Topical Bible: Theft: The Wicked: Lie in Wait to Commit

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The concept of theft in the Bible is not merely an act of taking what does not belong to oneself, but it is often depicted as a manifestation of a deeper moral and spiritual corruption. The wicked, in their pursuit of ill-gotten gain, are frequently described as lying in wait to commit acts of theft, reflecting a premeditated and deceitful nature.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 1:10-15 : This passage provides a vivid portrayal of the wicked who entice others to join them in their schemes. "My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause... we will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder.'" Here, the wicked are depicted as lying in wait, not only for theft but for violence, illustrating the close relationship between theft and other forms of wickedness.

2. Psalm 10:8-9 : The psalmist describes the wicked as lurking in ambush, waiting to seize the helpless. "He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed." This imagery underscores the predatory nature of the wicked, who exploit the vulnerable through deceit and force.

3. Micah 2:1-2 : The prophet Micah condemns those who plot iniquity and carry out evil deeds. "Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because it is in their power to do so. They covet fields and seize them; they take houses and deprive a man of his inheritance." This passage highlights the calculated and deliberate nature of theft, driven by covetousness and a disregard for justice.

The Nature of the Wicked:

The wicked, as portrayed in these scriptures, are characterized by their cunning and deceitful nature. They are not merely opportunistic thieves but are depicted as those who plan and execute their schemes with precision and malice. Their actions are often premeditated, reflecting a heart that is hardened against the ways of righteousness.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The act of lying in wait to commit theft is indicative of a broader spiritual malaise. It reveals a heart that is not only willing to transgress God's commandments but also one that takes pleasure in doing so. The wicked's actions are a direct affront to the divine order, which calls for justice, mercy, and love for one's neighbor.

Warnings and Exhortations:

Scripture consistently warns against associating with those who lie in wait to commit theft. Proverbs 1:15 advises, "My son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path." The Bible exhorts believers to pursue righteousness and to avoid the path of the wicked, recognizing that such a path leads to destruction.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of theft by the wicked who lie in wait is a profound reminder of the moral and spiritual dangers posed by such actions. It calls believers to vigilance, righteousness, and a steadfast commitment to God's commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 6:9
And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
... are so miserably lost through the wicked, devilish government ... him in his proper person
to lie and cheat ... legitimate for money; property got by theft or robbery ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/ii of the matters to.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... your honor but yourself, by your own theft, your contempt ... of another you also become
wicked, for anger ... be influenced by another to carelessly lie and otherwise ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... (ii) Covetousness is the root of theft. ... When Joseph's mistress took hold of him and
said, Lie with me', he left his ... The wicked are as the mire (Isaiah 57:20). ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... in all these things, good or bad, that seem good and reasonable, or amazingly wicked. ...
that they cannot deliver their soul, nor say, 'Is there not a lie in my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Psalm XXXV.
... 9. This then for the wicked that would hurt me: what ... Therefore also that thief, although
from His theft led to ... For had He not willed to lie hid neither could ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxv.htm

Of Civil Government.
... deceitfully," a much heavier curse must lie on him ... murder, theft, adultery, and false
witness; though they agree ... the dishonesty and injustice of wicked men, we ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Trust in God --True Wisdom
... if you cannot prosper except by lies, then lie" "oh ... is no necessity for downright
dishonesty or theft; do not ... God better and get rid of these wicked fears of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/trust in godtrue wisdom.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... on That Day these our sins shall lie exposed to ... say to thee on That Day, "O wicked
and villainous ... not say, from fornication, or adultery, or theft, but from ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Badman, is to wear upon his hearse the badges of a dishonourable and wicked life;
since 'his bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down,' as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... us not,[18] But save us from the wicked snare. ... Wherefore, I pr'ythee, thief, thy
theft forbear, Consult thy ... pitied in this estate, All let her lie polluted in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm