Eighth Commandment

The Old Testament

15 You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15, NET©

The eighth commandment is easy! You should not steal, that is to take what belongs to others.

In the New Testament

19 You know the commandments: “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.” Mark 10:19, NET©

In the new testament, we can read that the same commandment is repeated: you should not steal. But it is also sharpened: you should not take away anything that belongs to someone else. Obviously it’s not just about theft but also about minor things.

28 The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. Ephesians 4:28, NET©

The thief is commanded to change the direction of his life, instead of taking from others what they earned the hard way. They are supposed to start working for their own livelihood. Then begin to do good. Notice that there is no room for Robin Hood mentality! The thief should stop stealing, and be generous with their own hard-earned nickels!

Are You a Thief?

10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10, NET©

Have you ever stolen anything? even something small, maybe shoplifting just a candy bar? Then you’re a thief. Perhaps you might be a corrupt politician, who is generous with others money, but not with your own?

Or maybe you want to live on the welfare of others but do not contribute. Note that there is a difference in not wishing to contribute and not being able to contribute.

But if you are a thief, greedy or an exploiter, you must repent before God and pray for the forgiveness of sins. Then you can be saved and forgiven through Jesus Christ.

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