Theft is something we all hope never to experience, but what does the Bible say when it happens to us? Scripture talks about justice, forgiveness, and trusting in God’s provision even when wronged. It addresses both the act of stealing and how we are to respond when someone takes from us. Let’s look at how the Bible guides us through this difficult situation with both wisdom and grace.
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What Does The Bible Say About someone stealing from you
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 verse highlights the consequences of stealing and the principle of restitution. It acknowledges that desperation may drive someone to steal, but it also emphasizes that there will be consequences for such actions. It reminds us that stealing is not justified, and if caught, the thief will be required to make restitution for what they have taken.
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.
This verse, known as the Golden Rule, serves as a guiding principle for how we treat others. When someone steals from us, this verse reminds us to exercise empathy and treat them as we would want to be treated. It encourages us to respond with grace and forgiveness, while also holding them accountable for their actions.
Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.
This verse from the Ten Commandments provides a clear commandment against stealing. It serves as a reminder that taking what does not belong to us is a violation of God’s law. It emphasizes the importance of respecting other people’s property and refraining from engaging in dishonest practices.
Proverbs 28:24
Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys.
This verse specifically addresses the act of stealing from one’s own parents. It highlights the severity of such actions and associates them with someone who brings destruction. It underscores the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, both in word and deed, and warns against engaging in dishonest behavior that harms family relationships.
Leviticus 6:2-4
If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely – in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby – if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt.
This passage emphasizes the importance of restitution when it comes to theft and deceit. It outlines the steps an individual must take to repent and make amends for their wrongdoing. It shows that stealing and lying have significant moral and spiritual consequences, and true repentance includes acknowledging the guilt, making restitution, and adding extra to compensate for the harm caused.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
This verse categorizes thieves as wrongdoers who will not inherit the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder that stealing goes against God’s moral standards and separates individuals from their eternal inheritance. It underscores the need for repentance and transformation in the life of a thief, seeking forgiveness and turning away from a life of dishonesty.
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.
This verse provides guidance for individuals who have engaged in theft. It encourages them to leave behind their dishonest ways and embrace honest work. It highlights the transformation that should occur in the life of a thief, shifting from taking from others to giving and sharing with those in need. It demonstrates the redemptive power of Christ and the potential for a thief to become a blessing to others through their honest labor.
Luke 19:8-9
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.”
This passage recounts the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who had engaged in fraudulent practices. When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, he immediately repented and committed to making restitution for his wrongdoings. His response demonstrates the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the willingness to make things right with those he had stolen from. It serves as a powerful example of true repentance and the restoration that comes through a genuine encounter with Christ.
Proverbs 21:6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
This verse warns about the futility and destructive consequences of acquiring wealth through dishonest means. It highlights that ill-gotten gains will not last and can lead to ruin. It serves as a reminder that stealing may yield temporary material benefits, but ultimately it leads to spiritual and emotional emptiness.
Psalm 119:36
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
This verse expresses the desire for a heart that is inclined towards God’s commandments and away from selfish desires, including the temptation to steal for personal gain. It acknowledges the need for God’s intervention and guidance to steer us away from dishonest practices and towards a life of righteousness and contentment.
Proverbs 22:22-23
Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
This verse highlights the importance of compassion and justice towards the poor and vulnerable. It warns against exploiting those who are already disadvantaged. It reassures that the Lord will defend and avenge those who are taken advantage of and promises judgment for those who engage in acts of robbery against the poor.
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.
This verse warns about the dangers of the love of money and the desire for wealth. It cautions that the pursuit of riches can lead to a variety of harmful and ruinous consequences. It reminds believers to prioritize their devotion to God over material possessions and safeguards against the temptations that can arise from a desire for wealth.
Proverbs 28:17
If one man is violent against another trying to kill him, and costs him his own life, I will not accept his claim,’ says the Lord God.
This verse highlights that God does not accept the claim or defense of someone who takes violent actions against another person, potentially resulting in loss of life. It demonstrates that stealing and violence are contrary to God’s nature and are not justified under any circumstances. It underscores the sacredness of life and the need to value and protect the well-being of others.
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.’
This verse serves as a reminder that life’s worth and purpose do not depend on material possessions. It cautions against greed and the desire for more, emphasizing the importance of contentment and the pursuit of eternal treasures. It encourages believers to focus on what truly matters in life and to guard against the temptations that arise from covetousness.
Proverbs 20:17
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
This verse highlights the short-lived satisfaction that comes from ill-gotten gains. It warns that the initial sweetness of dishonesty will ultimately lead to bitterness and regret. It serves as a reminder that the consequences of theft go beyond material loss, impacting a person’s character and well-being.
Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
This verse emphasizes the value of integrity and righteousness over financial gain obtained through unjust means. It affirms that a modest but honest lifestyle is more desirable than accumulating wealth through dishonest practices. It reminds believers to prioritize their moral character and adherence to God’s principles over worldly success.
1 Peter 4:15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
This verse warns against the consequences of engaging in theft and an evil lifestyle. It encourages believers to distance themselves from such behavior and to avoid the suffering that comes from committing these acts. It serves as a reminder to live according to God’s will and to honor His commandments.
Proverbs 10:2
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
This verse contrasts the lack of profit in acquiring wealth through wicked means with the deliverance and life that comes from righteousness. It emphasizes that ill-gotten gains will ultimately bring no lasting benefit, but choosing a righteous path leads to blessings and eternal significance.
Jeremiah 17:11
Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch, so is he who gets riches but not by justice; in the midst of his days they will leave him, and at his end he will be a fool.
This verse uses the analogy of a bird gathering a brood it did not hatch to depict the fleeting nature of wealth acquired through unjust means. It warns of the misfortune and emptiness that awaits those who pursue riches dishonestly. It serves as a cautionary reminder that true blessings come from righteous living, not from ill-gotten wealth.
Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
This verse speaks to the consequences of pursuing quick riches. It cautions against the allure of instant wealth and highlights the fleeting nature of riches acquired hastily. On the other hand, it encourages a diligent and steady approach to accumulating wealth, emphasizing the importance of patience and wise stewardship.
Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.
This verse condemns the use of dishonest scales or deceptive practices in business transactions. It communicates God’s displeasure with those who engage in unfair and deceitful practices. It encourages believers to adopt a posture of honesty and integrity in all financial dealings, recognizing that God delights in justice and fairness.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
This verse identifies theft as one of the sinful actions that can originate from the heart. It highlights the fallen nature of humanity and the tendency to engage in dishonest practices. It underscores the need for heart transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit, which can lead to a life marked by righteousness and honesty.
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.
This verse addresses the sin of cheating workers out of their wages. It reminds employers that God is aware of their fraudulent practices and the harm they cause to others. It calls for justice and fair treatment of workers, emphasizing that God’s justice will prevail and those who engage in such deceit will be held accountable.
1 Thessalonians 4:6
That no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
This verse warns against the mistreatment of others, including stealing from or wronging our brothers and sisters. It emphasizes the Lord’s role as the ultimate judge and avenger in matters of injustice. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to live in a manner that honors God and respects the rights and well-being of others.