The Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q71. What is required in the Seventh Commandment?

A. The Seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour’s
chastity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.[1]

Proofs

[1] 1 Corinthians 7:2–3, 5, 34, 36; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:2.

Comments

Just as the Sixth Commandment has to do with preserving our own and our neighbour’s life, the Seventh Commandment has to do with preserving our own and others’ chastity.

So, firstly, we must make every effort to keep ourselves unpolluted in our heart, speech and deeds. The Apostle Paul exhorts: “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour” (1 Thes 4:3–4). We may do so, firstly, by not entertaining any lustful thoughts or fantasy in our hearts. Secondly, by turning our eyes away from anything which may provoke lust be it pornography on television, Internet, magazine, etc., or even a person of the opposite gender who is immodestly dressed. Learn the principle of guarding the eyes from Job: “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” (Job 31:1). Thirdly, by refusing to listen to anything immorally provoking, including some romantic songs. Fourthly, by avoiding all touches which may evoke unchaste desires (cf. 1 Cor 7:1).

At all times, but especially when faced with temptation, the child of God should remember that God sees all things: including the desires of our hearts (see Proverbs 5:20–21). And knowing our own weakness, let us learn to apply to the Lord to “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Mt 6:13).

Secondly, as the Seventh Commandment requires our preserving the chastity of our neighbours, we must do all that is within our power to prevent the defilement of others. This includes the way in which we dress (1 Tim 2:9); the way we speak (Eph 4:29; 5:4); and the way we behave (cf. 1 Pet 3:1–2). For this purpose, the Apostle Paul instructs us that in a church we should treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with all purity (1 Tim 5:1–2).