“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
What Does The Bible Say About Stealing
The Bible teaches us that stealing is wrong because it goes against the way God wants us to live. When we steal, we take something that does not belong to us, and this causes harm to others and brings dishonor to God. God created everyone to live in peace and honesty, and stealing breaks the trust that people should have with one another.
When someone steals, it shows they are not content with what they have, and this can lead to more selfish actions. God wants us to trust Him to provide for our needs instead of taking what belongs to others. Stealing can create pain and loss for the person who is robbed, and it can bring guilt and trouble to the one who steals.
The Bible calls us to be kind, truthful, and to work hard for what we need. Instead of stealing, we are encouraged to share with others, help those in need, and be thankful for what God has already given us. God sees all that we do, and He wants us to make choices that bring good, not harm, into the world.
If someone has stolen, God offers forgiveness when they confess their wrong and turn away from it. He also calls people to make things right by returning what they took and by showing kindness to those they have hurt. Living honestly is a way of showing love to others and honoring God in all that we do.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Lying and Deceit
The Sin of Stealing
Stealing is more than just taking what isn’t ours; it’s a breach of trust, an act against love, and a violation of God’s commands. The Bible emphasizes integrity and honesty, urging us to reflect God’s righteousness in all we do. Here are some verses that highlight God’s perspective on the sin of stealing.
Exodus 20:15
“No stealing.”
Proverbs 10:2
“Ill-gotten gain gets you nowhere; an honest life is immortal.”
Leviticus 19:11
“Don’t steal. Don’t lie. Don’t deceive anyone.”
Proverbs 21:6
“Make it to the top by lying and cheating; get paid with smoke and a promotion—to death!”
Zechariah 5:3
“This is the verdict from the mouth of God-of-the-Angel-Armies: ‘Everyone who steals is going to be driven out.’”
The Impact of Stealing
Stealing doesn’t just harm the victim; it damages the thief’s soul, erodes relationships, and undermines the moral fabric of society. The Bible encourages believers to consider the wider impact of their actions and to seek reconciliation and restoration.
Ephesians 4:28
“Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work.”
Micah 6:11
“I’m not going to overlook dishonest gain, are you?”
Proverbs 22:1
“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.”
Romans 13:9
“Don’t take what isn’t yours.”
Matthew 6:19-20
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars.”
Stealing as a Heart Issue
At its core, stealing reveals a heart issue—greed, discontentment, or lack of trust in God. The Bible encourages believers to focus on contentment and faith rather than coveting what belongs to others.
Proverbs 28:20
“Committed and persistent work pays off; get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs.”
Matthew 15:19
“It’s from the heart that evil intentions emerge—murder, adultery, sexual promiscuity, theft, lies, and cussing.”
Luke 12:15
“Speaking to the people, he went on, ‘Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.'”
Hebrews 13:5
“Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, ‘I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.'”
Psalm 37:21
“Wicked borrows and never returns; Righteous gives and gives.”
God’s Call to Honesty
God calls His people to live with integrity and honesty, trusting Him to meet all their needs. When we align our hearts with God’s will, we resist the temptation to steal and honor Him in our lives.
Proverbs 11:1
“God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.”
1 Peter 3:16
“Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick.”
Colossians 3:9
“Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life.”
Psalm 119:1
“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.”
Proverbs 12:22
“God can’t stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word.”
Stealing vs. Generosity
In contrast to stealing, the Bible calls us to generosity. A giving heart is a reflection of God’s love. Choosing generosity over selfishness glorifies God and blesses others in tangible ways.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.”
Proverbs 19:17
“Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.”
Luke 6:38
“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing.”
Acts 20:35
“You’re far happier giving than getting.”
Isaiah 58:10
“If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, your lives will begin to glow in the darkness.”
The Consequences of Stealing
Stealing has real consequences—legal, social, and spiritual. The Bible warns us that sin always leads to destruction, but there is hope in repentance and God’s grace for restoration.
Galatians 6:7
“Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest.”
Proverbs 29:24
“If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.”
James 1:15
“Lust gets pregnant, has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer.”
Jeremiah 7:9-10
“You can’t steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and worship Baal—and then come to me and expect everything to be okay.”
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Those who steal don’t qualify as citizens of God’s kingdom.”
Repentance and Forgiveness
Even for those who have stolen, God offers hope and forgiveness. Repentance and turning to God can restore our relationship with Him and with those we’ve wronged. The Bible assures us of God’s mercy for those who genuinely seek it.
1 John 1:9
“If we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.”
Isaiah 1:18
“Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out. This is God’s Message: ‘If your sins are blood-red, they’ll be snow-white. If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool.'”
Luke 15:7
“Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.”
Psalm 51:10
“God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.”
Acts 3:19
“Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins.”
Quotes on Stealing by Christian Leaders
“Honesty is the foundation of every virtue. Stealing is not just about possessions; it robs the soul of peace.” – Charles Spurgeon
“A thief is a liar, not just to others but to themselves about what truly satisfies.” – John Piper
“When we steal, we deny the goodness of God and His ability to provide for our needs.” – Francis Chan
“True wealth comes from character and godliness, not from stealing what belongs to another.” – Rick Warren
“A heart that steals is a heart not yet surrendered to Christ.” – Tim Keller
“Stealing is the fruit of a discontent heart. Trust God and be content with His blessings.” – David Platt
“You cannot walk in the light while stealing in the dark.” – Billy Graham
“Every stolen possession carries the weight of spiritual poverty.” – Oswald Chambers
“What you steal may fill your hands, but it empties your soul.” – Max Lucado
“Theft breaks trust, but repentance builds bridges.” – John MacArthur
Final Thought
Stealing is more than an act; it reflects a deeper struggle with trust, contentment, and faith. Yet, God offers forgiveness, grace, and transformation for those who repent. Let us strive to honor Him with honesty, integrity, and generosity, showing the world a life redeemed by His love and truth.