The Eighth Commandment

“Do not steal!” (Genesis 5:19)

When it comes to stealing, I am always reminded of the book Childhood Memories by the Romanian writer Ion Creangă, in which he writes about stealing cherries. Of course, I also think about how many different kinds of theft I have heard of since then—far beyond such small childhood pranks.

Today, beyond stealing physical objects, it has become common to steal intellectual property as well, through plagiarism. But not only things can be stolen—someone’s heart can also be stolen, and even deceitfully gained.

Those who steal will face God’s judgment, and thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God: “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:10). Therefore, one must repent from the sin of stealing, as it is unworthy of the life of God’s children. The Bible shows leniency in one case: when someone steals out of necessity to satisfy hunger: “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger, yet if he is caught, he must pay back sevenfold; it may cost him all the wealth of his house” (Proverbs 6:30–31).

“What does God forbid in the eighth commandment? God forbids not only theft and robbery that are punishable by law. He calls theft every scheme and trick by which we try to obtain our neighbor’s goods—whether by force or by a show of legality. Such are false weights and measures, inferior goods and counterfeit money, usury, or any other means forbidden by God. We also include greed and the waste of God’s gifts.” (Heidelberg Catechism 110) Amen.

PRAYER: Father, I thank You that by Your grace You provide us with everything we need. Grant contentment to everyone, so that no one desires or takes what belongs to another. Amen.

Sebestyén Elek Előd