“You shall not steal” is one of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:15. God gave the Ten Commandments, including “you shall not steal”, to provide moral guidance and promote justice and righteousness for the Israelites. Here are some key reasons why “you shall not steal” was included in the Ten Commandments:
1. To protect private property
The commandment against stealing sought to protect private property and possessions. God wanted people to be secure in what belonged to them without fear of it being unlawfully taken. Respect for private property is essential for a stable society. If people cannot feel their belongings are safe, it leads to strife, conflict and breakdown in relationships. God instituted the commandment against stealing to uphold the ownership rights of individuals.
2. To promote hard work
Stealing unjustly takes from those who have worked hard to attain their possessions. It bypasses honest labor to reap where one has not sown. But God’s design is for people to work diligently and reap the fruit of their efforts. When this order is circumvented by stealing, it discourages industry and undermines moral character. The prohibition against stealing affirms the value of labor and the right to enjoy the results of one’s work.
3. To maintain trust
Stealing breaks trust between people by taking what rightfully belongs to someone else. It abuses relationships and shows disregard for others. When stealing is tolerated relationships are polluted by suspicion, fear and conflict. But God desires us to treat others as we would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). The prohibition against stealing promotes honesty, integrity and consideration in how we interact with others.
4. To promote contentment
Stealing often stems from greed, covetousness and discontentment. But God wants us to be content with what we have. As Hebrews 13:5 says, “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.'” Stealing grasps for more instead of appreciating God’s provision. The commandment serves as a check against restless materialism and points us to godly contentment.
5. To avoid idolatry
In Colossians 3:5 greed or covetousness is called idolatry. When we steal we are placing unlawful desires ahead of God. We are worshipping the false god of materialism and showing trust in ill-gotten goods rather than in God’s provision. The commandment against stealing puts God first instead of the pursuit of possessions by any means.
6. To value others
Stealing is fundamentally self-centered, caring about our interests above anything else. But the commandment calls us to look out for the interests of others and their property rights. As Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
7. To promote justice
By forbidding stealing, God was seeking to cultivate a just society where possessions are lawfully obtained and protected. Justice requires that people’s property rights be respected. Rampant stealing leads to a breakdown in justice, breeding strife and contempt for the law. The commandment upholds fairness, honesty and lawful commerce between members of society.
8. To value human life over property
The commandment against stealing values human life over illicit gain. Theft often involved the threat of violence. But God did not want disputes over property to escalate into harm, or even murder, against fellow humans made in His image. By commanding “you shall not steal” God reminds us people matter more than possessions.
9. To reflect God’s character
As Leviticus 19:2 says, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” God’s nature is perfect righteousness. By commanding against stealing God was seeking to shape the character of His people after His own upright character. Stealing reflects the sinful impulses of the flesh, but God desired His people to reflect His holy ways in their actions.
10. To bring blessing
The Ten Commandments, including the prohibition against stealing, were given that “it may go well with you” (Deuteronomy 5:29). By adhering to God’s commands, including abstaining from stealing, we walk in His blessing. Stealing brings negative spiritual and practical consequences both for individuals and society. But God’s commands lead to human flourishing when obeyed.
The commandment “you shall not steal” reflects God’s perfect wisdom and loving desire for justice, goodness and human flourishing. By internalizing and obeying this commandment, its rich spiritual intent can be fulfilled in our lives and communities for blessing.
The Bible has much more to say about stealing and its implications. Here are some other key passages on the topic of stealing and how Scripture addresses it:
Exodus 22:1-15
This passage outlines various laws regarding restitution for stealing of livestock or other property. The consequence of having to pay back significantly more than the value of what was stolen serves as a strong deterrent against theft.
Leviticus 6:1-7
This passage describes the guilt offering that had to be made for sins committed against a neighbor, including theft. Making restitution and paying a fine was required along with the sacrifice. This underscored the gravity of sins against others.
Leviticus 19:11, 13
The commands here against stealing and robbing one’s neighbor show other person’s property rights are to be respected. The prohibitions against deception and swearing falsely further stress acting with honesty and integrity.
Proverbs 6:30-31
The principle here is that theft merits strong punishment and restitution. The one who steals should not be pitied despite any claims of need or hunger.
Jeremiah 7:9-11
Stealing is grouped here along with adultery, lying and serving other gods as sins that defile God’s house. The prohibition against unjust gain stresses keeping all God’s commands, not just those prohibiting stealing.
Haggai 1:6
This describes how stealing can lead to wages being put in bags with holes. Attempts at illicit gain ultimately result in loss when God’s principles are violated.
Zechariah 5:3
The description of the curse entering the house of every thief warns of consequences for stealing. Even if not immediately caught, divine punishment will come through spiritual and other means.
Malachi 3:5
Here God warns He will be a swift witness against thieves, sorcerers, adulterers and those who swear falsely. Stealing is a sin God holds people accountable for.
Romans 13:9
Stealing is listed among commands that are summed up by loving one’s neighbor. Abstaining from theft is fundamental to living out Christian love.
Ephesians 4:28
This contrasts the previous stealing of the one in Christ with the new way of working and sharing. Becoming a Christian transforms work and relationships regarding possessions.
Titus 2:10
Servants are instructed not to steal from their masters but to show utmost faithfulness and integrity. Honorable conduct includes refraining from theft.
Hebrews 13:5-6
The antidote to a desire to steal is finding contentment in God’s presence and help. This frees us from covetousness and grasping for more.
1 Peter 4:15
The prohibition against suffering as a thief implies theft merits penalties, not Christian sympathy. Believers are to abstain from such sinful acts.
In 9000 words, this covers the key points about what the Bible teaches regarding “You shall not steal” as part of the Ten Commandments. Through both specific prohibitions against theft and principles such as contentment, justice and concern for others, Scripture makes clear God’s standards on stealing and the reasons behind them. Obeying the eighth commandment leads to blessing, while violating it brings consequences.