Why Violating the Tenth Commandment Breaks All Ten

No, it is not possible to keep the other nine commandments if you violate the tenth, as the tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sin and includes every other duty within its circlePP 309.5+2.

The Comprehensive Nature of the Tenth Commandment

The law of God is a complete circle that begins and ends with the prohibition of unlawful desireCHR 50.4+1. Because the tenth commandment, "Thou shalt not covet," targets the internal motives and thoughts of the heart, it is the foundation for all outward actions Exodus 20:17PP 309.5+1.

• A Complete Circle: The tenth commandment coincides with the first; you cannot violate the prohibition against coveting without also violating the command to have no other gods before the LordCHR 50.4.

• The Root of All Sin: Every sin begins with lust or unlawful desire James 1:15PTUK November 15, 1894, page 724.5. If the tenth commandment is perfectly kept, all others are kept, but if it is broken, no part of the law is truly observedPTUK November 15, 1894, page 724.5.

• Covetousness as Idolatry: Scripture explicitly defines covetousness as idolatryPH159 170.2+1. Therefore, a covetous person is an idolater, which means they are simultaneously breaking the first and second commandments Colossians 3:5+1CHR 50.4.

Spiritual Nature of the Law

The law is spiritual and reaches far beyond mere external actions to judge the intents of the heart Romans 7:14TT 222.3+1.

• Internal Violation: Even if you do not commit an outward act of theft or murder, harboring the desire for what belongs to another or harboring hatred makes you a transgressor 1 John 3:15PP 309.5+1.

• Inseparable Principles: The Lord's law is a transcript of His character, and offending in one point makes a person guilty of all James 2:10-11ChL 19.1.

• Hypocrisy in Profession: One can maintain a fair outward appearance while their heart goes after covetousness, but God abhors such insincerityARSH October 9, 1856, page 177.11.

Practical Consequences

Covetousness is the leading sin in the transgression of every other commandment in the decalogueSITI August 20, 1885, page 503.9.

• Driving Sinful Acts: It was covetousness that led to Achan's theft and Ahab's murder and robberyEP 352.3+1.

• Separation from God: It is impossible to love money and keep the law of God at the same timePH159 170.2.

• Spiritual Decay: Covetousness is a disease that eats away at spiritual strength, leading to spiritual poverty and selfishness17LtMs, Ms 65, 1902, par. 2.

By seeking the regenerating power of the Spirit, you can have these wicked thoughts put away and replaced with love, peace, and humility2SP 128.3. Jesus is ready to help you in every earnest effort to transform your nature and bring your life into harmony with His holy law3T 550.1+1.