S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

"You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15) is one of the Ten Commandments people can readily recall, even though it is number eight in the Decalogue. And while there may be those who attempt to undermine...

Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.

July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

I had trouble with stealing before I met Jesus. I stole jewelry for girls to win their favor, and a man's watch for myself. That's how I was caught. They told me that the next time I got caught stealing that they were going to "throw the book at me." They would put us in the Wisconsin correctional institution for boys. But then a devious friend of mine and I stole hundreds of baseballs from a Batting Cage in Tempe, Arizona, only to be caught by the owner and lectured by a policeman in his squad car. Another form of stealing I participated in was vandalism. 

But Jesus changed all that for me. He told me to start having a respect for other peoples' property. Jesus said to make restitution for my $5,000 worth of broken window and sliding glass door vandalism which I did. He said to return the stolen jewelry which I did. Wiersbe said, "Ephesians 4:28 teaches that there are only three ways to get wealth: work for it, have it given to you, or steal it, and stealing is wrong."

November 19 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why is 'You shall not steal' in the Ten Commandments?

God said, "Thou shalt not steal" (the Eighth Commandment in Exodus 20:15) to establish a moral foundation of honesty, respect for others' property, and trust within the community.

The command, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), is one of the shortest commandments in the Ten Commandments, yet it carries a deep spiritual and practical meaning. God included this command because stealing violates His character, harms other people, and damages the trust that holds families and communities together.

At its simplest level, stealing means taking something that belongs to someone else without permission. God is the Creator and Owner of all things, and He gives people possessions, abilities, opportunities, and resources according to His wisdom. When a person steals, he shows disrespect not only for another person's property but also for God's provision and authority. The commandment teaches us to recognise and respect what God has entrusted to others.

Stealing is also a sin because it harms people. Losing property often brings hardship, worry, and disappointment. Whether the theft involves money, possessions, time, or something else of value, it takes away what another person has worked for or been given. God's law was designed to protect people from such harm and to encourage justice within society. By forbidding theft, God was helping His people build communities based on honesty and mutual respect.

This commandment reaches beyond obvious acts such as burglary or robbery. Scripture shows that God cares about all forms of dishonesty. Scripture also condemns cheating in business, using false weights and measures, withholding wages, fraud, and deception because they involve taking what rightfully belongs to someone else. God desires truthfulness and fairness in every area of life. His people are called to treat others in ways that reflect His righteousness.

The commandment also exposes the heart's attitudes. Stealing often begins with dissatisfaction, greed, or envy. A person sees what belongs to someone else and desires it for himself. For this reason, the commandments against stealing and coveting are closely connected. God wants His people to develop contentment and gratitude rather than allowing selfish desires to control their actions. When we trust God to provide for our needs, we are less likely to grasp for what He has given to others.

In the New Testament, the principle remains the same but is taken even further. Paul wrote, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28). God does not simply call believers to stop taking from others. He calls them to become productive, generous, and willing to help those in need. The focus moves from selfishness to service.

When I reflect on this commandment, I see that it is about much more than protecting property. It teaches respect for God, consideration for others, and gratitude for what we have been given. It encourages honesty in our actions and integrity in our character. Rather than taking what belongs to others, God calls His people to work faithfully, act justly, and use their resources responsibly.

Ultimately, "You shall not steal" is included in the Ten Commandments because God desires a people who reflect His righteousness. By respecting others' rights and possessions, we demonstrate love for our neighbour and honour the God who provides for every need. The commandment reminds us that genuine obedience is not merely avoiding wrongdoing but developing a heart marked by honesty, contentment, and generosity.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report