Topical Encyclopedia The act of theft, defined as taking another's property without permission or legal right, is explicitly condemned in the Bible. However, the Scriptures also address those who, while not directly committing theft, connive at or support such actions. These individuals, by their complicity, are equally subject to divine reproof and judgment.Biblical Condemnation of Theft The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), establishes a clear prohibition against theft. This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and upholding justice and integrity in all dealings. Connivance and Complicity Connivance at theft involves turning a blind eye, providing support, or failing to oppose wrongful acts. The Bible warns against such behavior, emphasizing that those who enable or ignore theft are not exempt from guilt. Proverbs 29:24 states, "A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the curse, but discloses nothing." This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of complicity in theft and the inevitable divine judgment that follows. Divine Reproof God's reproof of those who connive at theft is evident throughout Scripture. In Isaiah 1:23 , the prophet rebukes the leaders of Israel, saying, "Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the widow’s case never comes before them." Here, the association with thieves and the failure to uphold justice bring about God's condemnation. Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to "have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11). This directive calls Christians to actively oppose wrongdoing, including theft, and to distance themselves from any form of complicity. Moral Responsibility The Bible places a strong emphasis on moral responsibility and the duty to uphold righteousness. In Leviticus 19:11 , God commands, "You must not steal. You must not lie. You must not deceive one another." This comprehensive directive extends beyond the act of theft to include any form of deceit or complicity. Consequences of Connivance The consequences of conniving at theft are severe, as illustrated in the account of Achan in Joshua 7. Achan's theft of devoted items led to Israel's defeat at Ai and brought God's wrath upon the entire community. This narrative serves as a stark warning of the communal impact of individual sin and the necessity of addressing and rectifying wrongdoing. Call to Righteousness The Bible calls believers to pursue righteousness and justice, rejecting any form of theft or complicity. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This call to justice and humility underscores the importance of integrity in all aspects of life, including the rejection of theft and its enablers. In summary, the Bible unequivocally condemns theft and extends this condemnation to those who connive at such acts. Through divine reproof and moral exhortation, Scripture calls for a life of integrity, justice, and active opposition to wrongdoing. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 50:18,21When you saw a thief, then you consented with him, and have been partaker with adulterers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, part ii Resources What is the definition of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be free from sin? | GotQuestions.org How can I know if the desires of my heart are from God? | 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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