“Thou shalt not steal.” — Exodus 20:15 KJV
The eighth commandment protects property, trust, and personal responsibility. God establishes ownership as part of order and justice. Stealing violates trust, dishonors others, and reveals a heart that is not content with what God has provided.
This command reaches beyond robbery. It includes fraud, deceit, withholding what is owed, and taking advantage of others. It is about integrity.
“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 KJV
God’s standard is not merely “don’t take.” It is “work honestly and give generously.”
What This Commandment Means
This commandment emphasizes:
- Respect for others’ property
- Honest labor and fair dealing
- Contentment with God’s provision
Stealing ultimately reflects distrust in God’s ability to provide. Obedience demonstrates faith that He supplies what we truly need.
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 KJV
How It Protects Us
Observing this commandment protects both individuals and society:
- Builds trust in business and relationships
- Encourages diligence and responsibility
- Guards the heart from greed and envy
Where theft becomes normal, stability collapses. God’s law preserves order.
Practical Ways to Follow This Commandment
- Be honest in business, taxes, and agreements
- Return what is borrowed
- Pay employees or contractors fairly and promptly
- Practice generosity instead of grasping
Integrity in small matters builds strength in great matters.
Reflection Questions
- Am I completely honest in financial dealings?
- Do I rationalize small compromises?
- Is my heart content, or driven by envy?
Quick Summary
- Meaning: Do not take what is not yours
- Protection: Preserves trust, justice, and personal integrity
- Application: Work honestly, give generously, reject greed
- Key Verses: Exodus 20:15, Ephesians 4:28, Proverbs 10:22
Internal Navigation
Explore individual commandments:
Commandment 1 | Commandment 2 | Commandment 3 | Commandment 4 | Commandment 5 | Commandment 6 | Commandment 7 | Commandment 8 | Commandment 9 | Commandment 10