Topical Encyclopedia The concept of theft, as understood within the biblical context, is a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). Theft is not merely the unlawful taking of another's property but is also seen as an act that disrupts the divine order and justice established by God. Throughout Scripture, theft is consistently condemned, and those who engage in it are often described as wicked.Despite the clear moral and spiritual prohibitions against theft, the Bible acknowledges that the wicked may, for a time, appear to prosper in their dishonest ways. This temporary prosperity is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature and prophetic writings, where the apparent success of the wicked poses a challenge to the faith of the righteous. In the Book of Psalms, the psalmist grapples with the prosperity of the wicked, expressing a sense of injustice and confusion. Psalm 73:3-5 states, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men." Here, the psalmist observes that the wicked often live in comfort and ease, seemingly escaping the consequences of their actions. Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah questions the prosperity of the wicked in Jeremiah 12:1 : "Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You; yet I would speak with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?" This inquiry reflects a deep concern for the moral order and the apparent delay in divine justice. The Book of Job also addresses this issue, as Job laments the success of those who defy God. In Job 21:7-13 , he observes, "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their homes are safe from fear; the rod of God is not upon them. Their bulls breed without fail; their cows calve and do not miscarry. They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about. They sing to the tambourine and lyre and make merry at the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace." Despite these observations, the Bible assures believers that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and ultimately leads to destruction. Proverbs 11:18 warns, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward." This verse highlights the transient nature of ill-gotten gains and contrasts it with the enduring rewards of righteousness. The ultimate fate of the wicked is further emphasized in Psalm 37:1-2 : "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and fade like the green herb." The psalmist encourages the faithful to trust in God's justice, which will prevail in due time. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates the principle of divine justice in Galatians 6:7 : "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." This serves as a reminder that while the wicked may prosper temporarily, they will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The Bible's treatment of theft and the temporary prosperity of the wicked serves as both a warning and a comfort to believers. It warns against the allure of dishonest gain and reassures the faithful that God's justice will ultimately prevail, rewarding righteousness and punishing wickedness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 12:6The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God brings abundantly. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Retribution Limiting God Instruction for the Ignorant: The First Blast to Awake Women Degenerate. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Paul's Departure and Crown; Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. The Greatness of the Soul, Resources Why is "You shall not covet" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God punish us when we sin? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org Theft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Theft and Thieves by Rachel, of the Household Gods (Teraphim) Theft and Thieves: General Scriptures Concerning Theft and Thieves: The Spies of Laish Theft: All Earthly Treasure Exposed To Theft: Brings a Curse on Those Who Commit It Theft: Brings the Wrath of God Upon Those Who Commit It Theft: from the Poor Specially Forbidden Theft: Heavenly Treasure Secure From Theft: Illustrates the Guilt of False Teachers Theft: Includes Fraud Concerning Wages Theft: Includes Fraud in General Theft: Proceeds from the Heart Theft: Shame Follows the Detection of Theft: The Wicked: Addicted To Theft: The Wicked: Associate With Those Who Commit Theft: The Wicked: Commit, Under Shelter of the Night Theft: The Wicked: Consent to Show Who Commit Theft: The Wicked: Destroy Themselves By Theft: The Wicked: Lie in Wait to Commit Theft: The Wicked: May, for a Season, Prosper In Theft: The Wicked: Plead Excuses For Theft: The Wicked: Repent not of Theft: The Wicked: Store up the Fruits of Theft: They Who Connive At: Hate Their own Souls Theft: They Who Connive At: Shall be Reproved of God Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) |
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