The Ninth commandment in the Lutheran tradition is often understood as “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, servants, or anything else.” This commandment, along with the other nine, is derived from the Ten Commandments found in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the Lutheran understanding, the commandments serve as a guide for moral living and provide a framework for how believers should relate to God and one another.
The prohibition against coveting in the Ninth commandment is significant because it addresses the inward desires and thoughts of an individual. Coveting can be understood as an intense desire or longing for something that belongs to someone else. Lutherans believe that this commandment not only addresses the actions of individuals but also their intentions and attitudes.
Coveting someone’s wife, servants, or anything else is seen as a violation of the sanctity of marriage and the importance of contentment in one’s own life. Lutherans emphasize the importance of faithfulness and commitment in relationships, and therefore, coveting another person’s spouse is seen as a betrayal of these values.
Additionally, Lutherans interpret the Ninth commandment as a call to be content with what one has and to avoid envy or jealousy. This includes not desiring or lusting after material possessions, social status, or anything else that belongs to someone else. Instead, Lutherans are encouraged to focus on gratitude, recognizing and appreciating the blessings they have been given.
In my personal experience, understanding and living out the Ninth commandment has been a continual challenge. In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of comparison and consumerism, it can be difficult to resist the temptation to covet what others have. I have found that cultivating a mindset of gratitude and contentment is a lifelong journey that requires intentional effort.
Furthermore, the Lutheran understanding of the Ninth commandment extends beyond coveting in the context of relationships and material possessions. It also encompasses coveting in terms of power, success, and recognition. Lutherans are called to resist the temptation to envy others’ achievements or positions of authority, focusing instead on serving others and living according to God’s will.
The Ninth commandment in the Lutheran tradition prohibits coveting one’s neighbor’s wife, servants, or anything else. It serves as a reminder to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and faithfulness in relationships and to avoid envy or jealousy. Living out this commandment requires a conscious effort to resist the cultural pressures of comparison and consumerism, instead focusing on serving others and living according to God’s will.