Luther's Small Catechism Part 8

All those whom G.o.d has placed over us, such as guardians, employers, teachers, and the government.

_65. Must we obey parents and superiors when they ask us to do what is sinful?_

No; we ought to obey G.o.d rather than men. Acts 5:29.

_66. What is the duty of parents toward their children?_

They must love them, pray for them, bring them up in the fear of the Lord, and in everything seek their temporal and spiritual good.

=Prov. 13:24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.=

=Eph. 6:4.=

_67. What is G.o.d's promise to those who honor father and mother?_

It shall be well with them, and they shall live long on the earth.

_68. Is this promise yet effective?_

Yes; in this sense, that special blessings rest upon obedient children, and upon every nation honoring father and mother.

_69. Has G.o.d given us also a land?_

Yes; He has given us our native land, that we may love it and help it to prosper.

_70. What does the fourth commandment forbid?_

To despise and give offense to father and mother.

=Prov. 17:25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.=

_71. What does he bring upon himself who transgresses this commandment?_

Condemnation and punishment from G.o.d.

=Deut. 27:16. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother.=

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT.

=Thou shalt not kill.=

_That is_,

We should fear and love G.o.d, and not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and befriend him in all bodily distress.

_72. How is this commandment transgressed?_

1. By taking our neighbor's life, or by doing him any bodily harm.

=Gen. 9:6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of G.o.d made he man.=

2. By hatred, anger, abusive words, and all offensive behavior toward our neighbor.

=1 John 3:15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.=

=Eph. 4:31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.=

_73. Can we kill also our neighbor's soul?_

Yes; when we cause him to sin, either by purposely leading him astray, or by bad example, thus helping to destroy his soul.

=Rom. 16:18. By good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple.=

=Matt. 18:7. Woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.=

_74. May we take our own life?_

No; G.o.d has given us life, and He alone has the right to take it.

_75. What does G.o.d require of us in the fifth commandment?_

That we help our neighbor in all bodily distress, and a.s.sociate with him in love and gentleness.

=Luke 10:33-35.=

=Eph. 4:32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as G.o.d for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.=

=Matt. 25:35, 36. I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in;=

=Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.=

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT.

=Thou shalt not commit adultery.=

_That is_,

We should fear and love G.o.d, and live a chaste and pure life, in words and deeds, husband and wife loving and honoring each other.

_76. How is this commandment transgressed?_

1. When husband and wife are unfaithful to each other.

=Heb. 13:4. [R. V.] Let marriage be had in honor among all.=

2. By all impure thoughts, desires, words, and acts, in married as well as in unmarried persons.

=Eph. 5:3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.=