Do you ever wonder what the Bible has to say about stealing? Stealing is something that many of us have experienced or been a victim of, whether it’s someone taking your lunch money in grade school or corporate theft and embezzlement.
Today, we’ll explore some bible verses about stealing and discuss their implications.
What Does the Bible Say About Stealing?
The Bible has quite a lot to say about stealing. In the Ten Commandments, God tells us, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). This is repeated in Leviticus 19:11-12 where it says, “You shall not steal; You shall not deal falsely or lie to one another.”
Stealing is repeatedly addressed in other places within Scripture as well, such as Proverbs 6:30, which states that people who steal ‘ devour their own flesh,’ meaning they will ultimately bring harm to themselves through this sin.
A few examples of New Testament verses surrounding stealing are Ephesians 4:28, which instructs believers to work and earn an honest living rather than attempting ill-gotten gains through thievery, and Hebrews 13:5, which warns against covetousness, a precursor for many acts of theft.
Ultimately, the Bible clearly instructs us that taking things from others without permission or payment (whether material property or intangibles like credit) is wrong and ought never to be done by those following Christ’s teachings!
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Time
Bible Verses About Stealing
The Sin of Stealing
Stealing is viewed as a grave sin according to the Bible and is forbidden in numerous passages. It is seen as being dishonest and goes against God’s commandment, “You shall not steal.”
The Bible emphasizes that stealing has serious moral implications but also breaks God’s law, so anyone who steals will be held accountable. The Bible further encourages people to work diligently and make an honest living instead of taking from others for their own gratification.
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
Proverbs 6:30-31
“People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give all the goods of his house. But the one who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.”
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.”
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Luke 18:20
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother’.”
Romans 13:4
“But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
The Consequences of Stealing
The act of stealing is condemned in the Bible and can result in various negative consequences.
These can range from financial loss and destroyed relationships to physical harm, legal repercussions, decreased trust and respect from others, a damaged reputation that has long-term implications on one’s life, as well as being required to pay a sevenfold restitution according to Scripture.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
Isaiah 56:1
“But those who do wrong will be punished, and those who do right will be rewarded.”
Proverbs 13:11
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
Romans 2:13
“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”
Proverbs 11:1
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”
Proverbs 22:22
“Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:”
Isaiah 61:8
“For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
Jeremiah 7:9-10
“Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’-only to go on doing all these abominations?”
Repentance and Forgiveness
Repenting and being forgiven are both essential components of Christianity. Repentance requires someone to admit their wrongdoings, seek absolution from God, and strive to better themselves through altering behavior.
On the other hand, forgiveness involves releasing any grudges or rage while granting mercy towards those who have transgressed against us.
Both repentance and forgiveness are necessary for personal growth in faith as well as with others in order to maintain meaningful connections with each other and our Lord God. However, this is not only an apology, but one must take action to make positive changes regardless of how hard it may be so that genuine transformation can occur within oneself.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world works death.”
Proverbs 28:13
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The Importance of Honesty
Honesty is of the utmost importance in both personal and societal relationships, as it enables individuals to build trust and establish integrity.
Being truthful in our actions, words and intentions strengthens a moral code of conduct that ensures respect between people; dishonesty causes mistrust, negatively impacting any relationship.
Honesty is beneficial not just on an interpersonal level but also for one’s character and general well-being. Showing Honesty provides accountability for oneself as well as produces admiration from others.
Ultimately, Honesty creates the foundation for a successful life within society.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.”
Proverbs 14:25
“A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.”
Proverbs 12:17
“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.”
Proverbs 16:11
“A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.”
Proverbs 20:10
“Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”
Luke 16:10-11
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”
The Golden Rule
The “Golden Rule” is a key concept that promotes practicing kindness and empathy when interacting with others. It suggests considering how our actions are affecting those around us and encourages individuals to treat others in the same manner they would wish to be treated.
This basic principle of morality is found in various religious and secular codes of conduct, often summarized by the phrase, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The Golden Rule emphasizes showing respect for all people and understanding that we are all part of a connected global community.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Luke 6:31
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
Matthew 7:12
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Luke 6:31
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Luke 6:36
“Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”
The Commandment to Love and Help Others
As Christians, we are called to live out the Commandment to Love and Help Others. This involves actively providing assistance in meeting the needs of those who are less fortunate than us rather than simply just offering kind words or prayers.
Taking action is key to continuing to show love and compassion for others which is according to Jesus’ teachings. It is also an essential part of living a life that reflects our faith.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”
Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”
James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'”
Also Read: 27 Important Bible Verses About Being Unique
Final Thoughts on Bible Verses About Stealing
As Christians, it is our duty to live in accordance with biblical principles such as Honesty and integrity, fairness and justice, and loving others. We cannot steal; this goes against the tenth commandment as well as Jesus’ teachings.
Furthermore, we must be aware of the consequences of stealing and put effort into providing for those less fortunate than us. In conclusion, living a righteous life rooted in biblical values should be our ultimate goal each day.