THE MORAL LAW

The Ten Commandments

The commandments express the moral law given by God. They teach the duties owed to God and neighbour and guide the Christian life.

1. I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.

   Worship God alone. This commandment concerns faith, hope, charity, adoration, reverence and the rejection of idolatry and superstition.

2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

   Honour God’s holy name. Avoid blasphemy, irreverent speech, false oaths and careless use of sacred things.

3. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

   Sanctify the Lord’s Day. The Sunday obligation to assist at Mass and the duty of suitable rest are treated in traditional catechesis, alongside legitimate exceptions and circumstances.

4. Honour thy father and thy mother.

   Respect parents and legitimate authority; parents in turn have duties of care, instruction and example toward their children.

5. Thou shalt not kill.

   Respect human life and the dignity of every person. Traditional moral theology considers violence, unjust killing, scandal, hatred, self-defence and duties to protect life.

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

   Practise chastity according to one’s state in life and honour the sanctity and fidelity of marriage.

7. Thou shalt not steal.

   Respect the property and rights of others; practise justice, restitution where required, and honesty in work and dealings.

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

   Love truth. Avoid lying, calumny, detraction, rash judgment and unjust injury to another’s good name.

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife.

   Guard the heart and cultivate purity of thought and desire.

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods.

    Resist envy and disordered attachment to possessions; practise contentment, generosity and detachment.

How to study the commandments

Traditional examinations of conscience commonly organise questions around the commandments, duties of state in life, the precepts of the Church and the capital sins. A careful examination should be honest, specific and directed toward sincere repentance and amendment.

For a complete traditional treatment, consult the Catechism of the Council of Trent and established catechisms. Moral questions involving personal circumstances should be discussed with a competent priest.