Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 72 of 107

What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?

A.The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words and actions.

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 72. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

  1. Matthew 15:19

    For out of the heart come evil ideas, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (NET)

  2. Matthew 5:28

    But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (NET)

  3. Ephesians 5:3-4

    3But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. 4Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting—all of which are out of character—but rather thanksgiving. (NET)

What does this answer mean?

The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words and actions. Like the other commandments, it reaches the heart as well as the outward act. Parents can explain this at a level that fits each child's age. The answer names thoughts first, because sin begins there, and then words and actions.

What can we ask our children?

  1. Which three things does this commandment forbid?
  2. Why does God care about our thoughts as well as our actions?
  3. What should we do with a wrong thought when it comes?

Can I print this question?

Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.

Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.

Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.