Thieves and liars have been part of society since ancient times, and the Bible doesn’t shy away from addressing these issues. It offers wisdom and guidance on how to deal with dishonesty and theft, reminding us of the values of integrity and trust. Join me as we explore these Biblical teachings.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About calling yourself god
What Does The Bible Say About thieves and liars
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 verse acknowledges the desperation that may drive individuals to steal, but still emphasizes the consequences that come with such actions. It highlights the principle of restitution, where thieves are required to repay what they have taken, even at great cost to themselves.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
This verse distinguishes between the purpose of the thief (representing the enemy, Satan) and the purpose of Jesus. While the thief seeks to bring harm and destruction, Jesus offers abundant life. It conveys the importance of recognizing the true intentions behind someone’s actions.
Proverbs 10:2
“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of stolen wealth and possessions. It contrasts the temporary gains of dishonesty with the eternal value of living in righteousness. It reminds us that true fulfillment comes through upright and ethical living.
Proverbs 11:1
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
This verse condemns dishonest business practices, specifically relating to unfair measures and deceptive dealings. It emphasizes the importance of integrity in both personal and professional spheres. God delights in honesty and just actions, and condemns deceit and exploitation.
Proverbs 16:11
“Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.”
This verse reaffirms the idea that God values honesty and fairness in human interactions. It suggests that the principles of justice and integrity are inherent to God’s character and should be upheld by His followers. It serves as a reminder that our actions should align with God’s standards.
Proverbs 29:24
“The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify.”
This verse highlights the consequences that come with associating with thieves and engaging in their activities. It suggests that those who aid and support acts of dishonesty eventually become trapped by their own secrets and are unable to speak the truth. It serves as a warning against being entangled in deception.
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 illustrates that unrepentant thieves (alongside various other wrongdoers) will not inherit the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of dishonesty and the need for repentance and transformation in order to experience God’s forgiveness and salvation.
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 transformative power of the gospel. It instructs those who have engaged in theft to change their ways and channel their energies toward productive work. Furthermore, it encourages generosity and the sharing of resources with others. It reflects the Christian ethic of personal responsibility and communal care.
James 5:4
“Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.”
This verse addresses the sin of withholding fair wages from workers. It reveals that God hears the cries of injustice and holds responsible those who exploit others for their gain. It reinforces the importance of treating others with fairness and dignity, particularly in matters of labor and compensation.
Luke 19:8
“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.'”
This verse demonstrates the power of repentance and restitution. Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for dishonest practices, voluntarily decides to make amends by generously giving to the poor and repaying those whom he had wronged. It serves as an example of how a transformed heart leads to concrete actions of justice and restitution.
Matthew 15:19-20
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”
This verse highlights the importance of examining the condition of our hearts and recognizing that dishonesty, including theft, stems from an inner corruption. It teaches that true purity and righteousness come from the transformation of the heart, not merely external rituals.
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.”
This verse warns against engaging in criminal behavior and encourages believers to live lives free from deceit and lawlessness. It urges us to avoid participating in activities that bring harm to others or tarnish our witness as Christians.
Proverbs 20:17
“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.”
This verse presents a cautionary tale about the temporary satisfaction gained through fraudulent means. It likens the taste of ill-gotten gain to sweetness, but ultimately likens the consequences to a mouth full of gravel. It serves as a reminder that the allure of dishonesty is short-lived and leads to bitterness.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse contrasts the actions of the wicked and the righteous concerning indebtedness. It condemns those who borrow with no intention of repaying, while it praises the righteous for their generosity and willingness to give. It challenges us to be people of integrity, always fulfilling our obligations and showing generosity towards others.
Psalm 50:18
“When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.”
This verse exposes the danger of complicity with thieves and evildoers. It rebukes those who willingly associate themselves with those who are engaged in dishonesty and immorality. It calls us to separate ourselves from such actions and associations, standing firmly on the side of righteousness.
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 warns against the insidious nature of greed, which often leads to theft and dishonesty. It reminds us that true life and fulfillment are not found in material possessions, but in a relationship with God and a posture of contentment and gratitude.
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 reiterates the transformational call for thieves to abandon their dishonest ways and instead engage in honorable work. It highlights the purpose behind honest labor, which is not solely for personal gain but also to have the means to bless others who are in need.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices”
This verse admonishes believers to reject deceitful behavior, including lying. It emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we have been called to leave behind our old sinful nature and embrace the truth. It underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in our interactions with others.
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
This verse warns of the repercussions of bearing false witness and spreading lies. It emphasizes that God will not overlook or allow the deceitful to escape justice. It serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that dishonesty can bring upon an individual.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars— they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
This verse includes liars among those who will face eternal punishment. It highlights the severity of dishonesty in the eyes of God and emphasizes the need for truthfulness and integrity in our words and actions.
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.”
This verse declares God’s rejection of those who engage in deceit and lies. It asserts His desire for truth and integrity in His presence and in His dwelling place. It reminds us to cultivate a life marked by honesty and to flee from deceitful practices.
Proverbs 24:28
“Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead?”
This verse cautions against bearing false witness against our neighbors. It encourages us to speak truth and refrain from using our words to deceive or mislead others. It challenges us to uphold justice and honesty in our interactions, avoiding unjust accusations or slander.
1 John 1:8
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
This verse reminds us of our human propensity for deception. It humbles us and challenges us to acknowledge our own shortcomings and sins, including the ways in which we may have acted dishonestly. It calls us to seek forgiveness and transformation in the light of God’s truth.
Proverbs 13:5
“The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.”
This verse highlights the stark contrast between the righteous, who abhor falsehood and deceit, and the wicked, who are characterized by their dishonesty. It teaches us that being people of integrity not only pleases God but also protects our reputation and prevents us from experiencing shame and disgrace.
Proverbs 21:6
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.”
This verse reveals the deceptive nature of wealth acquired through dishonest practices. It likens such ill-gotten gains to a fleeting vapor, implying that they are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. It cautions us against pursuing dishonesty for personal gain, urging us to seek lasting and righteous wealth instead.