The Sixth Commandment is “Thou shalt not commit adultery”; it calls us to purity in word and action. The Seventh Commandment is “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife”; it calls us to purity in thought. Sex is sacred, because it creates life, which is sacred – sex has no place outside the marital covenant. We often treat others as objects to use and fulfill our own desires. A saint once said that it is impossible to dialogue with someone with impure thoughts, for one would lose internal peace. We mustn’t only avoid sinning, but also the occasions of sin. Positively, we can receive help from the Sacraments, especially Holy Communion and Confession. Negatively, we should avoid idleness, which can lead us to temptation. The Seventh Commandment is “Thou shalt not steal”, the Eight Commandment is “Thou shalt not bear false witness”, and the Tenth Commandment is “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods”. All three concern justice towards our neighbour’s reputation and property. We mustn’t gossip or speak carelessly, or else we will steal others’ reputations. Lying is usually a venial sin, but becomes a mortal sin once it severely harms another’s reputation or leads them to sin.
Fr. Ho talks about the Sixth to Tenth Commandment
