The obligation about cheating or defrauding a mason lodge states what?

• A. I will not cheat, wrong nor defraud a master mason lodge or a brother master mason out of the value of anything, knowingly, nor permit it to be done if within my power to prevent it.
• B. I will cheat or defraud if it benefits the lodge.
• C. I will withhold dues from a brother.
• D. I will misappropriate lodge funds if necessary.

Answer: (A)

Honesty and fair dealing are at the heart of this obligation. You pledge not to cheat, wrong, or defraud a master mason lodge or a brother master mason out of anything of value, knowingly, and you vow to prevent it if you can. This frames a duty to protect the lodge’s property and the trust among brothers, and to act to stop wrongdoing when you see it.

Choosing this wording aligns with the idea that integrity isn’t just about not taking advantage yourself, but also about preventing others from doing harm and upholding the lodge’s welfare. The other notions—cheating for a supposed lodge benefit, withholding dues from a brother, or misappropriating lodge funds—contradict this oath and violate the trust and ethical standard that Masonry upholds.