The last two of the Ten Commandments emphasize God’s interest in “the neighbor.” The word “neighbor” appears four times in two verses.
Imagine this scene. Two neighbors go to court to settle a dispute. They both state their intention, to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
The ninth command is in play at this point.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20.16).
If both neighbors tell the truth, justice can be served in their case. If one neighbor makes false claims, not only is justice denied but also the relationship between the two neighbors is harmed.
God knows what is best for humans. He has given us instructions on how to best live in the world. When we “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4.15) our relationships with others will thrive.
The Sermon on the Mount
I believe that Jesus was alluding to this command when he spoke about oaths in the Sermon on the Mount.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’
“But I say to you: Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
“Or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
“And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
“Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5.33-37).
True story. I once had a phone solicitor attempt to sell me swamp land in Florida. He wouldn’t stop talking, even after I repeatedly told him I wasn’t interested.
After listening to him for longer than I should have, I said: “If this is such a good deal, why don’t you buy it for yourself and keep all of the massive profits you are offering me?”
Jesus knew that talkers often mask their dishonest motives behind a flurry of words. A simple “yes” or “no” most often is what is truthful.
Straight and honest conversation builds trust and respect toward our neighbor.
Let’s remember that Jesus taught that it is not up to us to define the boundaries of who is our neighbor. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25-37) reveals our neighbor to be anyone who needs our help.
Don’t Covet
The last of the Ten Commandments mentions “neighbor” three times. God sets people free from oppression to sin and the world’s system allows us to live in community.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female slave, ox, donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor (Exodus 20.17).
We don’t have to look too hard to discover the damaging effects of human failure to follow this command.
(1) Envy and jealousy are not good compliments of friendships and community.
(2) Coveting another’s possessions can lead to lying, stealing, or deception to obtain what someone else possesses.
(3) It is very difficult to grow spiritually and at the same time covet another person’s possessions or spouse.
(4) The advertising industry knows that coveting triggers the purchases of things we may not need nor be able to afford.
(5) When we are always wanting more, it is difficult to appreciate what we already have.
As we overcome the temptation to covet what belongs to our neighbor, we will experience the opposite effects of coveting – friendship, community, spiritual growth, gratitude, and much more.
Love Your Neighbor
Paul has an excellent summary of the commandments in his letter to the Romans.
The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9).
God knows what makes for the best life possible. The best life possible is found in loving God with our whole being and our neighbors as ourselves.
Six of the Ten Commandments give specific instructions of ways we can show love to our neighbors.
Let’s follow these commandments and what Jesus taught about them in the Sermon on the Mount and see what God does with our lives.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 