Catholic Doctrine Regarding The Ten Commandments - Ninth Commandment

Ninth Commandment

The ninth and tenth commandments deal with coveting, which is an interior disposition not a physical act. The Catechism distinguishes between covetousness of the flesh (sexual desire for another's spouse) and covetousness for another's worldly goods. The ninth commandment deals with the former and the tenth the latter.

Jesus emphasized the need for pure thoughts as well as actions, and stated, "Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." The Catechism states that, with the help of God's grace, men and women are required to overcome lust and bodily desires "for sinful relationships with another person's spouse." Purity of heart is suggested as the necessary quality needed to accomplish this task; common Catholic prayers and hymns include a request for this virtue. The Church identifies gifts of God that help a person maintain purity:

1. Chastity, which enables people to love others with upright and undivided hearts.
2. Purity of intention, which seeks to fulfill God's will in everything, knowing that it alone will lead to the true end of man.
3. Purity of vision, "external and internal", disciplining the thoughts and imagination to reject those that are impure.
4. Prayer that recognizes the power of God to grant a person the ability to overcome sexual desires.
5. Modesty, of the feelings as well as the body is discreet in choice of words and clothing.

Jesus stated, "Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God." This purity of heart, which the ninth commandment introduces, is the "precondition of the vision of God" and allows the person to see situations and people as God sees. The Catechism teaches that "there is a connection between purity of heart, of body and of faith."