Social Justice and Providence in Luther's Small Catechism

This evening, I was re-reading Luther's Small Catechism. I was struck by his answer concerning the meaning of the Seventh Commandment, "Thou shalt not steal."

"We should fear and love God that we may not take our neighbor's money or property, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business [that his means are preserved and his condition is improved]."

I think it would be obvious to us that the Law enjoins us not to take our neighbor's property by force or fraud. What is amazing to me is that Luther reads an additional sense, that we are obligated to help our neighbor flourish materially. To act otherwise is an act of theft as well. Read another way, God intends that we be provided with everything we need. He commands us not only to avoid inhibiting that providence but also to positively support that providence consistent with "the property and business" of our neighbor. I find challenge to both right wing and left wing narratives concerning poverty and income disparity in this reading of the commandment.