The Ten Commandments

As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to those 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 take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not use His name to curse, swear, practice witchcraft, lie, or deceive; but we should call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

The Third Commandment

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not despise His Word and the preaching of it; but we should regard God’s Word as holy and gladly hear and learn it.

The Fourth Commandment

You shall honor your father and your mother that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not despise nor anger our parents or superiors; but we should honor, serve, and obey them, and give them love and respect.

The Fifth Commandment

You shall not murder.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not hurt nor harm our neighbor’s body; but we should help and be a friend to 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 live a pure and decent life in words and actions, and that husband and wife love and honor one another.

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 possessions, nor get them in a dishonest way; but we should help him to improve and protect his property and way of making a living.

The Eighth Commandment

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, or say anything that might ruin his good name and reputation; but we should defend him, speak well of him, and explain all his words and actions in the best possible way.

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 sinfully desire to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house by a trick or in a way that appears to be right; but we should do everything we can to help him keep what is his.

The Tenth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his workers, nor his animals, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not sinfully desire to use tricks or force, or do anything that might cause our neighbor to lose his wife, workers, or animals; but we should urge them to stay and do their duty.

The Conclusion

What does God say about all of these commandments?

He says, “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

What does this mean?

God threatens to punish all who do not obey these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His anger and not do anything against what He commands. God also promises grace and every blessing to those who obey these commandments. Therefore, we should love and trust Him and willingly do what He commands.