Rules - 3:4-6

4.  If you are tempted by evil companions or prompted by your own flesh to do any kind of harm to a fellowman, just stop to think how you would feel if someone did the same to you.  What you would not want another to do to you, then likewise don't do it to someone else.  "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matthew 7:12).  No one likes to have others do harm to him, & therefore he should not do harm to others.


What you detest, don't do to others.  If you do not wish to be slandered, then do not slander others.  On the other hand, if you wish to receive favors, then show the same to others.  Do you wish to obtain mercy?  Show mercy to your neighbor.  Do you wish to be praised?  Then praise others.  If this rule is duly regarded, all transgressions of the first & second tablets of the Law will cease.


5.  When you in your vocation propose to do something, do not allow any misgivings about the providence of God, even though you are aware there is a lack of means.  However, do not begin anything in your work without having first besought the Lord God's blessing upon your labors.  For without God's blessings, all the diligence, effort, labor, & care that we humans of the household invest will be in vain & useless (Psalms 127:1,2).  On the blessing of God all things depend.


Pray therefore to the Lord that he would bless your labors & only then seize hold of the task with a joyful spirit, committing the outcome to the wise providence of God who cares for us & permits no want to those who fear him (Psalms 34:9).  


6.  Never propose to get ahead or to support yourself by any means that God has forbidden, for what kind of gain is that if you have won it at the expense of your soul? (Matthew 16:26).  


It may be that through illicit means you do make a profit, but in so doing you defile & violate your conscience.  And who can bear the burden of an injured nagging conscience?  Therefore, in all your dealings & business, be diligent as was the Apostle Paul to always have a clear conscience before God & man (Acts 24:16).

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