth to maturity; (3) for the cultivation and development of the nature of man; (4) for the intellectual development of man.

II. The institution of property imposes upon all men the duty of industry in their callings; the duty of maintaining independence; the duty of avoiding any, even the least, invasion of the rights of others; the duty of self-restraint in expenditure, as well as of honesty in acquisition.

III. If property is a Divine institution, founded on a Divine idea, protected by Divine sanction, then in the use of it God should be remembered, and those whom God has entrusted to our pity and our care. There are a thousand good works which appeal to us for sympathy, and have a moral right to demand our aid. Definite provision should be made for discharging the duties of charity as well as for meeting the inexorable demands of justice.

R. W. Dale, The Ten Commandments,p. 196.

References: Exodus 20:15. J. Oswald Dykes, The Law of the TenWords,p. 156; J. Vaughan, Sermons to Children,4th series, p. 224; S. Leathes, The Foundations of Morality,p. 179; Preacher's Monthly.vol. ii., pp. 216, 219; F. D. Maurice, The Commandments,p. 116.