WSC 71
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q71. What is required in the seventh commandment?
The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior.
Proof texts
- 1 Cor. 7:2-3,5,34,36 — [2] But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. [3] The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. [5] Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. [34] and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. [36] If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry — it is no sin.
- Col. 4:6 — [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
- 1 Pet. 3:2 — [2] when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited 1 Cor. 7:2-3,5,34,36 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WLC Q100 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q138 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?