---
title: "Question 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment? | Westminster Larger Catechism"
description: "Westminster Larger Catechism, question 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment? The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of publi"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-136-what-are-the-sins-forbidden-in-the-sixth-commandment/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=142"
---

# Question 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment? | Westminster Larger Catechism

The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defence; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words; oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

Scripture proofs: Acts 16:28; Gen. 9:6; Num. 35:31, 33; Jer. 48:10; Deut. 20:1-20; Ex. 22:2-3; Matt. 25:42-43; Jas. 2:15-16; Eccl. 6:1-2; Matt. 5:22; 1 John 3:15; Lev. 19:17; Prov. 14:30; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:31; Matt. 6:31, 34; Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13; Eccl. 12: 12; Eccl. 2:22-23; Isa. 5:12; Prov. 15:1; Prov. 12:18; Ezek. 18:18; Ex. 1:14; Gal. 5:15; Prov. 23:29; Num. 35:16-18, 21; Ex. 21:18-36.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=142)

## Related reading

- [Question 135](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-135-what-are-the-duties-required-in-the-sixth-commandment/)
- [Question 137](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-137-which-is-the-seventh-commandment/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-136-what-are-the-sins-forbidden-in-the-sixth-commandment/