Topical Bible: Theft: Includes Fraud Concerning Wages

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Topical Encyclopedia

Theft, as addressed in the Bible, is the unlawful taking of another's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. It is a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), and is considered a sin against both God and neighbor. The biblical understanding of theft extends beyond mere physical taking to include various forms of deceit and fraud, particularly concerning wages.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, theft is explicitly condemned and is subject to restitution. Exodus 22:1-4 outlines the requirements for restitution, emphasizing the need to restore more than what was taken, thus deterring theft and promoting justice. Leviticus 19:11 further commands, "You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another" , linking theft with deceit and falsehood.

Fraud concerning wages is specifically addressed in Leviticus 19:13: "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning" . This command underscores the importance of fair and timely compensation for labor, reflecting God's concern for justice and the dignity of work.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to uphold the prohibition against theft, expanding its implications for Christian living. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need" . This passage not only condemns theft but also encourages productive labor and generosity.

James 5:4 addresses the issue of wage fraud, stating, "Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts" . This verse highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of withholding wages, portraying it as an offense that calls for divine justice.

Theological Implications

Theft, including wage fraud, is fundamentally a breach of trust and a failure to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). It disrupts the social order and reflects a lack of faith in God's provision. The biblical call to honesty and integrity in all dealings is rooted in the character of God, who is just and faithful.

The Bible's teachings on theft and wage fraud emphasize the importance of justice, fairness, and respect for others' rights. Believers are called to reflect God's righteousness in their economic interactions, ensuring that their conduct aligns with the principles of the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:13
You shall not defraud your neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with you all night until the morning.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 3:5
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, said the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:4
Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... of murder, adultery, and thefts includes wrath, hatred ... you call it, not to commit
theft and rapine ... Second Table, expunge the commandment concerning images from ...
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