Shorter Catechism Q. 73. Which is the eighth commandment? A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. Q. 74. What is required in the eighth commandment? A. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Commentary: By telling us what not to do, the commandments teach us what is good. For example, the command not to murder teaches that life is sacred. Similarly, the eighth commandment, which says you shall not steal, teaches the divine right of ownership. If people didn’t own things or if they shared everything in common, then no one could break this command. Stealing assumes the existence and right of private property.
Furthermore, this commandment requires that we build our own wealth and material possessions. God wants us to make, save, and build our financial resources through lawful means so that we might provide for ourselves, our families and those in need (Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:8; Gal. 6:10). We mustn’t so focus on “spiritual” matters that we neglect “earthly” ones. Unless we are independently wealthy or receive a substantial inheritance, we need not only to work, but to pursue a job that will pay the bills and more if possible. We also need to be wise with the money we make, lest we overspend or lose it through foolish investments or get-rich-quick schemes.
Still further, this command requires that we promote the welfare of others. We don’t want to be prosperous at the expense of others or only look out for our own interests. Instead, we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and do to others what we would have them do to us.
WLC 141 provides a detailed list of what this commandment forbids: “The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man, rendering to every one his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; moderation of our judgments, wills and affections concerning worldly goods; a provident care and study to get, keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; a lawful calling, and diligence in it; frugality, avoiding unnecessary law-suits, and suretiship, or other like engagements; and an endeavour, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.”