12 Bible Verses About Stealing

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about stealing

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about stealing:

1. Exodus 20:15 – “Thou shalt not steal.”
2. Leviticus 19:11 – “Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.”
3. Proverbs 6:30-31 – “Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.”
4. Ephesians 4:28 – “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.”
5. 1 Corinthians 6:10 – “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
6. Proverbs 11:1 – “A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.”

7. Proverbs 10:2 – “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.”
8. Proverbs 20:17 – “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.”
9. Proverbs 21:6 – “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.”
10. Zechariah 5:3 – “Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.”
11. Matthew 6:19-20 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”
12. Luke 12:15 – “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

What does the bible say about stealing?

The Bible condemns stealing as a sin and a violation of one of the Ten Commandments.

It emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and respecting the property of others.

Stealing is seen as a betrayal of trust and a lack of love for one’s neighbor.

The Bible teaches that those who steal will face consequences and encourages individuals to work honestly and provide for themselves and their families.

It also emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness for any past acts of stealing.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about stealing?

1. Exodus 20:15 – This chapter contains the Ten Commandments, one of which is “Thou shall not steal.” It provides a clear directive from God on the importance of not stealing.

2. Proverbs 6:30-31 – This chapter discusses the consequences of stealing, emphasizing that thieves must repay sevenfold and may lose everything they have.

3. Ephesians 4:28 – This chapter talks about the importance of honest work and sharing with others, rather than stealing from them.

Reading these chapters can provide a deeper understanding of the biblical perspective on stealing, the consequences of such actions, and the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.

Ideas and concepts related to stealing that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Coveting: In the Ten Commandments, it is forbidden to covet what belongs to others. This concept goes hand in hand with stealing, as it is the desire for something that does not belong to you that often leads to theft.

2. Dishonesty: The Bible teaches the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Stealing involves deceit and dishonesty, as the thief takes something that does not rightfully belong to them.

3. Greed: The Bible warns against the sin of greed, which can lead to stealing in order to satisfy one’s desires for material possessions. Greed can drive individuals to take what is not theirs, leading to theft.

4. Restitution: In the Bible, there is a principle of making restitution for wrongs committed, including theft. This concept emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and making amends for the harm caused by stealing.

5. Justice: The Bible teaches that stealing is a violation of God’s law and is punishable by earthly authorities. Justice is a key concept related to stealing, as those who steal are held accountable for their actions and may face consequences for their wrongdoing.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.