Topical Bible: Theft: Shame Follows the Detection of

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The act of theft, as defined in the Scriptures, is the unlawful taking of another's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. The Bible consistently condemns theft, emphasizing the moral and spiritual consequences that follow such actions. One of the significant repercussions of theft, as highlighted in the biblical narrative, is the shame that accompanies its detection.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

The account of Achan in the Book of Joshua serves as a poignant example of the shame that follows the detection of theft. Achan's sin of taking forbidden items from Jericho led to Israel's defeat at Ai. When his theft was uncovered, Achan confessed, saying, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did" (Joshua 7:20). The exposure of his sin brought not only personal shame but also communal disgrace, resulting in severe consequences for him and his family.

In the Book of Proverbs, the wisdom literature underscores the disgrace associated with theft. Proverbs 6:30-31 states, "Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house." This passage highlights that even when theft is driven by necessity, the detection of the act brings about a requirement for restitution and the accompanying shame of being exposed.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The shame of theft is not merely a social construct but is deeply rooted in the moral and spiritual order established by God. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), reflects the divine standard for respecting the property and rights of others. When theft is detected, it reveals a breach of this commandment, bringing dishonor to the individual and a rupture in their relationship with God.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of theft and the shame that follows its detection. In Ephesians 4:28 , the Apostle Paul exhorts, "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 instruction not only calls for repentance and a change in behavior but also implies the shame associated with being known as a thief, urging believers to live lives of integrity and generosity.

Consequences and Restoration

The detection of theft often leads to public shame, legal repercussions, and the necessity for restitution. In biblical times, the law required thieves to restore what they had taken, often with additional penalties, as seen in Exodus 22:1-4. This principle of restitution serves both as a deterrent and a means of restoring justice.

However, the Bible also offers a path to restoration and redemption. The account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 illustrates this beautifully. Upon encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for his dishonest practices, declared, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold" (Luke 19:8). His willingness to make amends and his public confession demonstrate the possibility of overcoming the shame of theft through genuine repentance and restitution.

In summary, the detection of theft brings with it a profound sense of shame, as it exposes a violation of God's commandments and societal trust. The biblical narrative consistently calls for repentance, restitution, and a transformation of character, offering hope for restoration and reconciliation with God and the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 2:26
As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Cor. xiii. 4
... Since the shame is, not to know how to love ... clung to her son, both perpetrated a
theft, and was ... the Apostle here intimates, but its goodness, by what follows. ...
/.../homily xxxiii 1 cor xiii.htm

The Subject of Plagiarisms Resumed. The Greeks Plagiarized from ...
... let us adduce the Greeks as witnesses against themselves to the theft. ... and selecting
them from various periods, I shall turn to what follows. ... "Of shame I find ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the subject of plagiarisms.htm

part viii.
... it is cast down and covered with shame by the ... on charges of murder or sedition or
theft, each according ... That precept is as follows; Depart ye, depart ye, go ye ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... coming to meet him; at the sight also of whom he began to blush for shame. ... This done,
he applied himself again to Evangelist, in words and sense as follows:-. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm