Reply Obj. 3:  Although sin of thought stands first in the order of execution, yet its prohibition holds a later position in the order of reason. ________________________

SEVENTH ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 100, Art. 7]

Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue Are Suitably Formulated?

Objection 1:  It would seem that the precepts of the decalogue are unsuitably formulated.  Because the affirmative precepts direct man to acts of virtue, while the negative precepts withdraw him from acts of vice.  But in every matter there are virtues and vices opposed to one another.  Therefore in whatever matter there is an ordinance of a precept of the decalogue, there should have been an affirmative and a negative precept.  Therefore it was unfitting that affirmative precepts should be framed in some matters, and negative precepts in others.

Obj. 2:  Further, Isidore says (Etym. ii, 10) that every law is based on reason.  But all the precepts of the decalogue belong to the Divine law.  Therefore the reason should have been pointed out in each precept, and not only in the first and third.

Obj. 3:  Further, by observing the precepts man deserves to be rewarded by God.  But the Divine promises concern the rewards of the precepts.  Therefore the promise should have been included in each precept, and not only in the second and fourth.

Obj. 4:  Further, the Old Law is called “the law of fear,” in so far as it induced men to observe the precepts, by means of the threat of punishments.  But all the precepts of the decalogue belong to the Old Law.  Therefore a threat of punishment should have been included in each, and not only in the first and second.

Obj. 5:  Further, all the commandments of God should be retained in the memory:  for it is written (Prov. 3:3):  “Write them in the tables of thy heart.”  Therefore it was not fitting that mention of the memory should be made in the third commandment only.  Consequently it seems that the precepts of the decalogue are unsuitably formulated.

On the contrary, It is written (Wis. 11:21) that “God made all things, in measure, number and weight.”  Much more therefore did He observe a suitable manner in formulating His Law.

I answer that, The highest wisdom is contained in the precepts of the Divine law:  wherefore it is written (Deut. 4:6):  “This is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of nations.”  Now it belongs to wisdom to arrange all things in due manner and order.  Therefore it must be evident that the precepts of the Law are suitably set forth.

Reply Obj. 1:  Affirmation of one thing always leads to the denial of its opposite:  but the denial of one opposite does not always lead to the affirmation of the other.  For it follows that if a thing is white, it is not black:  but it does not follow that if it is not black, it is white:  because negation extends further than affirmation.  And hence too, that one ought not to do harm to another,