In my daily handwriting of
Scripture, I came across several very interesting verses in Deuteronomy 24:
“When you lend your brother anything, you shall not go
into his house to get his pledge. You shall stand outside, and the man to whom
you lend shall bring the pledge out to you”
(Deut 24:10-11).
Tucked in amongst what my New King James Bible calls “Miscellaneous
Laws” is this little bombshell about private property. As usual, God’s Word is
stated in clear and concise language, is non-equivocal in its meaning, and is
applicable to contemporary life!
I was reminded of John Locke’s famous three rights: “Life, liberty, and
property.” These three have been enshrined in the U.S. Declaration of
Independence and in the Bill of Rights. The protection of private property
being found in the Fourth Amendment:
“The right of the people to be secure in
their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and
seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable
cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place
to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
It appears that the Fourth Amendment is merely a working expansion of
Deuteronomy 24:10-11.
Lately, however, there has been a storm of controversy regarding
digital private property. Is it right for one who is a lender (hardware
supplier, software distributor, or government agency) to enter the hard drive or communication
files of John Q. Public without his consent or without his knowledge.
As inconvenient as it may sound for the lender, Moses in Deuteronomy
tells him, “Stay out of the house!” May God give our society divine wisdom in
dealing with the issues surrounding digital privacy in these troubled times.
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