Q75. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Proverbs 21:17
“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
Proverbs 28:19
“He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.”
Ephesians 4:28
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”
Commentary — Thomas Vincent (1674)
Question 1. What doth the eighth commandment forbid as an hinderence of our own wealth, and outward estate?
Answer. The eighth commandment forbiddeth, as an hinderance of our own wealth, and outward estate, 1. Prodigality and lavish spending our own substance in gluttony, drunkenness, lewd company, gaming, and the like, Luke 15:13. "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living", Prov. 23:21. "The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty", Prov. 21:17. "He that loveth pleasure, shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil, shall not be rich", Prov. 28:19. "He that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough".
2. Imprudence in venturing out all upon great uncertainties, rash engaging in suretiship, or any ways indiscreet management of our callings to our detriment, Prov. 28:22. "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not, that poverty shall come upon him", Prov. 22:26-27. "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or one of them that be sureties for debts: if thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?"