Ellen Chat Conversation

In the book *Patriarchs and Prophets*, the explanation of the Decalogue given at Mount Sinai clarifies that the eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal," has a much broader application than simple theft (PP 308.8). This precept is described as covering both private actions and public or national policies (PP 309.1). Specifically, the commentary on this commandment explicitly states that it forbids wars of conquest (PP 309.1).

This indicates that the divine prohibition against taking what belongs to another applies to nations seizing territory or resources just as much as it applies to individuals (CS 254).

Beyond military aggression, the commandment is shown to condemn other systemic evils such as slave dealing and manstealing (PP 309.1). It requires absolute integrity in every aspect of life, including the fair payment of wages and the refusal to take advantage of those who are weak or ignorant (CS 254).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the relationship between the Ten Commandments and the laws of nature?How does the tenth commandment against coveting relate to the eighth commandment?What practical counsel did she give regarding the payment of just debts and wages?

““Thou shalt not steal.” PP 308.8”

PP 308.8

“Both public and private sins are included in this prohibition. The eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave dealing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade, and requires the payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage oneself by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another is registered as fraud in the books of heaven. PP 309.1”

PP 309.1

“What the Eighth Commandment Requires The eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave dealing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade, and requires the payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage oneself by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another, is registered as fraud in the books of heaven.— Patriarchs and Prophets, 309 . CS 254”

CS 254