Lesson 9 - 8th Commandment

Question 1

How does the 8th Commandment apply toward wealth and poverty?

Answer 1

1. ) Scripture does not condemn wealth or praise poverty
   - - Scripture condemns greed which is the idolatrous pursuit of wealth (1 Cor. 6:10, Titus 1:7, Col. 3:5)
   - - Scripture condemns the exploitation and oppression of the poor (Proverbs 14:31; Isaiah 3:13-15, 10:1-2; Ezekiel 18:12, 22:29; Amos 4:1; Zechariah 7:10; James 2:1-7)
   - - Scripture condemns the pursuit of wealth without regard for the poor (James 5:1-6)
   - - Scripture urges compassion for the poor and sacrificial generosity toward others (Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 19:21; James 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 8-9)
   - - Scripture prescribes specific means for relieving poverty (Family, Tithes, Interest-free loans, gleaning, servitude, work, fianical wisdom, sharing, hospitatiliy)
2. ) Scripture teaches us to give first priority to relieving poverty within our family and within the church (1 Timothy 5:3-8; Matthew 25:40; Galatians 6:10)
3. ) Both wealth and poverty carry their own temptations (Proverbs 30:8; Philippians 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:6)

Question 2

How does the 8th Commandment apply toward economic systems?

Answer 2

8th Commandment doesn’t teach a specific economic system, but it does provide restraints

• • Rules out communism (private property, free exchange of goods)
• • 8th commandment has a presumption toward capitalism (wealth creation through hard work; innovation and investment)

Question 3

What are the 3 questions to ask of economic systems?

Answer 3

1. ) Normative - Which economic systems observe biblical priorities and biblical principles of justice and equity?
2. ) Situation - Which economic systems are most effective in actually reducing poverty?
3. ) Existential - Which economic systems cultivate biblical motives and biblical virtues: hard work, fairness, productivity, integrity, honest, etc.?

Question 4

How does the 8th Commandment apply toward stewardship and financial responsibility?

Answer 4

The 8th Commandment requires us to pursue general financial responsibility (Luke 14:28; Matthew 25:14-30)

• • This follows from the general principles of stewardship and our specific financial responsibilities (Matthew 22:17-22; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:8)
• • Everything belongs to God and we are responsible to steward it wisely.
• • The 8th Commandment implies that we should educate our children to be financially responsible
• • Good wealth management need not involve idolatry or covetousness (Luke 12:13-21)
• • Wanting to invest your money well, does not mean that you are greedy.
• • Luke 12 - sin of the rich fool was not that he was wealthy, but that he was proud of what he had done, selfish with what we had, building up earthly treasures.