Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
Ye shall not steal ... neither lie one to another, х 'iysh (H376) ba`ªmiytow (H5997)] - a man by his neighbour. A variety of social duties are inculcated in this passage, chiefly in reference to common and little-thought-of vices to which mankind are exceedingly prone-such as committing petty frauds, or not scrupling to violate truth in transactions of business, ridiculing bodily infirmities, or circulating stories to the prejudice of others. In opposition to these bad habits, a spirit of humanity and brotherly kindness is strongly enforced.
Verse 12. Ye shall not swear by my name falsely. Since this prohibition occurs frequently in this and the two following chapters, it may be observed that the section relates principally to the sanctification of God.
Verse 13. Thou shalt test defraud ... the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee ... - (cf. Deuteronomy 24:14-15.) The Apostle James (James 5:4) refers to this statute as being still in full obligation, as he does also (James 2:9) that in Leviticus 19:15 (see the note at Exodus 23:8).
Verse 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer, х teeleek (H3212) raakiyl (H7400)]. The words are borrowed in Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 20:19; Jeremiah 6:28; Jeremiah 9:3. Secret informers were not allowed to communicate with magistrates, except in cases of idolatry or undiscovered murder. This statute, however, refers only to the circulation of malicious or injurious rumours; and as a tattler, though speaking merely in levity or thoughtlessness, may produce much mischief, tale-bearing was discouraged.
Neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour - i:e., act as a false accuser or a false witness, to endanger the life of another. Accusers and witnesses usually stood in courts of judicature, while the judges sat.