The Bible talks a lot about stealing, taking things that don’t belong to you. It’s important because it’s about respecting others and their stuff.
In this article, we’ll explore some Bible verses about stealing. These verses give us guidance on how to treat other people’s things with care and honesty.
Whether it’s a material thing or someone’s trust, stealing hurts relationships and breaks trust. Let’s dive into these verses to learn how to make better choices and show respect for others and their belongings.
Top Bible Verses About Stealing
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
This simple commandment emphasizes that stealing is not just a crime against others but a sin against God. It underlines the value of honesty and respect for others’ belongings. Stealing disrupts trust and harms communities, and God calls us to live with integrity, showing love and fairness to our neighbors by not taking what is not rightfully ours.
Leviticus 19:11
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.”
This verse goes beyond theft, condemning dishonesty and deceit in all forms. It teaches that truthfulness and integrity are essential in building healthy relationships. Stealing is linked to a broader pattern of deception, which damages trust. God wants His people to live truthfully and honorably, respecting each other’s rights and maintaining fairness.
Proverbs 6:30-31
“People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.”
This proverb acknowledges that desperation might lead someone to steal, but it doesn’t excuse the act. Even when theft is understandable, there are still consequences. It emphasizes justice and the need for restitution, showing that wrongdoing, no matter the reason, requires accountability and correction.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, ‘That is no transgression,’ is a companion to a man who destroys.”
Taking advantage of one’s parents is seen as a severe violation of trust and family values. This verse warns that dishonoring and exploiting loved ones is as destructive as other criminal behavior. It highlights the importance of respect and care within the family unit, treating parents with the dignity they deserve.
Matthew 19:18
“He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness.'”
Jesus reiterates the importance of the commandments, showing that stealing is not just about the act but the heart behind it. By listing these commandments, Jesus emphasizes a lifestyle of love and respect for others. Obeying God’s laws is about protecting relationships and promoting a community built on trust.
Mark 10:19
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
Jesus references the commandments as a guide to righteous living. Including “do not defraud” alongside “do not steal” suggests that integrity goes beyond the act of taking; it also involves being truthful and fair in all dealings. Jesus calls for complete honesty in our relationships and respect for the possessions and rights of others.
Luke 3:14
“Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.'”
John the Baptist’s advice to soldiers is clear: avoid exploiting others and be satisfied with what you have. This message condemns theft, extortion, and any form of dishonest gain. By encouraging contentment, the verse highlights that true security comes from honesty and trust in God’s provision, not through manipulation or force.
Romans 13:9
“For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
This verse summarizes the law’s purpose, linking the command not to steal to the broader principle of love. When we love our neighbors as ourselves, we naturally avoid actions like stealing that would harm them. This love-driven approach aligns with God’s intention for us to live in peace, fairness, and community with one another.
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.”
This verse not only commands people to stop stealing but encourages a complete transformation: from taking to giving. By promoting honest labor, it teaches that the satisfaction of earning and sharing is far greater than any gain from theft. It speaks to the power of redemption and the joy of contributing positively to others’ lives.
1 Peter 4:15
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.”
Peter warns that Christians should avoid any actions that would lead to suffering because of wrongdoing, including theft. Being a follower of Christ involves living above reproach and maintaining a lifestyle that reflects goodness and integrity. This verse encourages believers to avoid behaviors that would bring shame and harm to themselves and the community.
Consequences of Stealing
Proverbs 10:2
“Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse highlights that ill-gotten gains ultimately lead to loss. Material wealth obtained through dishonesty may seem profitable at first, but it brings no true, lasting benefit. Instead, living righteously, with honesty and integrity, leads to a life free from guilt and spiritual death, emphasizing that moral conduct is more valuable than wealth.
Proverbs 21:6
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.”
Wealth obtained through deceit is compared to a vapor, something that appears but quickly vanishes. It’s a warning that dishonest practices, such as stealing or lying, are traps that lead to downfall. This verse encourages pursuing honest and ethical ways to achieve success, as deceit will only bring harm and disappointment.
Hosea 4:2
“There is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.”
Hosea paints a grim picture of a society overwhelmed by sin, including theft. These behaviors break moral and social boundaries, leading to chaos and destruction. Stealing is part of a broader pattern of lawlessness that brings about suffering and harm. God calls for a return to righteousness to restore peace and justice.
Zechariah 5:3
“Then 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 warns that there are consequences for sin, specifically stealing and dishonesty. The curse mentioned represents divine judgment against those who act unjustly. It’s a reminder that stealing carries spiritual consequences, and God’s justice will ultimately prevail, holding people accountable for their actions.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul lists several behaviors, including theft, that are incompatible with the values of God’s kingdom. This verse emphasizes that habitual, unrepentant sin separates people from God’s eternal promises. It serves as a call to transformation, encouraging believers to live a life marked by integrity and righteousness.
Repentance and Forgiveness
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.'”
Zacchaeus’s actions show true repentance. He not only confessed his wrongdoings but took steps to make amends, even going beyond what was required. This example illustrates that genuine repentance involves acknowledging one’s sins, seeking forgiveness, and making things right with those who were harmed.
Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Peter calls for repentance, which means to turn away from sin and return to God. The promise is that sins will be erased, offering a fresh start. This verse offers hope to those who have stolen or sinned in other ways, reminding them that forgiveness is available through sincere repentance and faith in God.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Paul encourages believers to adopt a forgiving and compassionate attitude. Holding onto bitterness and malice only leads to more sin, such as theft or dishonesty. By following Christ’s example of forgiveness, we can overcome the urge to act wrongly and build a community based on love and grace.
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.”
This verse underscores the importance of forgiveness, which is crucial for reconciliation. It encourages people to forgive as they have been forgiven, promoting healing and restoration. It is a reminder that those who have wronged others, including by stealing, can find forgiveness and are called to offer the same grace to others.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
John assures believers that God is always willing to forgive those who sincerely confess their sins. No matter the wrong done, including theft, God’s mercy is available. This verse invites people to acknowledge their failings openly and seek cleansing, knowing that God’s forgiveness is both faithful and complete.
Honesty and Integrity
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked may take without any intention of returning, which can be seen as a form of theft, while the righteous are generous and willing to give. It shows that integrity involves honesty in dealings and a spirit of generosity rather than greed.
Proverbs 11:1
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”
Cheating in trade, like using dishonest scales, is akin to stealing and is detestable to God. This verse promotes fairness and honesty, valuing integrity in all interactions. It serves as a reminder that God delights in justice, and those who conduct themselves with integrity honor Him through their actions.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
This verse highlights the value of truthfulness. Lying, which can often accompany stealing, is offensive to God, while honesty pleases Him. It encourages people to act with integrity, emphasizing that faithful and truthful living reflects God’s character and brings His favor.
Proverbs 16:11
“A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.”
This verse reinforces that fairness and honesty in dealings are God’s standards. Just scales represent ethical business practices and respect for others. It reminds believers that all aspects of life, including business, should be conducted with integrity, as this reflects God’s righteousness.
Micah 6:11
“Shall I acquit the man with wicked scales and with a bag of deceitful weights?”
God, through Micah, declares that He cannot overlook dishonesty, including fraudulent practices. Using deceitful methods to gain wealth is equivalent to stealing, and it is something God judges. This verse calls for honest behavior and condemns any form of cheating or exploitation, urging fairness in all dealings.
Trusting God’s Provision
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Jesus teaches that earthly wealth is temporary and vulnerable, while spiritual riches are eternal and secure. By focusing on heavenly treasures, believers are encouraged to live generously and trust in God’s provision. This message challenges the desire to hoard or steal for material gain, promoting faith in God’s enduring promises.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
This verse promises that if we prioritize God’s kingdom, our needs will be met. It’s a call to trust God rather than resort to dishonesty or theft for survival. Seeking God first leads to a life of contentment and security, as He provides for those who rely on Him wholeheartedly.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Paul assures the believers that God is the ultimate provider, meeting all their needs. This trust in God’s provision removes the need for dishonest actions like stealing. It encourages a dependence on God’s sufficiency, knowing that He can provide abundantly and faithfully.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
Paul emphasizes that true wealth comes from godliness and contentment, not from material possessions. Recognizing that we enter this world with nothing and will leave with nothing helps cultivate a heart of gratitude. This perspective counters the temptation to steal, encouraging believers to find satisfaction in what God provides rather than coveting what belongs to others.
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.'”
The writer of Hebrews warns against the love of money, which can lead to unethical behavior, including stealing. Instead, believers are reminded of God’s constant presence and provision. Embracing contentment helps avoid the pitfalls of greed and fosters trust in God, who meets all needs without resorting to wrongful acts.
Seeking Justice and Righteousness
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Isaiah calls for active involvement in justice and caring for the marginalized. Stealing and other injustices harm individuals and society as a whole. By advocating for justice and compassion, believers reflect God’s heart and counteract the injustices that lead to stealing and oppression.
Amos 5:15
“Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
Amos urges people to pursue good and justice actively. The verse serves as a reminder that ignoring evil, including theft, leads to societal decay. Establishing justice means addressing the root causes of theft and oppression, working toward a community that honors God and uplifts its members.
Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah summarizes God’s expectations: to act justly, love mercy, and live humbly. This verse challenges believers to reflect God’s character in their interactions, emphasizing that a just society discourages stealing. By promoting kindness and humility, communities can thrive, reducing the motivations for theft.
Romans 12:17-21
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul encourages believers to respond to wrongs with goodness rather than retaliation. This attitude counteracts the cycle of theft and violence. By promoting peace and goodness, believers reflect Christ’s love, transforming relationships and communities, ultimately reducing the prevalence of stealing.
James 5:4
“Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.”
James warns against exploiting others for personal gain. This verse emphasizes that theft can take many forms, including withholding fair wages. God hears the cries of the oppressed, and the exploitation of workers is seen as a grave sin. It calls for justice and fairness in all economic dealings, discouraging practices that lead to stealing or greed.
The Sinfulness of Stealing
Psalm 62:10
“Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.”
The psalmist warns against relying on dishonest means for wealth. Trusting in extortion or theft is ultimately futile, as it leads to destruction rather than security. This verse encourages a focus on God rather than material wealth, emphasizing that true security comes from faith and integrity, not from stealing.
Isaiah 61:8
“For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
God expresses His disdain for robbery and injustice. This declaration highlights God’s character—He values justice and righteousness. By establishing a covenant with those who seek justice, God offers hope and promises restoration. It’s a call for believers to align with God’s values and reject any form of theft.
Ezekiel 18:10-13
“If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of these things (though he himself did none of these things), who even eats upon the mountains, defiles his neighbor’s wife, oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore the pledge, lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination, lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.”
Ezekiel warns about the consequences of a life marked by violence and robbery. This passage illustrates that engaging in theft and other injustices leads to spiritual death. The emphasis is on personal responsibility—each person is accountable for their actions. It’s a strong warning against stealing and the consequences that follow.
Nahum 3:1
“Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder— no end to the prey!”
Nahum’s lament over a city characterized by violence and theft warns of impending judgment. This verse illustrates the destructive nature of a society filled with stealing and lies. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked sin, emphasizing that such behavior leads to divine judgment and destruction.
Zechariah 7:9-10
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
God commands justice and compassion in dealings with others. This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for the vulnerable and avoiding any form of oppression, including theft. It calls for a community marked by kindness, urging individuals to reject any thoughts or actions that lead to wrongdoing.
Final Thought
After looking at these Bible verses on stealing, you realize how important it is to be honest and respectful of other people’s stuff. It’s not just about following rules, but about being a good person.
These verses teach us to treat others how we want to be treated. It’s like the golden rule, you know? So next time you are tempted to take something that is not yours, remember these verses and think twice.