Ethics in Regard to Theft

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Sep 25, 2023
892
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Washington State
#1
I know that the Bible says that we are not supposed to steal. I was confronted with the idea that if someone is hungry theft may be okay.

But this is what the Bible says.

Proverbs 6:30-31 NASB20 - [People] do not despise a thief if he steals To satisfy himself when he is hungry; But when he is found, he must repay seven times [as much;] He must give up all the property of his house.

Thoughts anyone?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,822
13,440
113
#2
I know that the Bible says that we are not supposed to steal. I was confronted with the idea that if someone is hungry theft may be okay.

But this is what the Bible says.

Proverbs 6:30-31 NASB20 - [People] do not despise a thief if he steals To satisfy himself when he is hungry; But when he is found, he must repay seven times [as much;] He must give up all the property of his house.

Thoughts anyone?
Proverbs is a collection of truisms which are not necessarily doctrinal. It is true that people may not despise a thief if he steals to feed himself, but that in no way makes the theft any less of a crime or a sin.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,443
2,520
113
#4
I know that the Bible says that we are not supposed to steal. I was confronted with the idea that if someone is hungry theft may be okay.

But this is what the Bible says.

Proverbs 6:30-31 NASB20 - [People] do not despise a thief if he steals To satisfy himself when he is hungry; But when he is found, he must repay seven times [as much;] He must give up all the property of his house.

Thoughts anyone?
If we look at the second half of the verse, we see the solution.
The thief is still CULPABLE, and he is FINED, and he has to PAY IT ALL BACK PLUS A FINE.

The idea that a person won't be despised if he steals for a good enough reason, means just that.
He won't be despised.
He won't be hated.
But he's still culpable, and he's still in trouble.

.
 
Sep 25, 2023
892
76
28
Washington State
#5
If we look at the second half of the verse, we see the solution.
The thief is still CULPABLE, and he is FINED, and he has to PAY IT ALL BACK PLUS A FINE.

The idea that a person won't be despised if he steals for a good enough reason, means just that.
He won't be despised.
He won't be hated.
But he's still culpable, and he's still in trouble.

.
Thank you for this.

I know that the Torah has more to say. But this is just Proverbs.