A Blueprint for Living
Exodus 20:1–17 clearly and simply lists the absolutes God has given us to live by. They are straightforward, concise, and to the point.
Commandment #1: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (verse 3).
Commandment #2: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image. . .you shall not bow down to them nor serve them” (verses 4–5).
Commandment #3: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (verse 7).
Commandment #4: “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy” (verse 8).
Commandment #5: “Honor your father and your mother (verse 12).
Commandment #6: “You shall not murder” (verse 13).
Commandment #7: “You shall not commit adultery” (verse 14).
Commandment #8: “You shall not steal” (verse 15).
Commandment #9: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (verse 16).
Commandment #10: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. . .nor anything that is your neighbor’s” (verse 17).
At the close of the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects upon his wasted life and makes this final observation:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Solomon himself had violated many of these commands, so he knew what he was talking about. He coveted. He committed adultery. And he knew that if you violate these commands, your life will be out of balance.
