Neglect to Warn others of impending danger or neglect to assist them in need may result in their injury or death.
The law recognizes our right to defend our life when it is unjustly assailed. But killing others in self-defense must he our last resort. Many persons act hastily. The official who inflicts the death penalty on condemned criminals is not guilty of wrong, but is doing his duty as an officer of the State. [Rom 13:4]
It is a sin to kill our neighbor's soul by tempting him to sin, or enticing him to wrong-doing by our evil example.
We must not
2.—KILL OR INJURE OURSELVES.
Suicide is often prompted by despair, remorse, [Matt. 27:35] cowardice, recklessness, or insanity. But it is sinful as well as foolish and cowardly. He who commits it robs himself of the opportunity to repent, and leaves others to bear the burdens from which he shrank. If we are tempted to despair, we should not commit suicide, but seek comfort and strength in God's Word. If we have fallen into disgrace by sin, we should repent and lead a better life.
Duels. We not only have no right to endanger another's life by a duel, but we have no right to endanger our own. The duel, which was once a common practice, has justly fallen under the condemnation of public opinion.
A Life of Sin. Impurity, drunkenness, gluttony, or dissipation will shorten our life, and make us die before our allotted time.
Disregard of the Laws of Health, overwork, needless exposure, carelessness, violent anger, needless worry, are all forbidden by this commandment.
The voluntary sacrifice of our life for truth and right (martyrdom), or in defense of our country, or in an effort to rescue and save others, is not only justifiable but noble. [I John 3:16]