Stealing is clearly condemned in the Bible, from the Ten Commandments to teachings in the New Testament. The Bible emphasizes honesty, fairness, and respect for others’ property. Exploring these teachings can help us understand why integrity and justice are so important in our interactions with others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Stealing From Others
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
This verse from the Ten Commandments serves as a clear and straightforward instruction from God, affirming that stealing is wrong and not aligned with His commandments. It highlights the importance of respecting the property and possessions of others and refraining from dishonesty and unrighteousness.
Stealing goes against God’s principles of love, justice, and fairness. It disregards the value of hard work, trustworthiness, and respecting the boundaries and rights of others. It is a reminder to always choose righteousness and integrity in every aspect of our lives, including our dealings with others.
Proverbs 22:22-23
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.”
This passage emphasizes the grave sin of exploiting the less fortunate. It warns against taking advantage of the poor or using one’s position of power or authority to oppress those in need. God sees and cares for the vulnerable, promising to be their defender and administrator of justice.
As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to treat all people, especially the poor and marginalized, with dignity, compassion, and fairness. We should seek to uplift and support those in need rather than contributing to their suffering or perpetuating injustice through theft or exploitation.
Proverbs 11:1
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
God values honesty and integrity in all areas of life, including our dealings with others. This verse specifically addresses the sin of dishonesty in business transactions. It condemns using deceitful practices, such as tampering with scales or measurements to unfairly benefit oneself.
As Christians, we are called to uphold justice and fairness in our interactions, striving to be people of integrity who adhere to ethical standards. The verse reminds us that God finds favor in those who conduct themselves honestly and uprightly in all their affairs.
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
This verse speaks directly to those who have engaged in stealing, urging them to repent and change their ways. It encourages individuals to turn away from a life of dishonesty and instead find purpose and fulfillment in honest work.
Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of generosity and giving to those in need. By adopting a mindset of abundance and sharing, we not only break free from the bondage of stealing but also embody Christ’s love and compassion towards others.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“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 is a reminder of the eternal consequences of engaging in theft. Alongside other sinful behaviors, stealing is listed as an action that hinders one from inheriting the kingdom of God. It highlights the seriousness of dishonesty and theft in God’s eyes.
Therefore, as believers, we should strive to live in accordance with God’s teachings, turning away from all forms of dishonesty, including stealing. By choosing righteousness and integrity, we align our lives with God’s will and pursue a path that leads to eternal life with Him.
Leviticus 19:11
“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”
God’s commandments are straightforward and leave no room for confusion. In this verse, God explicitly instructs His people not to steal, lie, or deceive one another. He desires truthfulness and transparency in our relationships and interactions.
As Christians, we are called to embody a spirit of honesty and authenticity. We should refrain from engaging in deceitful practices or manipulating others for personal gain. Instead, we should strive to build trust and foster genuine relationships based on truth and love.
Proverbs 6:30-31
“People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.”
This passage explores the motivations behind stealing and the consequences that follow. While it recognizes the desperation that may lead someone to steal out of necessity, it also acknowledges the need for restitution and accountability when wrongdoing is committed.
While theft committed out of dire need may be understood by society to some extent, it is crucial to remember that there are lawful and compassionate ways to address one’s needs rather than resorting to theft. Repentance, restitution, and seeking help from others should be pursued instead.
Luke 3:14
“Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.'”
When soldiers asked John the Baptist how they should live, he advised them against theft and corruption. They were warned against abusing their position of authority to exploit or falsely accuse others. Instead, they were encouraged to find contentment in their wages and act justly.
This verse is a reminder that regardless of our roles or positions, we should never use them as an excuse to engage in theft or dishonest practices. We are called to be content with what we have and to treat others with fairness, showing love and integrity in all our dealings.
1 Peter 4:15
“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that honor God and bring glory to His name. This verse encourages us to distance ourselves from criminal behavior, including stealing. It urges us not to find ourselves in suffering or punishment for engaging in sinful actions.
Living a life free from theft not only aligns us with God’s will but also protects us from the negative consequences and hardships that come with dishonesty and lawlessness.
Psalm 50:18
“When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.”
This verse portrays the Lord’s disapproval of those who associate themselves with thieves and participate in their wrongdoing. It exposes the danger of becoming complicit in the sins of others by joining forces with them.
As Christians, we are called to be salt and light in the world, resisting the temptation to partake in theft or any form of dishonesty. We should choose our associations wisely and ensure that we surround ourselves with people who encourage righteousness and godly living.
Proverbs 30:9
“Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
This verse highlights the potential dangers of stealing when driven by discontentment or greed. It recognizes that both extreme wealth and extreme poverty can lead someone to engage in theft, ultimately dishonoring God’s name. It emphasizes the need for contentment and trust in the Lord.
As believers, we should seek to find our fulfillment and security in God rather than through ill-gotten gain. We should strive to be content with what He has provided and trust in His provision, knowing that He will meet our needs according to His perfect plan.
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
This verse teaches us the importance of prioritizing heavenly treasures rather than earthly material possessions. It reminds us that worldly wealth is susceptible to loss or theft, while the treasures we store in heaven through our faith and righteous actions are eternal and secure.
Rooted in an understanding of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions, we are called to find contentment in the things of God rather than seeking fulfillment through acquiring material goods dishonestly. Aligning our hearts and priorities with heavenly riches transforms our perspective on theft and compels us to live with integrity and generosity.
Deuteronomy 5:19
“You shall not steal.”
Similar to Exodus 20:15, this verse reiterates God’s commandment against stealing. It leaves no room for interpretation or justifications. By including this commandment in the Law, God emphasizes the importance of honesty, respect for others’ property, and honoring the boundaries set by Him.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of integrity, upholding God’s commandments in all aspects of our lives. We should recognize the inherent value of every individual’s possessions and strive to treat them with the utmost respect and honesty.
Proverbs 28:24-25
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys. The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.”
This passage exposes the sin of stealing from one’s parents, highlighting the gravity of dishonoring those who brought us into the world. It also draws a contrast between the greedy, who cause strife and discord through their actions, and those who trust in the Lord and experience His blessings.
We are called to honor and care for our parents, treating them with love and respect. This includes refraining from stealing or taking advantage of them. By trusting in the Lord and cultivating contentment, we can avoid the destructive path of greed and instead experience the prosperity that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.
Luke 19:8-9
“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.'”
This passage recounts the encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus, highlighting Zacchaeus’ repentance and desire to make amends for any theft or dishonesty he had committed. Zacchaeus recognizes the need for restitution as a consequence of his actions, demonstrating a transformed heart.
As followers of Christ, we are called to repentance and restitution for any harm we may have caused through theft or dishonesty. We should seek forgiveness and take necessary steps to make amends, both to the individuals we have wronged and to society. Through genuine repentance, reconciliation, and offering restitution, we can experience the salvation that comes from Christ.
Leviticus 6:2-4
“When anyone sins and is unfaithful to the Lord by deceiving a neighbor about something entrusted to them or left in their care or about something stolen, or if they cheat their neighbor or find lost property and lie about it, or if they swear falsely about any such sin that people may commit— when they sin in any of these ways and realize their guilt, they must return what they have stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to them, or the lost property they found, or whatever it was they swore falsely about.”
This passage outlines the instructions given to the Israelites for making restitution when they have engaged in theft or dishonesty. It provides a clear procedure for returning stolen property, confessing the sin, and offering restitution to the wronged party.
Repentance and restitution go hand in hand. As Christians, we should follow the principles laid out in this passage, seeking to make amends and offer restitution when we have wronged others through theft or deceit. This process leads to healing, forgiveness, and restored relationships.
Job 24:2-4
“Evil people steal land by moving the boundary markers. They steal flocks of sheep and don’t let the shepherds take them back. They take donkeys that belong to orphans and take a widow’s ox as security for a loan.”
This passage describes various acts of theft committed by wicked individuals. It reveals the heartlessness and disregard for justice that underlies such actions, highlighting the vulnerability of those who are victimized.
As Christians, we should be vigilant to protect the rights and possessions of others. We should stand against acts of theft and oppression, advocating for justice on behalf of the vulnerable. By doing so, we reflect God’s character as defenders of the weak and denouncers of injustice.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive nature of greed and the love of money. It warns against allowing a desire for material wealth to lead us away from our faith and into committing various forms of evil, including theft.
As followers of Christ, it is essential to guard our hearts against the temptations of greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of others. We should prioritize our relationship with God and seek contentment in Him rather than falling into the snare of theft driven by a love of money.
Leviticus 19:13
“Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.”
This verse addresses two forms of theft: defrauding or robbing one’s neighbor and withholding fair wages from workers. It reveals God’s expectation for honest and just treatment in both personal and professional relationships.
As Christians, we should not only refrain from stealing but also actively promote fairness and justice in our interactions with others. We should honor contracts, pay workers promptly and adequately, and avoid exploiting or withholding what is due to our neighbors. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to living lives of integrity and love.
Zechariah 5:3-4
“And he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going out over the whole land; for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished. The Lord Almighty declares, “I will send it out, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of anyone who swears falsely by my name. It will remain in that house and destroy it completely, both its timbers and its stones.”‘”
This passage describes the curse that befalls thieves and those who swear falsely. It warns of the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon those who engage in theft and deceit, revealing God’s righteous anger towards such actions.
As followers of Christ, we should take heed of the consequences that await those who persist in theft. We should strive to live lives of honesty and integrity, knowing that God sees all and will hold each individual accountable for their actions. Seeking His forgiveness and grace, we can be liberated from the cycle of sin and destruction.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
This verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of greed and the pursuit of material possessions. It cautions against the obsession with accumulating wealth, recognizing that true life and fulfillment are not found in the abundance of possessions.
When we understand the emptiness of chasing after worldly possessions, we are less likely to resort to theft or dishonest means to acquire them. Instead, we can prioritize the pursuit of godliness, contentment, and stewardship, focusing on the eternal treasures that have lasting value.
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 lists theft alongside various other sins, warning that those who persist in such wrongdoing will not inherit the kingdom of God. It underscores the severity of theft in God’s eyes and its implications for our eternal destiny.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to live lives that reflect our identity as children of God. This means turning away from all forms of theft and embracing righteousness, integrity, and contentment. By pursuing a life that is pleasing to God, we can experience the joy and abundant life that comes from being in a right relationship with Him.
Psalm 62:10
“Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
This verse cautions against placing our trust and hope in ill-gotten gains. It reminds us that regardless of the increase of wealth, our hearts should not be set on material possessions obtained through theft or dishonest means.
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of what God blesses us with and to find our ultimate security and satisfaction in Him. By trusting in God’s provision and living lives characterized by honesty and contentment, we can avoid the pitfalls of theft and find true fulfillment in our relationship with Him.