Stealing is a serious issue, not only from a legal perspective but also from a religious perspective. The Bible specifically addresses the importance of not stealing and the consequences that follow from it. All people, regardless of their religion or lack thereof, must respect the laws put in place to prevent stealing. This article will analyze what does the Bible say about stealing. By exploring the stories and laws found in the Bible, we will gain a better understanding of why it is wrong and how the bible views this issue.
Although the commandment not to steal is part of the Ten Commandments, it can also be found in several other books of the bible. For example, Proverbs 6:30-31 states “Those who commit burglary are cursed of God, and those who commit robbery provoke indignation.” Later, in the book of Jeremiah, we read the words of God that “shouting and lying do not bring the sharpest fruit” (Jeremiah 7:9). The Bible also mentions that taking something that is not yours is a form of stealing and God will punish it.
Even though the bible mentions several cases of stealing, it does not condone it outright. In fact, God also commands us not to be envious of our neighbors possessions, because this is another type of stealing (Exodus 20:17). Furthermore, we are instructed to be honest, as this avoids theft and other transgressions (Leviticus 19:11). This further demonstrates the dangers of stealing from God’s perspective. Finally, through the stories of David and Achan, we understand that stealing has serious consequences.
The story of David and Achan, found in the Book of Joshua, tells us a great deal about the consequences of theft. According to the story, Achan was cursed with death when he stole something from Jericho. This story serves as a warning that stealing is wrong in the eyes of God and anyone who commits it will have to pay the price. On the other hand, the story of David shows us that God is merciful if we repent and ask for forgiveness.
From what we can gather from the bible, stealing is wrong in the eyes of God. This is not only because it breaks a law of God, but also because it is harmful to people in general. Therefore, it is best to avoid it at all costs, as it could lead to further negative consequences.
Property Rights
The Bible tells us that God has given us many rights and one of them is the right to own property. This means that it is wrong to take something that belongs to someone else, as doing so would be depriving them of their right to own property. This is why stealing is prohibited in the Bible; because it is a violation of the right God has given us to own property.
In the Bible, we see examples of those who violate this right. For instance, the story of Abraham and Lot shows us that it is wrong to take what does not belong to us. In this story, Abraham and Lot agreed to separate so that their herds would not interfere with each other’s business. Despite this agreement, Lot’s herdsman squatted on Abraham’s ground and took away Abraham’s property. This act was considered a form of stealing, and it was punished accordingly.
Moreover, the story of Achan further shows us why stealing is wrong. Achan took something from Jericho at a time when God had commanded the Israelites not to do so. This is an example of how it is wrong to take what is not ours, even if it is something small. This is why God considered Achan’s act of stealing a horrible sin.
Material Possessions
When we look into the Bible, we find that it also speaks about material possession and the importance of not stealing. Many of the stories mentioned in the Bible have a deeper meaning related to this issue. The story of Abraham and Lot serves as an example that even small possessions are important and should not be taken from someone else. The story of Achan shows us that even small things must be respected.
Additionally, the Bible also talks about the importance of honesty. In this sense, it is important that we tell the truth, as lying leads to stealing. We see this in the story of Joseph who was falsely accused of stealing from Potiphar’s house. Even if he was innocent, he was still punished for his supposed crime. This story serves as a reminder that honesty is an important quality that should be practiced.
Finally, the Bible encourages us to be generous with our possessions. This is because it prevents us from taking advantage of those who are in need. We can see this in the story of the Good Samaritan where a man is rescued by a stranger, even though his own people did not offer any help. This is an example of generosity and kindness, which are qualities God expects from us as well.
The Need to Repent
The bible also speaks about the need to repent and ask for forgiveness in order to restore our relationship with God. We can see an example of this in the story of David, who committed adultery and murder but was nevertheless forgiven by God. This is an example of the power of repentance and how important it is to ask for forgiveness.
The Bible also mentions the need to forgive if we are wronged. We can see this in the parable of the unforgiving servant where a debt-ridden man is forgiven a large debt. Only after his debt is forgiven does he refuse to forgive a much smaller debt from someone else. This story serves as an example that we should also be forgiving if we are wronged, as it is part of the Christian message.
Another story where repentance and forgiveness is mentioned is the Story of the Prodigal Son. In this story, a son is sent away by his father, but he returns after realizing he had made a mistake. When he returns, his father welcomes him back with open arms, demonstrating the power of forgiveness. This shows us the importance of repentance and forgiving others.
Conclusion
The Bible speaks a lot about stealing and the consequences of it. It is clear that stealing is wrong in the eyes of God, as it is a violation of the rights He has given us. Therefore, it is important to understand why is it wrong to steal in order to better follow God’s will. We must also remember the need to repent and ask for forgiveness if we have wronged someone or taken something that is not ours. Through these stories and commands, the Bible gives us a clear understanding of why stealing is wrong.
