“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
Today, we delve into the eighth commandment. Literally, to steal is to take something that belongs to another person without their permission. It is to illegally take possession of something that is not yours.
The Hebrew word translated as “steal” has both literal and figurative connotations. Taken broadly, it implies to deceive. Stealing creates a false picture of who you are and what you have.
Cheating in an examination to earn grades you do not deserve, bribing your way into a position you do not merit, over invoicing, taking payment for a service not rendered or partially rendered, submitting a false report, to mention a few, are all forms of stealing.
Ignoring the eighth commandment leads to corruption of all kinds which destroys any society. Stealing is one of the leading causes of poverty in most naturally resourced African countries.
“Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:12)
You can only truly rule in life and have dominion when you take pleasure in honesty and uphold the truth.
“Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.” (Proverbs 16:13)
Truth is increasingly becoming endangered, and men of truth are becoming rarer, but if we can all obey the eighth commandment, we shall enjoy a peaceful and a prosperous society.
Remain inspired!
https://joelkwesibaidoo.blogspot.com/2023/08/you-shall-not-steal.html
