The Ten Commandments for Business: Commandment Ten

In this series, we’re pondering the Ten Commandments.

Years ago, my friend, Frank, helped a convicted felon be released early from prison by offering him a job. Years later, Frank’s good deed was dishonored when this convicted felon stole Frank’s customer list and his proprietary technology and began a competing business.

Although Frank chose not to prosecute this thief, there will be eternal consequences for the thief someday.

In Exodus 20:17, the tenth commandment teaches, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Some people in business see what others have created or have accumulated and look on with envious eyes. God expects us to be content with our circumstances.

When we are envious of what others may have, we will eventually suffer the consequences.

Questions for Reflection

• Are you discontented with your current circumstances? What is causing discontentment? Do you lack something that you need or want? What could you do or change to attain your goal?
• What do you currently have that you wished for in the past? What goals have you accomplished? What is your favorite part of your job, of your neighborhood? What are you thankful for? What was the highlight of your day?

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