Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Stealing

Created:
January 15, 2025
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Updated:
February 5, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

Ever wondered what the Bible has to say about stealing? You're in the right place. Let's dive into some timeless wisdom that has guided countless lives.

Whether you're seeking guidance or just curious, these verses offer profound insights. Ready to explore?

50 Bible Verses About Stealing

10 Bible Verses on Stealing and Consequences

Exodus 20:15
  • "You shall not steal." — Exodus 20:15
  • "You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another." — Leviticus 19:11
  • "You shall not steal." — Deuteronomy 5:19
  • "People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house." — Proverbs 6:30-31
  • "Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations’? Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord." — Jeremiah 7:9-11
  • "The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger." — Ezekiel 22:29
  • "By swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break all restraint, with bloodshed upon bloodshed." — Hosea 4:2
  • "Then he said to me, 'This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: 'Every thief shall be expelled,' according to this side of the scroll; and, 'Every perjurer shall be expelled,' according to that side of it.' 'I will send out the curse,' says the Lord of hosts; 'It shall enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name. It shall remain in the midst of his house and consume it, with its timber and stones.'" — Zechariah 5:3-4
  • "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." — Matthew 15:19
  • "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." — Ephesians 4:28

10 Bible Verses on Theft and Repentance

Luke 19:8
  • "Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.'" — Luke 19:8
  • "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." — 1 Corinthians 6:10
  • "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." — 2 Corinthians 7:10
  • "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." — Acts 3:19
  • "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." — Isaiah 1:16-17
  • "But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die." — Ezekiel 18:21
  • "He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." — Proverbs 28:13
  • "I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' And You forgave the iniquity of my sin." — Psalm 32:5
  • "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9
  • "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16

10 Bible Verses on Honesty vs. Stealing

Proverbs 11:1
  • "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight." — Proverbs 11:1
  • "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight." — Proverbs 12:22
  • "Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase." — Proverbs 13:11
  • "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool." — Proverbs 19:1
  • "Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel." — Proverbs 20:17
  • "Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death." — Proverbs 21:6
  • "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich." — Proverbs 28:6
  • "A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished." — Proverbs 28:20
  • "Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing." — Proverbs 29:24
  • "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds." — Colossians 3:9

10 Bible Verses on Stealing in Proverbs

Proverbs 10:2
  • "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death." — Proverbs 10:2
  • "He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live." — Proverbs 15:27
  • "The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice." — Proverbs 21:7
  • "Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; For the Lord will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them." — Proverbs 22:22-23
  • "He who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer." — Proverbs 24:8
  • "Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, 'It is no transgression,' The same is companion to a destroyer." — Proverbs 28:24
  • "Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God." — Proverbs 30:8-9
  • "Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice." — Proverbs 16:8
  • "A faithful witness does not lie, But a false witness will utter lies." — Proverbs 14:5
  • "What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar." — Proverbs 19:22

10 Bible Verses on Stealing and Justice

Isaiah 61:8
  • "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant." — Isaiah 61:8
  • "But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream." — Amos 5:24
  • "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8
  • "Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked." — Psalm 82:3-4
  • "Thus says the Lord: 'Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.'" — Jeremiah 22:3
  • "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.'" — Zechariah 7:9-10
  • "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." — Matthew 23:23
  • "But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." — Luke 11:42
  • "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." — Romans 12:19
  • "For we know Him who said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'" — Hebrews 10:30

What Does the Bible Say About Stealing

The Bible's teachings on stealing are clear and profound, emphasizing the importance of honesty, justice, and repentance. From the commandment "You shall not steal" in Exodus 20:15 to the call for integrity in Proverbs 11:1, the scriptures consistently highlight the value of living a life free from theft and deceit. These verses remind us that stealing not only harms others but also damages our own spiritual well-being.

Moreover, the Bible offers a path to redemption for those who have stolen. Verses like Luke 19:8, where Zacchaeus vows to restore fourfold what he has taken, illustrate the power of repentance and restitution. This theme is echoed in 1 John 1:9, which assures us that if we confess our sins, we will be forgiven. These teachings provide hope and encourage us to seek forgiveness and make amends, fostering a sense of compassion and renewal.

Finally, the Bible underscores the importance of justice and fairness. Isaiah 61:8 and Amos 5:24 call for justice to flow like a mighty stream, urging us to defend the poor and needy. By embracing these principles, we can create a more just and compassionate society. Let these timeless teachings inspire us to act with integrity, seek forgiveness when we falter, and strive for justice in all our dealings.

How to Apply Stealing Bible Verses in Daily Life

Applying the Bible's teachings on stealing in daily life involves embracing honesty and integrity in all actions. Start by examining your daily habits and interactions. Are there areas where you might be taking more than you give?

Here are some actionable steps to help you live by these principles:

  • Practice honesty: Always tell the truth, even when it's difficult. This builds trust and integrity.
  • Respect others' property: Avoid taking anything that doesn't belong to you, whether it's a physical item or intellectual property.
  • Make amends: If you've wronged someone, seek forgiveness and offer restitution, just as Zacchaeus did.
  • Be generous: Share your resources with those in need, reflecting the spirit of Ephesians 4:28.
  • Promote justice: Stand up against theft and dishonesty in your community, advocating for fairness and integrity.

By incorporating these steps, you can align your life with the Bible's teachings on stealing, fostering a more honest and just environment.

Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or use our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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