What does the Bible say about stealing?

Stealing is a significant moral issue addressed throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ property and promoting honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. The Bible provides numerous references that outline God’s perspective on stealing, its consequences, and the principles of restitution and ethical conduct.

Understanding Stealing in Biblical Context

Stealing, fundamentally, involves taking something that belongs to another person without permission or by deceitful means. It violates the principles of justice, fairness, and love for others, which are central to biblical teachings. The Bible provides clear commandments and moral guidelines regarding stealing, underscoring its ethical and spiritual implications.

The Eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal.”

The prohibition against stealing is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments, which form the foundation of moral conduct in both Judaism and Christianity.

• Exodus 20:15 (NKJV): “You shall not steal.”

This commandment is straightforward and absolute, emphasizing the sanctity of personal property and the responsibility to respect the belongings of others.

Prohibitions and Consequences

Stealing is condemned throughout the Bible, with specific laws and instructions given to regulate behavior and ensure justice.

• Leviticus 19:11 (NKJV): “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.”

This verse connects stealing with broader ethical principles, including honesty and truthfulness in interpersonal relationships. It highlights that stealing involves not only taking physical possessions but also violating trust and integrity.

Restitution and Justice

The Bible emphasizes restitution as a principle for addressing theft, requiring the thief to make amends for the harm caused.

• Exodus 22:1 (NKJV): “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.”

This law of restitution demonstrates God’s concern for justice and fairness. It ensures that the thief not only returns what was stolen but also compensates the victim for the loss suffered. Restitution is not merely a legal requirement but also a moral obligation to make things right.

• Leviticus 6:1-5 (NKJV): This passage elaborates on various scenarios where restitution is required, whether through returning stolen goods, making restitution for something entrusted to one’s care, or compensating for lost or damaged property. It underscores the seriousness of theft and the importance of rectifying the wrong done.

Consequences of Stealing

The Bible outlines severe consequences for those who engage in theft, reflecting the seriousness of this offense before God and society.

• Proverbs 6:30-31 (NKJV): “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house.”

This proverb acknowledges the desperation that may drive someone to steal out of necessity but emphasizes that restitution is still required. It underscores the principle that theft, regardless of motive, disrupts social order and damages relationships.

• Zechariah 5:3-4 (NKJV): This prophetic passage warns of divine judgment against thieves, indicating that stealing invites God’s curse and consequences. It illustrates that theft is not only a violation of human laws but also a spiritual offense that disrupts one’s relationship with God.

New Testament Teachings on Stealing

The teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament reinforce the moral principles established in the Old Testament regarding stealing.

Ethical Integrity and Transformation

Jesus Christ taught ethical integrity and emphasized the transformation of the heart as essential for righteous living.

• Matthew 19:18 (NKJV): “He said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness.'”

In affirming the Ten Commandments, Jesus underscores the enduring relevance of the prohibition against stealing in the New Covenant. His teachings emphasize that righteousness involves not only outward actions but also the attitudes and intentions of the heart.

The Call to Honest Living

The apostles continued to uphold the ethical standards set by Jesus, calling believers to live lives of honesty and integrity.

• Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV): “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”

Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians emphasizes the transformation from stealing to honest labor. It reflects the Christian ethic of productive work and generosity, which contrasts with the selfishness and harm caused by theft.

Personal Responsibility and Accountability

The New Testament teaches personal responsibility and accountability for one’s actions, including making amends for wrongdoing.

• Luke 19:8-9 (NKJV): The story of Zacchaeus illustrates repentance and restitution. After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus promises to give half of his goods to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone he has defrauded. His actions demonstrate genuine repentance and a commitment to making things right.

Practical Applications and Ethical Considerations

Honesty in Business and Relationships

Christian ethics emphasize honesty and integrity in all relationships, including business dealings and personal interactions.

• Proverbs 11:1 (NKJV): “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.”

This proverb underscores the importance of fairness and honesty in economic transactions. It reflects God’s concern for justice and ethical conduct in all aspects of life.

Contentment and Gratitude

Contentment and gratitude counteract the temptation to steal by fostering trust in God’s provision and avoiding covetousness.

• Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV): “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

This verse encourages believers to find satisfaction in God’s provision and promises, rather than seeking to fulfill their desires through dishonest or unlawful means.

Conclusion

Stealing is unequivocally condemned in the Bible as a violation of God’s commandments and principles of justice. It is not merely a legal offense but also a moral and spiritual transgression that disrupts relationships and undermines trust in God and others. The Bible provides clear guidelines on honesty, integrity, and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ property and making restitution for wrongdoing.

As believers seek to live according to God’s Word, they are called to uphold ethical standards, promote justice, and demonstrate love and compassion towards others. Through repentance, transformation, and obedience to God’s commandments, individuals can cultivate lives of integrity and righteousness, reflecting God’s character in their interactions and conduct.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team