A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 79. What is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

1. Does this commandment lay a restraint upon the heart? Yes: for the law is spiritual, Rom. 7:14. Does the heart need this restraint? Yes: for the inward part is very wickedness, Ps. 5:9. Does the light of nature discover this? No: I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet, Rom. 7:7.

2. Are we forbidden to covet another man's house? Yes: As they that covet houses and take them away, Mic. 2:2. Or another man's wife? Yes: for her husband is to her a covering of the eyes, Gen. 20:16. Or another man's goods? Yes: I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel, Acts 20:33.