Bible verses about thieves and liars provide essential guidance and clarity in a world where dishonesty and lies seem to be everywhere, from petty theft to major stealing. These verses offer profound insights that highlight the importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and honesty in relationships.
They reveal that God values truth deeply, calling Himself “the way, the truth, and the life.” As we navigate temptation and strive to live with Christian character, these verses encourage us to align with God’s wisdom and live with spiritual integrity.
Understanding the consequences of dishonesty and the freedom found in embracing truth, we are empowered to reflect God’s righteousness in our lives. Walking in these biblical principles not only transforms our character but strengthens our faith, guiding us toward a life of righteousness and true freedom in Christ.
Bible Verses about Thieves and Liars
The Bible clearly teaches against stealing and lying. In Leviticus 19:11, it commands, “Do not steal, deceive, or lie to one another.” Other passages highlight the results of such actions, like Ephesians 4:28, which urges thieves to work honestly, and Revelation 21:8, which warns that all liars will face judgment.
God’s Commandments Against Stealing, Lying, and Deceit
1: Exodus 20:15
In this commandment, God sets a clear boundary against taking what belongs to others. It emphasizes the moral duty to respect property and rightful ownership, urging integrity in our dealings. By following this commandment, we honor ethics and respect, building a society where fairness and justice prevail.
“You shall not steal.”
2: Leviticus 19:11
In this commandment, God links stealing and lying together, as seen in bible verses about stealing money, showing how dishonesty often involves multiple sins.
By deceiving others, we harm relationships and violate moral and ethical values. This command sets boundaries to ensure justice and promote truthfulness in our dealings with one another.
“You shall not steal, you shall not deal falsely, you shall not lie to one another.”
3: Proverbs 6:16-17
Lying is listed among the things that God hates most, emphasizing the serious nature of deceit. This verse reveals that dishonesty is not just a minor flaw but a significant moral issue, reflecting God’s deep disapproval of deceitful actions. It reminds us that lies and falsehoods are highly condemned in God’s eyes, urging us to always speak truthfully and act with integrity.
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
“You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'”
The Consequences of Dishonesty and Unrighteousness
5: Proverbs 19:9
Lying carries serious consequences, both in this life and eternally, showing God’s justice at work. This verse emphasizes that deceit will not go unpunished, highlighting that God ensures justice is served.
Falsehoods may seem to go unnoticed in the moment, but God sees all and will hold individuals accountable for their lies. This truth serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity, not only for our relationships with others but also for our spiritual standing before God.
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
6: Proverbs 21:6
Wealth gained through dishonest means is temporary and ultimately becomes a trap that destroys the person. This verse teaches that wealth acquired through deceit is unstable and fleeting. It may seem like a shortcut to success, but in the end, it leads to destruction and ruin.
The pursuit of dishonest gain ultimately entangles a person in a trap, showing the danger of valuing material wealth over righteousness and integrity.
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.”
7: Jeremiah 7:9-10
In this passage, God condemns hypocrisy by exposing how people practice dishonesty and theft, as highlighted in the bible verse about stealing, while falsely claiming to follow Him. He calls out the faith of those who engage in sinful actions like stealing, murdering, and adultery, all while pretending to be safe under His protection.
God urges His people to align their actions with their faith, warning them that dishonesty and false worship lead to destruction.
“Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’—safe to do all these detestable things?”
8: Hosea 4:2
In Hosea 4:2, lying and stealing are among the many sins that contribute to the breakdown of society. The curse for stealing in the Bible is a severe one, as it leads to the erosion of justice and moral integrity.
As immorality, dishonesty, and deception spread, violence and bloodshed follow, leading to a cycle of wickedness and lawlessness. This unrighteousness erodes the boundaries that uphold justice and causes corruption to seep into every part of society. When sin becomes common, the fabric of society weakens, and chaos reigns.
“There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.”
9: Proverbs 10:2
In Proverbs 10:2, dishonest gain obtained through wickedness offers no lasting benefit. Wealth gained in this way ultimately leads to unrighteousness and death, as it lacks the foundation of integrity and justice.
On the other hand, righteousness brings true life and security, offering a life built on virtue, moral principles, and fairness. By living according to the truth and embracing righteous ways, we receive the blessing of a prosperous life that transcends temporary treasures.
“Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”
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The Importance of Truth and Honesty
10: John 14:6
Jesus reveals His identity as the truth, the way, and the life, affirming that salvation and eternal life are only found through Him. This declaration emphasizes God’s character, showing that Jesus embodies truth itself.
By identifying Himself as the path to the Father, Jesus invites all to follow Him in faith, aligning with His divine nature and purpose. Through this revelation, Jesus affirms the Christian faith, guiding believers towards belief in Him as the ultimate source of life and salvation.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
11: John 8:32
Truth brings freedom, while lies create bondage and confusion in our lives. This verse reveals the liberating power of truth, showing that when we embrace God’s truth, it frees us from the traps of deceit and the chaos of confusion.
Lies, on the other hand, entangle us, leading to spiritual and emotional bondage. The truth empowers us to live in clarity, peace, and freedom, aligning us with God’s will.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
12: Psalm 119:160
God’s truth is unchanging and eternal, providing a solid foundation for life. This verse affirms that God’s truth remains constant and unaltered, offering us unwavering guidance.
Unlike the shifting standards of the world, His truth stands firm and everlasting. It becomes the bedrock on which we can build our lives, offering stability and direction in an ever-changing world.
“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”
13: Proverbs 11:3
Integrity serves as an internal compass, guiding us to make decisions that align with truth and righteousness. It helps us stay on a steady course, ensuring that we live in harmony with our values.
On the other hand, dishonesty leads to self-destruction, unraveling our relationships, reputation, and inner peace. This verse clearly illustrates how integrity builds a solid foundation, while deceit only leads to ruin and disarray.
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
14: Psalm 15:1-2
This verse highlights that speaking truth from the heart is not just a moral choice but a requirement for close fellowship with God. It emphasizes that genuine, heartfelt truthfulness is the foundation of our relationship with Him.
To enjoy close fellowship with God, we must align our actions with His righteousness and ensure that the truth in our hearts reflects His will, as honesty is essential to living a life pleasing to God.
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.”
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Practical Christian Living and Integrity
15: Ephesians 4:25
This verse highlights that truthfulness is essential for a healthy Christian community and the unity within the body of Christ. It teaches that to maintain strong relationships and a spirit of unity, believers must speak the truth to one another, as we are all interconnected as members of one body.
Unity in the body of Christ can only be achieved through honesty and integrity, ensuring that the church remains united in faith and purpose. Truthfulness is, therefore, the key to preserving harmony and fostering a thriving Christian community.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
16: Ephesians 4:28
This verse teaches that repentance from theft involves turning away from dishonesty and embracing honest work. It highlights the transformation that takes place when a person moves from selfishness to becoming generous.
By engaging in honest work, individuals can provide for themselves and, more importantly, become generous, sharing with those in need. This shift emphasizes the importance of integrity and selflessness, calling believers to leave behind selfishness and live lives that reflect Christ’s love and care for others.
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
17: Colossians 3:9
This verse teaches that lying belongs to our old nature, and as Christians, we are called to put on new patterns of living. We are encouraged to leave behind deceitful behaviors and embrace truthfulness in our words and actions.
By adopting new patterns of honesty, we reflect the transformation that comes with our renewed identity in Christ, living in integrity and sincerity as a testimony of His work within us.
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”
18: Zechariah 8:16
This verse teaches that truth-telling should characterize both personal relationships and public justice. In our personal interactions, honesty is crucial for building trust and fostering strong, genuine connections.
Similarly, in the realm of justice, truth must guide decisions and actions, ensuring fairness and righteousness in all proceedings. The verse calls us to uphold truth in every area of life, whether in private relationships or in the public sphere, emphasizing its foundational role in maintaining integrity.
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”
19: 1 Peter 3:16
This verse teaches that living with integrity not only protects you from accusations but also demonstrates Christ’s character to others. When we choose to live with honesty and moral uprightness, we reflect Christ’s love and truth, even in the face of criticism.
By maintaining a clear conscience and standing firm in our faith, we provide an example that can convict others, showcasing the impact of Christ’s character in our actions.
“But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
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God’s Justice, Truth, and Restoration
20: Psalm 101:7
This verse teaches that dishonesty creates separation from God, as deceitful actions prevent us from being in His presence. Truthfulness, on the other hand, opens the door for an intimate relationship with God, where honesty and integrity are key to drawing near to Him.
Living truthfully allows us to remain in communion with God, experiencing His guidance, love, and blessings.
“No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”
21: Proverbs 19:5
This verse emphasizes that a false witness will not go unpunished, and anyone who breathes out lies will not escape God’s justice. While lying and giving false testimony might seem to go unchecked, ultimately they will be exposed.
God’s justice ensures that all deceitful actions are accounted for, and those who engage in dishonesty will face the consequences, reinforcing the power and inevitability of divine truth.
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.”
22: Proverbs 13:11
This verse emphasizes that honest work and gradual building lead to lasting wealth, which grows steadily and securely over time. In contrast, dishonest gain may seem easy and quick to obtain, but it disappears quickly.
The passage underscores the importance of integrity and patience in accumulating wealth, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of wealth gained through dishonesty or shortcuts.
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
23: Proverbs 20:7
This verse teaches that integrity has a generational impact, bringing blessings not only to you but also to your children and their children. Living a life of integrity creates a legacy of righteousness that positively affects future generations, ensuring that the benefits of honest living extend beyond one’s own lifetime.
The verse emphasizes how a person’s commitment to integrity can shape the lives of their descendants, offering them blessings and guidance for years to come.
“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him.”
24: Psalm 34:13
This verse teaches that controlling our speech to avoid lying is an active choice that requires daily vigilance. The verse urges us to be mindful of our words, guarding against deceit and dishonesty.
By making the conscious decision to speak truthfully, we can prevent the harmful effects of lying and maintain integrity in our relationships. This requires constant effort, ensuring that our speech reflects God’s truth every day.
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
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Walking in God’s Truth and Integrity
25: Psalm 25:5
This verse teaches that we need God’s help to walk in truth, as it is not something we can achieve through willpower alone. The verse emphasizes that true guidance and understanding come from God, and without His help, we cannot fully walk in His truth.
It’s only through divine intervention and daily reliance on Him that we can align our lives with His truth, trusting in His wisdom and grace to guide us.
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
26: Psalm 86:11
This verse teaches that an undivided heart is necessary for integrity. We cannot truly serve both truth and deception, as they are in direct opposition. A heart that is torn between both will struggle to live with moral consistency. Only when our heart is fully devoted to God’s ways can we walk in truth and live with integrity, reflecting His character in all we do.
The verse highlights the importance of undivided loyalty to God, as only then can we fully embrace His truth and reject deceit.
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”
27: James 5:12
This verse teaches that simple truthfulness should be so consistent that you don’t need elaborate promises to be believed. The verse emphasizes that our words should be straightforward and dependable.
By living with consistency in truth, we avoid the need for grand declarations or complex vows. A simple, honest “Yes” or “No” should be enough, reflecting the integrity and reliability that come from living in alignment with God’s truth.
“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; otherwise, you will be condemned.”
28: Hebrews 6:18
This verse teaches that God’s character as someone who cannot lie provides us with security and hope in His promises. Because it is impossible for God to lie, we can trust fully in His unchanging nature.
His promises are reliable, offering us a firm foundation of security and the hope that He will always keep His word, encouraging us to place our complete trust in Him.
“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.”
29: 1 John 5:20
This verse teaches that through Jesus, we can know and participate in God’s truth, making truthfulness possible for us. The verse highlights that Jesus, as the embodiment of God’s truth, provides us with the understanding needed to align ourselves with God’s nature.
By being in Him, we can live truthfully, reflecting the divine truth revealed through Christ and empowering us to live lives of integrity.
“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true—and we are in him who is true—by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
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Encouragement Through Truth and Living with Integrity
30: Proverbs 24:26
This verse teaches that honest communication is a beautiful gift that brings joy and strengthens connection in relationships. When we speak with honesty, it creates a sense of trust and closeness, enriching the bond between individuals.
Just like a sincere gesture of affection, truthful words foster understanding and warmth, making relationships deeper and more meaningful. The verse highlights how the beauty of honesty enhances the quality of our connections, bringing lasting joy and harmony.
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”
31: Proverbs 27:5
This verse teaches that honest correction is a greater expression of love than withholding truth to avoid conflict. The verse highlights that genuine love is willing to speak truth, even when it might lead to discomfort or confrontation.
While avoiding conflict may seem like an easier path, withholding the truth out of fear of disagreement ultimately damages relationships. True love involves open, honest communication, including offering correction when needed, which ultimately fosters growth, trust, and deeper connections.
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”
32: Psalm 41:12
This verse teaches that integrity brings us into God’s presence and earns His support in our lives. The verse highlights that living a life of integrity—marked by honesty, morality, and righteousness—draws us closer to God, securing His guidance and help.
By living with integrity, we invite God’s favor, and He promises to support us, setting us in His presence, where we can experience His constant love and protection.
“Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.”
33: Psalm 33:4
This verse teaches that God’s faithfulness and truthfulness are completely reliable, unlike human promises. While human promises may falter or fail, God’s word is always true and dependable.
His faithfulness remains constant, offering us security and trust, knowing that He will always keep His promises. This truth assures us that God’s actions are rooted in righteousness, providing a firm foundation for our lives
“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”
34: 3 John 1:4
In 3 John 1:4, the apostle expresses his greatest joy upon hearing that his children are walking in the truth. This highlights how living in alignment with the truth brings immense fulfillment, not only to spiritual leaders but also to God Himself.
Walking in truth strengthens relationships and fosters spiritual growth, creating a foundation of peace and integrity. On the other hand, dishonesty and theft, as we see in the spiritual consequences of stealing, can disrupt this peace, leading to a broken relationship with God and others.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Overcoming Temptation and Living Righteously
35: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
This verse teaches that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God, and we should not be deceived into thinking otherwise. It lists various sinful behaviors such as sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy individuals, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers that keep people from God’s kingdom.
However, the verse also offers hope, saying, “And such were some of you,” emphasizing the power of God’s grace. Through Jesus Christ, we are washed, sanctified, and justified, receiving forgiveness and the chance to inherit God’s kingdom through the Spirit of our God.
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
36: Revelation 21:8
This verse warns that the cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will receive their portion in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which symbolizes the second death. It serves as a stark reminder of the eternal consequences for those who live in opposition to God’s righteousness.
The verse emphasizes that those who persist in sin and rejection of God’s truth will face eternal separation from Him, a fate marked by suffering and torment, urging believers to live in alignment with God’s will.
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
37: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
The Bible warns that those who engage in unrighteous behavior, including thieves, greedy individuals, and those involved in sexual immorality, idolaters, and adulterers, will not inherit the kingdom of God. The punishment for thieves in the Bible is clear—those who steal and engage in other sinful actions will face divine justice.
Deceived by their actions, they fail to recognize the importance of living in alignment with God’s will. Whether it’s homosexuality, drunkenness, or swindling, these behaviors prevent individuals from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and promise.
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
38: 1 Corinthians 6:18
In 1 Corinthians 6:18, we are urged to flee from sexual immorality, as it is a sin that affects not just the spirit but the body itself. While other sins are committed outside the body, immoral actions like these harm one’s own body, making them uniquely destructive.
This call highlights the importance of maintaining purity and avoiding actions that lead to spiritual and physical damage.
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Living a Life of Righteousness and Truth
39: Galatians 5:21
In Galatians 5:21, the apostle warns against behaviors like envy, drunkenness, and orgies, along with things like these that fall outside of God’s will.
These actions are a hindrance to those seeking to inherit the kingdom of God, as they reflect a life of indulgence rather than righteousness. The warning is clear: those who practice such things will not experience the fullness of God’s promise.
“Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
40: 2 Peter 3:9
In this verse, the Lord demonstrates patience, waiting for all to come to repentance rather than letting anyone perish. The Lord is not slow in fulfilling His promises; rather, His patience reflects His desire for everyone to have the opportunity to turn from sin and seek forgiveness.
This verse reminds us of God’s loving nature and His longing for all to experience salvation and reconciliation with Him.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
41: 1 John 1:9
This verse emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins to God. When we do so, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God’s grace ensures that no matter how far we have fallen, His willingness to forgive and purify us remains constant.
The promise is clear: through genuine repentance, we can be restored and made clean before Him.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
How to Apply these Verses in Daily Life?
To apply Biblical integrity in everyday life, consider these simple steps:
Practice Honesty: Before speaking, ask yourself if it’s true, helpful, and kind.
Memorize Verses: Write down key verses about integrity and review them daily.
Seek Accountability: Share your commitment to honesty with a trusted friend or mentor.
Make Amends: Return stolen items or apologize for dishonesty to make things right.
Pray for Change: Ask God to strengthen your love for truth and guide you in making right choices.
Conclusion
Bible verses about thieves and liars highlight the importance of living with integrity and honesty. When we choose righteousness over temporary gain, we align ourselves with God’s character and open the door to His blessings. Jesus Christ, as the Source of all truth, teaches us that truthful living brings freedom.
Eliminating the need to worry about our story or the fear of being found out, embracing integrity allows us to build trust. It helps create meaningful relationships with God and others. The principles found in these Bible verses remind us that lying and stealing only lead to destruction. While living in truth brings peace and freedom, as we are set free from the burden of deceit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bible Verse when Someone Steals From You?
The Bible verse that addresses when someone steals from you is Exodus 22:1, which says:
"If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep."
This verse highlights the importance of restitution and justice when someone wrongs you. It emphasizes the idea of compensating for the stolen property, ensuring fairness and restoration in society.
What Does the Bible Say about Stealing and Forgiveness?
The Bible offers valuable teachings on stealing and forgiveness. In Ephesians 4:28, it urges those who have stolen to stop and work honestly to help others in need: "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need."
On forgiveness, Luke 6:37 highlights its importance: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." This teaches that forgiveness is essential for receiving God's forgiveness, reminding us to forgive others, even those who may have wronged us.
