“You shall not steal.” – Exodus 20:15
Bible Verses About Stealing
The Command Against Stealing
As followers of Christ, we recognize the importance of the divine commandments provided to us for living a righteous life. The command against stealing stands out prominently in the laws laid out in Exodus. We learn that stealing is not merely a physical act but a breach of trust and respect towards others. By adhering to this commandment, we cultivate integrity in our lives and help to maintain a society built on honesty and compassion. This act of not stealing emphasizes the value of our neighbor’s possessions, leading us to walk in love and unity with those around us.
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.” – Exodus 20:15
Leviticus 19:11
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.” – Leviticus 19:11
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.” – Ephesians 4:28
Proverbs 30:9
“Lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” – Proverbs 30:9
Zechariah 5:3
“And he said to me, ‘This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land; for everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side.'” – Zechariah 5:3
Consequences of Stealing
The Bible teaches us that stealing comes with serious consequences, not just for the person who is stolen from but also for the thief. Many verses illustrate the repercussions we face when we do not respect the belongings of others. As we reflect on these teachings, it helps us to understand that stealing carries a weight that affects our moral character, impacts our relationships, and can lead to various forms of suffering. Learning about the consequences can inspire us to seek forgiveness and strive to live lives that honor God and our neighbors.
Proverbs 21:7
“The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.” – Proverbs 21:7
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7
Proverbs 10:2
“Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.” – Proverbs 10:2
Jeremiah 7:9
“Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known?” – Jeremiah 7:9
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:10
God’s Provision and Our Contentment
We often find ourselves in situations where it might seem easier to take what isn’t ours instead of trusting in God’s provision. The Bible encourages us to find contentment in what we have, reminding us that God will always provide for our needs. By shifting our perspective towards gratitude and faith, we can resist the temptation to steal, knowing that God has our backs. Genuine contentment can enrich our lives and strengthen our relationship with God, making us less likely to covet what belongs to others.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Psalms 37:25
“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” – Psalms 37:25
Matthew 6:31-32
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” – Matthew 6:31-32
Restitution and Repentance
The journey to overcoming the act of stealing starts with genuine repentance and the intent to make things right. The Bible encourages us to acknowledge our wrongdoings and seek forgiveness not only from God but also from those we may have wronged. It teaches us the importance of restitution, allowing us to rebuild trust and restore relationships. Taking responsible steps to right our wrongs reinforces God’s call for integrity in our lives.
Luke 19:8
“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.'” – Luke 19:8
Exodus 22:1
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.” – Exodus 22:1
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” – James 5:16
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
God’s Healing from Theft
Experiencing theft or the act of stealing can leave scars on the heart and mind. The Bible speaks of God’s healing power to restore our sense of safety and peace. We can take comfort knowing that through prayer and nurturing our faith, God can mend our brokenness, whether we are the victims or the perpetrators. By turning to Him, we can find the healing needed to rebuild our lives and relationships after such an event.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast.” – Jeremiah 30:17
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Practicing Generosity Instead of Stealing
One of the best ways to combat the temptation to steal is to cultivate a spirit of generosity within ourselves. The Bible teaches us that when we focus on giving and sharing our resources with others, we create a community of trust and love. Such an attitude aligns us with God’s heart and reflects His goodness back into the world. By practicing generosity, we not only benefit others but also enrich our own lives and draw closer to God.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
Proverbs 11:24
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” – Proverbs 11:24
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38
Hebrews 13:16
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” – Hebrews 13:16
Final Thoughts
As we delve into God’s word about stealing, we find clear guidance on how to lead a life that pleases Him and honors our neighbors. Through understanding the commandment against stealing, we can reflect on the broader implications it has for our behavior. The Bible teaches us not only about the consequences we face but also the importance of restitution and repentance when we have erred.
By focusing on God’s provision, we can develop a sense of contentment that shields us from the temptation to take what does not belong to us. God longs to heal our hearts and relationship with others, especially when theft occurs. This healing is possible through our sincere prayers and willingness to forgive.
Finally, we are called to practice generosity rather than stealing. Tithing and giving can truly transform our hearts and the hearts of those around us. Let us embrace these teachings, stand firm against stealing, and create a culture of love and compassion in our communities. For those interested in exploring related topics, consider reading more about Bible verses about stealing or Bible verses about lying.