In the name of social justice, some modern scholars say that stealing is okay if it is addressing a social inequity. After all, they contend, people who have gotten “ahead” in this world did so by taking advantage of others. But that is not what God says.
Four thousand years ago, God carved in stone the words of the Eighth Commandment, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). He wanted to be sure that everyone understood that it is a foundational principle of moral and social order. It goes beyond the mere act of theft—it speaks to the heart of integrity, justice, and respect for others.
God made it very clear that stealing is not just about taking physical possessions. The Bible expands its meaning to include fraud, oppression, and dishonesty in business dealings. Leviticus 19:11 reinforces this by stating, “Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.” The Old Testament repeatedly warns against unjust gain, emphasizing that righteousness is more valuable than ill-gotten wealth (Proverbs 10:2).
Jesus reaffirmed this commandment, but He also deepened its meaning. In Matthew 19:18, He listed it among the moral laws essential for righteous living. However, His teachings went beyond legalistic obedience—He emphasized the heart behind the law. In Luke 19:8-9, Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for exploiting people, repented and pledged to restore what he had taken unjustly. Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house.” This moment highlights that true obedience to the Eighth Commandment involves repentance and restitution.
The prohibition against stealing is as important today in American society as it has been in virtually every culture since the dawn of history. This prohibition has shaped legal systems worldwide. Ancient Israel imposed strict restitution laws—Exodus 22:1-4 required thieves to repay multiple times the value of what was stolen. Many cultures adopted similar principles, reinforcing the idea that theft disrupts social harmony.
In medieval Europe, theft was often met with severe punishment, reflecting the commandment’s influence on justice systems. In the strictest form of Islam, the hands of thieves may be cut off, and throughout the Islamic world, charging interest on loans is forbidden since it is seen as theft. In other cultures, the penalties for theft vary, but the principle remains central to legal frameworks. Modern laws against fraud, embezzlement, and intellectual property theft all stem from the moral foundation laid by this commandment.
Beyond legal codes, the Eighth Commandment has influenced cultural values. Many societies emphasize honesty in business, fair wages, and ethical trade as extensions of this commandment. The Bible’s call to generosity—Ephesians 4:28 urges believers to work honestly so they can share with those in need—has inspired charitable movements and social justice efforts.
In a world driven by materialism and competition, the Commandment, “You shall not steal” challenges us to prioritize integrity over personal gain. It calls us to respect others’ rights, practice fairness, and cultivate a spirit of generosity. Whether in financial dealings, relationships, or daily interactions, honoring this commandment fosters trust and strengthens communities. Ultimately, this commandment is not just about avoiding theft—it is about embracing a life of honesty, justice, and faithfulness.
Image by maximiliano estevez from PixabayAnd God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
13 “You shall not murder.
14 “You shall not commit adultery.
15 “You shall not steal.
16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Exodus 20:1-17
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