Stealing
By Nick Bibile
The Eighth
Commandment
“Thou
shalt not steal.” — Exodus 20:15
The eighth commandment, like the others in this section of the law, governs our relationship with our neighbor. At first glance, many dismiss it, thinking, “This does not apply to me—I am not a thief.” We tend to define theft only in its most obvious forms: burglary, robbery, or criminal acts reported in the news. Measuring ourselves by human standards, we conclude, “I am not like other men—I am honest.”
But this is a shallow view. When we examine this commandment in the light of God’s Word, we discover that it reaches far deeper than outward acts. It exposes the heart. By God’s grace, as we unfold its full meaning, we will see that all of us stand guilty. May this realization lead us to true repentance, deeper humility, and a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ—resting not in our own righteousness, but in His.
“Thou shalt not steal” comes from the lips of the Almighty God. It is not a suggestion—it is a divine command. God is infinitely holy, His law is perfect, and He is the righteous Judge. To break His commandment is sin, and the just penalty for sin is death.
Stealing is not a small matter. Scripture declares:
“Nor thieves… shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:10)
A thief is anyone who takes what does not belong to him—whether openly or subtly, by force or deception. In God’s sight, all theft is rebellion against His authority.
Since the fall, man has made material things his god. Earthly treasure has captured his heart. Our Lord said:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
At its root, theft is not merely an external act—it is a heart problem.
1. Internal Cause:
Unbelief and Covetousness
The
thief does not trust God’s providence. Like Israel in the
wilderness, though surrounded by God’s provision, the heart still
doubts:
“Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” (Psalm 78:19)
Unbelief produces covetousness—the sinful desire for what belongs to another. This is the seed from which theft grows.
2. External Cause:
Satan’s Influence
Scripture
reminds us:
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10)
Satan is the great deceiver. He led humanity into sin and continues to tempt men to dishonesty, greed, and destruction.
The eighth commandment reaches far beyond obvious theft. It exposes many hidden sins:
1. Stealing from God
“Will a man rob God?” (Malachi 3:8)
Though tithing laws belonged to the Old Testament system, the principle remains: all we have belongs to God. To withhold what is due to Him—whether in giving, service, or devotion—is to rob Him.
2. Robbing God of
His Glory
God
declares:
“My glory will I not give to another.” (Isaiah 42:8)
Whenever we seek praise for ourselves instead of directing it to God, we steal His honor. Even ministers must guard their hearts here. As John Bunyan wisely said when praised for a sermon, “You are too late—the devil told me that before you did.”
3. Robbing God of
His Due Time
To
neglect the Lord’s Day or treat it casually is spiritual
theft—taking for ourselves what belongs to God.
4. Stealing
Souls
False
teachers, like wolves in sheep’s clothing, deceive and lead many
astray:
“Beware of false prophets…” (Matthew 7:15)
They rob people of truth and endanger their souls.
5. Religious
Exploitation
Some
misuse Scripture for personal gain—enriching themselves while
starving the flock. God condemns such shepherds (Ezekiel 34).
6. Stealing from Authorities
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” (Mark 12:17)
Dishonesty in taxes or dealings with government is theft before God.
7. Personal
Theft
Taking
anything that belongs to another—money, property, or possessions—is
a direct violation of this command.
8. Defrauding
Others
Exploiting
others for personal gain—through deception, manipulation, or unfair
dealings—is theft in God’s sight.
9. Dishonest
Business Practices
False
weights, hidden charges, and deceitful trade practices are condemned
by God.
10. Oppressive
Lending and Greed
Excessive
interest and exploitation of the poor reveal a heart of theft and
injustice.
11. Bribery
Taking
or giving bribes perverts justice and robs others of fairness.
12. Irresponsible
Debt
Borrowing
without intent or ability to repay is also theft:
“The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again…” (Psalm 37:21)
13. Withholding
Wages
Failing
to pay workers fairly is a serious sin before God (James 5:4).
The eighth commandment not only forbids theft—it calls us to a life of righteousness.
1. Practice Justice and Mercy
“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3)
2. Work Honestly
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour…” (Ephesians 4:28)
3. Live with
Moderation
Avoid
greed and worldly excess. Pursue a sober, godly life.
4. Show Compassion
to the Poor
Do
not exploit or overlook those in need.
5. Cultivate Contentment
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
6. Follow the Golden Rule
“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (Matthew 7:12)
The eighth commandment reveals that theft is not merely an outward act—it is a condition of the heart. We have all, in various ways, taken what does not belong to us—whether from God or from others.
This commandment drives us to Christ.
Only in Him do we find forgiveness for our sins and power to live righteously. He not only saves thieves—He transforms them into givers, into people who love justice, mercy, and truth.
Let us therefore repent, believe the gospel, and walk in obedience—loving our neighbor as ourselves and honoring God in all things.