Four Ways We Steal from Others

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

–Proverbs 3:27

The eighth commandment says, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). You might think you’re not guilty of violating this commandment. But just as there’s more than one way to murder or commit adultery, there’s more than one way to steal.

First of all, we steal by despoiling, or forcibly taking what doesn’t belong to us. It’s not just armed robbers who steal. Students who cheat on an exam, employees who take home office supplies, and people who claim others’ ideas as their own are also stealing what is not theirs.

Second, we steal through dishonesty, or misrepresenting the truth for our gain. In biblical times, dishonest merchants used false scales and balances. That’s why Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” Today, stealing through dishonesty may look like a phishing email that tries to trick you into giving personal information.

Third, we steal by defaming, or robbing somebody of their reputation. That is such a serious offense that God devoted the ninth commandment to it, which we’ll discuss in depth next week.

Fourth, we steal by defrauding, or not giving somebody what we owe them. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” If you can pay a debt, do so. That includes your taxes. Romans 13:6–7 says, “You also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God. . . . Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due.” Giving what you owe also applies to employees and employers. In Colossians 3:22–23, Paul said, “Obey those who are your masters on earth . . . with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily.” In other words, work hard even when the boss isn’t looking. Give your employer a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. Then Paul said to employers, “Grant to your [employees] justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven” (4:1). Pay your employees what they’re worth and what they’re due. Finally, give to God what He commands. In Malachi 3:8, God said His people were robbing Him by withholding their tithes and offerings. Don’t defraud anyone, including God Himself, by not giving what you owe. That is a form of stealing.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “The Eighth Commandment: Respect the Property of Others” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2023.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.