Topical Bible: Theft: The Wicked: Destroy Themselves By

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The concept of theft is addressed extensively in the Bible, where it is consistently portrayed as a sin that not only harms others but ultimately leads to the destruction of the thief. The act of stealing is a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), and is condemned throughout Scripture as an act of wickedness.

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how theft is self-destructive for the wicked. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature that offers practical guidance for righteous living, theft is linked to folly and ruin. Proverbs 1:18-19 warns, "But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors." Here, the pursuit of ill-gotten gain is depicted as a trap that ensnares the thief, leading to their own demise.

The prophet Jeremiah also speaks to the self-destructive nature of theft. In Jeremiah 17:11 , it is written, "Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be a fool." This passage highlights the futility and temporary nature of wealth acquired through dishonest means, emphasizing that such riches will ultimately abandon the thief, leaving them in disgrace.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul admonishing believers to abandon theft and embrace honest work. 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 directive not only underscores the moral imperative to cease from stealing but also points to the transformative power of honest labor and generosity.

The self-destructive consequences of theft are further illustrated in the account of Achan in the book of Joshua. Achan's theft of devoted items during the conquest of Jericho led to Israel's defeat at Ai and ultimately to his own death (Joshua 7:1-26). This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the severe repercussions that can result from disobedience and theft.

In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, the book of Ecclesiastes also reflects on the vanity and futility of pursuing wealth through unjust means. Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 states, "There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost in a bad venture, so that when he has a son there is nothing to pass on." This passage highlights the transient nature of wealth and the ultimate harm it can bring to those who acquire it through wickedness.

Throughout Scripture, theft is consistently portrayed as an act that not only harms others but also leads to the spiritual and often physical destruction of the thief. The Bible's teachings on theft serve as a warning to the wicked, urging them to turn from their ways and seek righteousness through honest living and trust in God's provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 21:7
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... the World, should notwithstanding be generally as wicked, debauched and ... Is not Theft
and Robbery a Sin ... some to murder others, and others to destroy themselves. ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... It condemns the iniquities of the wicked.13. ... they will note like the youth in Plautus,
destroy themselves in despairs ... Has some one committed theft or adultery? ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

But if no Authority for Lying Can be Alleged...
... to that degree more mildly, as not to destroy him, but ... in the flesh; what if by our
committing theft, what if by ... If this is absurd and wicked, why should a man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 9 but if no.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... Christians not abstain from fornication, and murder, and theft, and false ... that we
prove the man to be wicked, not by ... He said, "I am come not to destroy the law ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

Chapter i.
... his hands, so they by writing may destroy those who ... out evil things,' and The counsels
of the wicked are deceit ... Now this is a manifest theft of the truth, and ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/chapter i.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... of us may justly be punished, although the theft were not ... wicked, nor does his being
our father make us wicked. ... when it is in thy power to destroy, to forget ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

Letter Lxxxvii. (AD 405. )
... one must either help him in the theft, or receive ... that Christians ought not to persecute
even the wicked. ... Saul did not, with all his sins, destroy the efficacy ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxvii a d 405.htm

Tenth Commandment
... was what led Achan up to the wicked deed that ... extractor," because it would tear up
and destroy this root ... into the violation of the eighth commandment, or theft. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Several Other Things Turned against the Same Mathematicians.
... such as committing injustice, adultery, theft, poisoning, then ... in opposition to destiny
they destroy destiny ... vengeance upon and punishing the wicked, and there ...
/.../chapter xvi several other things turned.htm

A virgin at Antioch, Having Refused to Sacrifice to Idols...
... fear to laud on or describe the wicked series of ... suffer not sacrilegious incest,
Thou Who didst not suffer theft. ... am come hither to save life, not to destroy it ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iv a virgin at.htm