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Question 81. What is forbidden in the tenth commandment? The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.
Episode: Question & Answer 81
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Guest/Teacher: Sinclair Ferguson
Date: June 23, 2026
This episode focuses on Question 81 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
"What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?" Dr. Sinclair Ferguson unpacks the deeper spiritual implications of the tenth commandment, exploring how true Christian growth involves moving from foundational truths ("the milk") to richer doctrine ("the meat")—here, seen through the lens of contentment and the fight against envy and greed. The discussion centers on the heart's posture toward God's providence and neighbor's blessings, giving practical wisdom for self-examination and discipleship.
Main Reference – 00:03
Catechism Answer:
“The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.”
Summary of Explanation:
Sinclair Ferguson's Focus
This commandment deals with the “invisible sins” of the heart—those sins that others may never see but are known to God.
Discontentment and envy spring from a lack of trust in God’s goodness and providence.
Coveting is, in a sense, a root sin that often leads to many outward transgressions.
Notable Quote [00:15]:
“We often think of the commandments as stopping us from doing things, but here’s one that goes right to the heart and says, ‘It’s not simply your actions I care about, it’s your desires.’”
— Sinclair Ferguson
The law leads us to recognize our need for Christ, as only He can truly change our desires.
Ferguson emphasizes that Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, takes the commandments “deeper” by focusing on the heart.
Spiritual growth involves being honest about the inner struggles of envy and discontent.
Memorable Moment [00:28]:
“The tenth commandment is God’s way of saying, ‘I care about you so much, I want your heart to be free and satisfied in Me, not always grasping for what others have.’”
Sinclair Ferguson [00:03]:
“The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate, envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.”
Sinclair Ferguson [00:15]:
“We often think of the commandments as stopping us from doing things, but here’s one that goes right to the heart and says, ‘It’s not simply your actions I care about, it’s your desires.’”
Sinclair Ferguson [00:28]:
“The tenth commandment is God’s way of saying, ‘I care about you so much, I want your heart to be free and satisfied in Me, not always grasping for what others have.’”
Dr. Ferguson’s teaching on Question 81 invites listeners to reflect seriously on their desires, recognizing how the tenth commandment goes beyond actions into the territory of the heart. He encourages Christians to seek true contentment in God, reminding us that spiritual growth is a journey that moves from basic truths to a deep, liberating reliance on Christ—who alone can satisfy our restless hearts.
