The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
The Curse for Stealing in the Bible: A Warning to Turn Away from Dishonest Gain
Stealing may seem like a minor offense in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God, it is a serious sin with grave consequences. Throughout the Bible, God consistently condemns theft and warns of the spiritual and physical curses that follow those who take what does not belong to them.
Let’s explore what the Bible says about stealing and the consequences that follow those who engage in it.
1. Stealing Violates God’s Commandments
Exodus 20:15 (KJV) says, “Thou shalt not steal.”
This simple but powerful command is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. It forms the foundation of God’s moral law. When a person steals, they not only wrong their fellow man but also sin against God directly. Disobedience to this command opens the door for divine judgment.
2. The Curse on the House of the Thief
One of the clearest scriptures about the curse upon thieves is found in Zechariah 5:3-4 (KJV):
“This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for everyone that stealeth shall be cut off... I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief... and shall consume it...”
Here, God declares that a curse will enter the home of a thief and consume it completely. This is not just a loss of possessions—it speaks of total destruction, dishonor, and judgment. Stealing brings defilement to one’s household.
3. The Requirement of Restitution
In the Old Testament law, anyone who stole had to pay back what they took—often multiple times over.
Exodus 22:1 (KJV) states:
“If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep... he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”
This principle of restitution shows that God values justice and fairness. Unrepentant theft without restitution was viewed as rebellion against God's order, and failure to make it right brought further guilt and consequences.
4. The Spiritual Cost: Separation from God
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV) issues a strong warning:
“...neither thieves... shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Theft isn’t just a crime—it’s a soul-damaging sin. Unrepentant thieves are counted among those who will not inherit eternal life. This reveals the spiritual curse of stealing: eternal separation from God.
5. The Sin of Achan: A Nation Cursed by One Man’s Theft
In Joshua 7, a man named Achan took silver and garments that were under God’s ban during Israel’s conquest of Jericho. Because of his theft, Israel suffered defeat in battle, and God’s presence lifted from them temporarily.
Joshua 7:13 (KJV) says, “There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel...”
One man’s theft brought a national curse. His sin was hidden, but God saw it. Eventually, Achan and his entire family were stoned and burned as a result. This tragic story shows how hidden theft can bring visible judgment, not just on the individual, but on a community or family.
6. Robbing God: A Spiritual Curse
God even considers it stealing when people withhold what belongs to Him.
Malachi 3:8-9 (KJV):
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me... Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.”
Failing to give tithes and offerings is seen as robbing God. The result? A curse. Spiritual barrenness, financial difficulty, and lack of divine favor can follow.
Conclusion: Repent and Be Restored
Stealing, no matter how small, carries with it a curse—from broken relationships to loss, judgment, and spiritual death. But God, in His mercy, always invites repentance.
Ephesians 4:28 (KJV) says:
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour... that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
God wants to transform thieves into givers. When we confess, make restitution, and turn from sin, God forgives and removes the curse. He restores what was broken and blesses us with peace.
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