Heidelberg Catechism / Lord's Day 40 / Q. 105
Q. 105. What doth God require in the sixth command?
Question. What doth God require in the sixth command?
Answer. That neither in thoughts, nor words, nor gestures, much less in deeds, I dishonour, hate, wound, or kill my neighbour, by myself, or by another (Eph. 4;31), but that I lay aside all desire of revenge (Rom. 12;17, 19); also all desire of revenge (Rom. 12;17, 19); also that I hurt not myself, or wilfully expose myself to danger (Eph. 5;29). Wherefore also the magistrate is armed with the sword, to prevent murder (Rom. 13;4).
Proofs.
- [proof-1] Eph. 4;31.—Let all bitterness, and wrath, and clamor, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.— Zech. 8;16, 17.—Matt. 5;22.—2 Sam. 12;9.—Ps. 15;1, 3.—Lev. 19;17.—Lev. 24;17.—Gen. 4;6.
- [proof-2] Rom. 12;17, 19.—Recompense to no man evil for evil......Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lrod.— Lev. 19;18.
- [proof-3] Eph. 5;29.—For no man ever yet hated his own flesh.— Matt. 4;7.
- [proof-4] Rom. 13;4.—For he is the minister of God to thee for good.—But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid: for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.— Gen. 9;6.
