Ethics, personal

Scripture teaches that individuals have a responsibility before God for their conduct.

Ethical principles in relationships generally

Matthew 7:12, Matthew 22:39 parallel Mark 12:31 See also Exodus 20:13–17 parallel Deuteronomy 5:17–21; Leviticus 19:18; Luke 6:31; Romans 12:9–10; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Peter 3:8

In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

The importance of thoughts and motives

Matthew 6:1–4 See also Exodus 21:13–14; Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:28; Philippians 4:8; James 1:15

“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Personal ethics in relation to God

Idolatry prohibited

Exodus 20:4 parallel Deuteronomy 5:8 See also Leviticus 26:1; Joshua 24:14; Acts 14:15; 1 John 5:21; Revelation 22:9

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.

God's name to be honoured

Exodus 20:7 parallel Deuteronomy 5:11 See also Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 28:58; Matthew 5:34, Matthew 6:9 parallel Luke 11:2; James 5:12

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.

Sabbath observance

Exodus 20:8 parallel Deuteronomy 5:12 See also Exodus 31:15, Exodus 34:21; Leviticus 26:2; Nehemiah 10:31; Isaiah 56:2

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Obedience to God's commands

Acts 5:29 See also Deuteronomy 26:16; Matthew 7:21

But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Personal ethics and human relationships

Wives and husbands

Ephesians 5:22, Ephesians 5:25 See also Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 24:5; Matthew 19:6 parallel Mark 10:9; 1 Corinthians 7:10–11; Colossians 3:18–19; 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:7

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her

Children and parents

Ephesians 6:1–4 See also Exodus 20:12, Exodus 21:15; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 6:7; Proverbs 19:18, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 23:22; Colossians 3:20–21; 1 Timothy 3:4, 1 Timothy 5:4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

The extended family

1 Timothy 5:8 See also Leviticus 25:10, Leviticus 25:25, Leviticus 25:49; Numbers 36:8; Deuteronomy 25:5; 1 Samuel 20:29

If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Slaves and masters

Colossians 3:22, Colossians 4:1 See also Exodus 21:2; Ephesians 6:5, Ephesians 6:9; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9; 1 Peter 2:18

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Employers and employees

Leviticus 19:13 See also Deuteronomy 24:14–15; Job 31:13–14; Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5; James 5:4

You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.