Why is “You shall not steal” in the Ten Commandments?

Answer

“You shall not steal” «Thou shalt not steal. », (Exodus 20:15) is one of the Ten Commandments that people can easily remember, even though it is the eighth in the Decalogue. Some may try to undermine the authority of the Ten Commandments by suggesting it belongs to the Old Covenant. However, our Lord Jesus, when speaking to the rich young ruler, quoted five of them, including this one «He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, », (Matthew 19:18). The Ten Commandments are part of God’s moral law and, unlike the ceremonial and sacrificial laws of the Old Testament given to Israel, they are applicable to all people in all eras.

Stealing is defined as “taking another person’s property without his or her permission.” However, there are various other forms of theft. For instance, extending our lunch breaks at work or being tardy and leaving early constitute stealing from our employers, as it is taking time they have compensated for. Exploiting employers in such a manner reflects a lack of love for others. The apostle Paul, when discussing God’s commandments, summarizes the entire law in the same manner as our Lord Jesus, by stating “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31;Romans 13:9). Similarly to Jesus, he affirms that this fulfills the “Law” (Matthew 22:39-40). Therefore, we understand from such teachings that “Do not steal,” along with all the Ten Commandments, is centered on “loving one another” (John 13:34-35).

Victims of theft experience a dreadful sensation. The act of someone taking a possibly cherished gift from a loved one deeply affects us, leaving us feeling exposed and insecure. Theft not only impacts individuals but society as a whole. It disrupts societal harmony, leading to fear, insecurity, and a thirst for retaliation. Observing certain third world countries where laws against theft are disregarded clearly illustrates its harmful effects on the population. God’s laws are not only moral and spiritual but also highly practical.

Christians have been blessed with both physical and spiritual gifts from God, and we should be willing to give back to Him all that we possess. When we withhold what rightfully belongs to Him—our time, talents, possessions, finances, and even our lives—we are essentially stealing from Him. The prophet Malachi addressed the Israelites, questioning, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ ‘In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse — the whole nation of you — because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it’” (Malachi 3:8-10). One day, we will face God’s judgment and be held accountable for how we utilized the gifts generously given to us by God (Romans 14:12;2 Corinthians 5:10;Hebrews 4:13).