Stealing is something most of us know is wrong, but what does the Bible have to say about it? The Bible is clear in its commandments against theft, emphasizing the importance of honesty and respect for others’ property. Exploring these teachings can help reinforce why integrity is so important in our lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About stealing
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
This verse from the Ten Commandments states the clear commandment against stealing. It is a straightforward reminder that stealing is against God’s law and goes against His principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for others.
Proverbs 6:30-31
“People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.”
This passage emphasizes the consequences of stealing and the societal expectations regarding stealing out of hunger. While stealing is still condemned, it acknowledges that there may be different motivations behind the act. It also warns of the severe repercussions that come with getting caught, including the loss of possessions.
Ephesians 4:28
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
In this verse, the Apostle Paul encourages thieves to change their ways and engage in honest labor. It highlights the importance of working hard to provide for oneself and even go beyond that by having something to share with those in need. This verse emphasizes the transformation that can occur when one turns away from stealing and embraces a life of honest work and generosity.
Leviticus 19:11
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.”
This verse emphasizes that stealing is not the only form of dishonesty condemned by God. It reminds believers that truthfulness and integrity are essential in their interactions with others. By including stealing within a broader commandment against dishonesty and lying, it shows the importance of upholding honesty in all aspects of life.
Proverbs 10:2
“Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse highlights the futility of acquiring wealth through wicked or unlawful means, such as stealing. It emphasizes that ill-gotten gains ultimately bring no real benefit, but a life of righteousness and integrity leads to deliverance from spiritual death. It serves as a warning against the deceptive allure of dishonest gain.
Proverbs 21:6
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.”
This verse further emphasizes the temporary nature of dishonestly obtained treasures. It describes them as a fleeting vapor and a snare of death, indicating their lack of lasting value. It encourages believers to pursue honest gain rather than relying on deceit and theft to accumulate wealth or possessions.
Proverbs 22:28
“Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.”
This verse refers to the importance of respecting property boundaries and recognizing the rights of others. It serves as a reminder not only to refrain from stealing but also to avoid encroaching upon and unlawfully claiming someone else’s possessions or land. It reinforces the principles of honesty and respect for others’ property.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul highlights that thieves, along with other immoral and dishonest individuals, will not inherit the Kingdom of God. It emphasizes the spiritual consequences of participating in theft and warns against the destructive nature of such behaviors.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, ‘That is no transgression,’ is a companion to a man who destroys.”
This verse addresses the specific act of robbing one’s parents and draws attention to the severe moral implications of such a transgression. It reveals the seriousness of stealing from family members and the destructive nature of such actions. It serves as a warning against dishonoring and betraying the trust of loved ones.
Luke 19:8-10
“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'”
In this narrative, Zacchaeus demonstrates repentance and a desire to make amends for his past actions as a tax collector, which involved dishonest practices such as extortion and stealing. His declaration to give back and make restitution reflects a profound change of heart and serves as an example of the transformative power of encountering Jesus and seeking reconciliation.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns against the temptation to pursue wealth at all costs. He highlights the destructive consequences that can result from the unhealthy love of money, which can lead individuals astray from their faith and cause various forms of ruin. It serves as a reminder to prioritize godliness and contentment over the pursuit of material gain.
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Jesus cautions against the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and encourages believers to focus on building treasures in heaven instead. He reminds them that material wealth can be temporary and vulnerable to decay, theft, or loss. This verse urges a shift in perspective, emphasizing the eternal value of investing in spiritual matters and pursuing righteousness.
Leviticus 19:13
“You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.”
This verse encompasses not only the prohibition of stealing but also forbids oppressing others or withholding fair wages. It demonstrates God’s concern for justice and fairness in all aspects of human interactions. It serves as a reminder to treat others with respect and integrity, ensuring they receive their due compensation.
Proverbs 28:17
“If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.”
This verse reminds individuals of the consequences that come with stealing and causing harm to others. It implies that guilt and the weight of taking what belongs to others causes a perpetual state of instability and guilt. It serves as a warning against engaging in stolen possessions and the futility of seeking help or refuge in such circumstances.
1 Peter 4:15
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.”
In this verse, the Apostle Peter calls for believers to live righteous lives and not to suffer the consequences of being involved in theft or any form of wrongdoing. It encourages followers of Christ to distance themselves from sinful behavior, including stealing, and to strive for a life that reflects their faith in honorable ways.
Zechariah 5:3-4
“Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.'”
This prophetic passage speaks of the consequences that thieves and those who deceive will face. It conveys the idea of a divine curse coming upon the dishonest, causing their possessions to be depleted and their home to be consumed. It serves as a severe warning against engaging in theft and dishonesty.
Proverbs 16:8
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”
This verse emphasizes the value of righteousness and integrity over material wealth acquired through unjust means. It speaks to the importance of contentment and maintaining a clear conscience, even if it means having limited possessions. It reminds believers that true riches lie in living righteously, regardless of their monetary status.
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'”
In this encounter with a rich young man, Jesus highlights the spiritual significance of generosity and selflessness. He challenges the young man to let go of his attachment to material possessions and instead prioritize acts of charity and following Him. This verse demonstrates that the pursuit of wealth can hinder one’s spiritual growth and discipleship.
Proverbs 10:5
“He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”
This verse does not directly address stealing, but it conveys the importance of diligence and proper stewardship over what one possesses. It encourages individuals to responsibly gather and manage resources, avoiding laziness or neglect that could lead to shame and even potential temptations towards dishonesty. It promotes a proactive and responsible approach to the gifts and provisions that God has granted.
Psalm 62:10
“Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.”
This verse reminds believers of the importance of trust in God rather than relying on unlawful gain or ill-gotten riches. It cautions against placing one’s hope and security in dishonest practices or the accumulation of wealth. It encourages a mindset centered on eternal values and a heart that seeks after God above all else.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
While not explicitly about stealing, this verse highlights the importance of having a generous and compassionate attitude toward others. It encourages believers to actively seek opportunities to help those in need rather than disregarding or mistreating their neighbors. By promoting generosity, it discourages the selfishness often associated with theft and greed.
Luke 12:15
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'”
In this verse, Jesus warns against the danger of coveting or desiring material possessions excessively. He reminds His followers that true life and fulfillment do not come from the abundance of possessions but from a relationship with God and the pursuit of His Kingdom. It encourages believers to maintain a balanced perspective on wealth and to prioritize spiritual and eternal matters above earthly gain.
Hosea 4:1-2
“Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.”
In this passage, the prophet Hosea addresses the rampant sin and corruption present within the land. While it mentions stealing alongside other transgressions, it highlights how the absence of faithfulness, love, and knowledge of God leads to an environment characterized by various forms of wrongdoing. It serves as a call for repentance and a reminder of the importance of living in alignment with God’s principles.
Proverbs 6:30-31
“People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.”
This passage emphasizes the consequences of stealing and the societal expectations regarding stealing out of hunger. While stealing is still condemned, it acknowledges that there may be different motivations behind the act. It also warns of the severe repercussions that come with getting caught, including the loss of possessions.
Deuteronomy 5:19
“‘You shall not steal.”
This verse reiterates the commandment against stealing, restating the straightforward prohibition of taking what does not belong to oneself. Stealing is clearly defined as contrary to God’s law, emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ property and possessions.
James 5:4
“Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.”
James addresses the sinful practice of withholding fair wages from workers, which constitutes a form of theft. He highlights the injustice and oppression that results from such actions and emphasizes that God hears the cries of the oppressed. This verse serves as a reminder that dishonest practices, including stealing from workers, are not hidden from God’s sight.
Proverbs 20:23
“Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.”
This verse speaks against dishonest business practices, such as using false weights or measures to deceive others and gain an unfair advantage. Such actions are seen as an abomination to the Lord, emphasizing His desire for honesty and integrity in all transactions. It serves as a warning against using fraudulent means to achieve personal gain at the expense of others.