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Bible Dictionaries
Steal
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
or There are many reasons why people steal, but the common feature of all stealing is that the thief unlawfully takes what belongs to someone else. For some people stealing is part of their way of life, and they may even have deliberately set out on a path of robbery and violence (Judges 9:25; Luke 10:30; John 10:10). For others stealing is contrary to their normal behaviour, but they may have been overcome by temptation in a moment of weakness (Joshua 7:21; 1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Covetousness and greed are usually the cause of stealing (Micah 2:2; James 1:14-15; James 4:1-2; see COVET), though some people steal because they are poor and in desperate need (Proverbs 30:8-9).
Regardless of the reason, stealing is wrong, though there may be degrees of seriousness. A hungry man who steals food is not as bad as a lustful man who steals another’s wife (Proverbs 6:30-35). People who steal can easily have the appearance of respectability. Through deceit and cunning, they may be able to cheat the government, outclass their rivals and exploit the defenceless, but any dishonesty in such matters is still a form of stealing (1 Kings 21:1-15; Proverbs 21:6; Isaiah 1:23; Micah 6:10-13; John 12:4-6; Romans 13:6-7).
Those found guilty of stealing should make repayment to the lawful owner, as well as pay the legal penalty (Exodus 20:15; Exodus 22:1-4). The thief that becomes a Christian must not be satisfied merely with correcting the past and deciding to earn an honest living in the future. There must be the added goal of giving generously to those in need (Ephesians 4:28).
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Fleming, Don. Entry for 'Steal'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/bbd/s/steal.html. 2004.
