WLC 122
Westminster Larger Catechism
Q122. What is the sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man?
The sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man is, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to do to others what we would have them to do to us.
Proof texts
- Matt. 22:39 — [39] And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
- Matt. 7:12 — [12] “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matt. 22:39 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q92 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
Leader's notes
A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. CXXII. QUEST. CXXII. What is the sum of the six Commandments, which contain our duty to man? ANSW. The sum of the six Commandments, which contain our duty to man, is to love our neighbour as ourselves, and to do to others what we would have them do to us. As the first table of the ten Commandments respects our duty to God, the other contains our duty to our neighbor; which is comprized in the general idea of love. This is therefore styled the sum of the following six Commandments; and it is included in our Saviour’s words; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Matt. xxii. 39. and elsewhere, Whatsoever ye would that men should do to…