Stealing is a sin directly addressed in the Ten Commandments, but the Bible also dives deeper into the heart of theft. It reveals why honesty and contentment are so important in our lives. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about theft and how we can honor God by living with integrity.
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What Does The Bible Say About Theft
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 emphasizes the importance of honest labor and providing for others. It encourages thieves to repent and turn from their sinful ways, and instead, use their abilities to contribute positively to society. Working diligently and generously helps to break the cycle of theft, ensuring that one’s resources are used for the benefit of others.
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 danger of stealing as it dishonors God’s name. It urges individuals to be content with what they have, neither accumulating excess nor turning to theft out of desperation. By trusting in the Lord and relying on His provision, one can avoid the temptation to steal and instead live with integrity, giving glory to God.
Leviticus 19:11
“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”
This straightforward commandment from the Old Testament is part of God’s moral law. It underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships with others. By refusing to steal, lie, or deceive, we uphold the principles of righteousness and affirm the value of truthfulness in our interactions, promoting trust and harmony in society.
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 acknowledges the desperation that may drive someone to steal out of extreme circumstances such as hunger. While understanding the motive behind theft, it also highlights the consequences a thief must face if caught, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and making amends for one’s actions.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
The Bible explicitly states that thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God. This verse serves as a warning against the sinful nature of theft and the need for repentance. True transformation involves turning away from a life of theft and embracing God’s forgiveness and grace, seeking a renewed life in Christ.
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 story of Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of repentance. Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for his dishonest practices, repents and commits to making restitution for the wrongs he has done. Jesus commends his actions, revealing that true salvation involves both faith and tangible acts of righteousness.
Colossians 3:9-10
“Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
This verse reinforces the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships as believers. As we embrace our new identity in Christ, we are called to live in truthfulness. Lying goes against the character of our Creator and impedes the process of renewing our minds to reflect His image.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked in their handling of resources. While the wicked may resort to theft and fail to repay what they owe, the righteous are characterized by their generosity. By giving willingly and abundantly, they demonstrate their trust in God’s provision and their commitment to living uprightly.
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
This straightforward commandment from the Ten Commandments serves as a clear directive against theft. It upholds the sanctity of private property and emphasizes the importance of respecting the possessions of others. By observing this commandment, we demonstrate our love for our neighbors and our commitment to living in harmony.
Proverbs 21:6
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.”
This verse warns against the deception and dishonesty that may accompany theft. Illegitimate gain acquired through lies or deceit is ultimately temporary and carries severe consequences. It reminds us that the ill-gotten wealth obtained through dishonest means is not worth sacrificing our integrity and jeopardizing our relationship with God.
Genesis 30:33
“So my honesty will testify for me in the future, whenever you check on the wages you have paid me. Any goat in my possession that is not speckled or spotted or any lamb that is not dark-colored will be considered stolen.”
This verse showcases the importance of honesty in maintaining trust in business transactions. Jacob expresses his commitment to integrity, assuring Laban that any animal in his possession not meeting the specified criteria would be considered stolen. Honesty serves as a testimony to our character and ensures transparency in our dealings with others.
Matthew 15:19
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
This verse highlights the root of theft, indicating that it stems from the corruption of the heart. It reminds us that addressing theft involves not only external actions but also addressing the internal motives and desires that lead to sinful behavior. By allowing God to transform our hearts, we can experience true freedom from the lure of theft.
Proverbs 10:2
“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse contrasts the temporary nature of stolen wealth with the lasting value of righteousness. While theft may offer short-term gain, it ultimately leads to destruction. In contrast, choosing righteousness and living in accordance with God’s principles leads to true deliverance and eternal blessings.
Matthew 19:18
“‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms the commandment against stealing, along with other moral principles. By specifically addressing theft, Jesus emphasizes the significance of honest living and respecting the property rights of others. His words serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding God’s commandments in our daily lives.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.”
This verse exposes the severity of theft, particularly when it involves stealing from one’s own parents. It condemns the attempt to justify such acts, highlighting the destructive nature of such behavior. It reminds us to honor and respect our parents, both in our actions and our words, and to refrain from any form of theft from those closest to us.
Deuteronomy 5:19
“You shall not steal.”
Similar to Exodus 20:15, this verse from the Ten Commandments plainly instructs against theft. It underscores the importance of respecting the property of others and refraining from any form of dishonesty or taking what does not rightfully belong to us.
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 calls for justice and compassion towards the poor and underprivileged. It warns against exploiting their vulnerability for personal gain and warns of God’s judgment against those who oppress the needy. It serves as a reminder that theft extends beyond physical possessions and can include taking advantage of others’ dire circumstances.
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 addresses the root causes of theft, pointing to the love of money as a driving force behind many forms of evil. The pursuit of wealth at any cost can lead people astray from their faith and bring about numerous sorrows and hardships. It reminds us of the importance of placing our trust in God rather than pursuing material gain through dishonest means.
Jeremiah 17:11
“Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half-gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end, they will prove to be fools.”
This verse depicts the fleeting nature of ill-gotten wealth acquired through unjust means. It warns that such riches will ultimately vanish, leaving those who acquired them in a state of foolishness. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of theft and the importance of seeking righteousness instead of pursuing worldly gain.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
This passage emphasizes the principle of reaping what we sow. Those who engage in theft and unrighteous behavior will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. However, choosing to live in accordance with the Spirit’s guidance leads to eternal life. It reminds us to carefully consider the seeds we sow in our actions, knowing that God’s justice is always at work.
Psalm 119:61
“Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.”
This verse speaks to the importance of prioritizing God’s commandments even in difficult circumstances. Even when faced with temptations or pressures that may lead to theft, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our devotion to God’s law. By anchoring ourselves in His truth, we can resist the allure of dishonesty and find strength in times of moral challenge.
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.”
Within the context of suffering, this verse admonishes believers to avoid engaging in criminal behavior, including stealing. It calls for a posture of righteousness even in the midst of adversity, recognizing that the consequences of theft are not justified by personal hardship. As followers of Christ, we are called to respond to suffering with grace and integrity.
Psalm 50:18
“When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.”
This verse addresses the complicity or association with thieves, highlighting the danger of aligning oneself with those who engage in dishonest practices. It serves as a caution to avoid endorsing or condoning theft, choosing instead to uphold righteousness and integrity in our relationships and associations.
Proverbs 29:24
“The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.”
This verse exposes the destructive consequences of being associated with thieves. It emphasizes that those who aid or support theft ultimately harm themselves and compromise their own integrity. It urges individuals to refrain from aiding in wrongdoing and encourages standing firmly against theft, even when under pressure to remain silent.
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
This verse highlights the value of generosity and sacrificial giving. Jesus encourages His followers to prioritize caring for the poor and needy over accumulating earthly wealth. By investing in the eternal kingdom of God, we store up treasures that are secure, where the threats of theft and decay are nonexistent.
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 emphasizes the importance of honest labor and providing for others. It encourages thieves to repent and turn from their sinful ways, and instead, use their abilities to contribute positively to society. Working diligently and generously helps to break the cycle of theft, ensuring that one’s resources are used for the benefit of others.
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 danger of stealing as it dishonors God’s name. It urges individuals to be content with what they have, neither accumulating excess nor turning to theft out of desperation. By trusting in the Lord and relying on His provision, one can avoid the temptation to steal and instead live with integrity, giving glory to God.