20+ Bible Verses About Thieves And Liars [2025 Guide]

The Bible offers profound wisdom and guidance on many aspects of life, including the moral teachings surrounding thieves and liars. These concepts are not only relevant in the context of personal conduct but also in understanding how deception and theft impact relationships, communities, and spiritual well-being. Whether you are seeking to understand how the Bible addresses lying, stealing, or seeking redemption for such sins, this article serves as a comprehensive resource to shed light on these issues. This article is Bible Verses about thieves and liars.

I. Why the Bible Speaks So Strongly About Thieves and Liars

The Bible addresses the behavior of thieves and liars extensively because these actions strike at the core of trust, integrity, and community life. Theft and lying are acts that undermine relationships—both human and divine. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of the importance of truth, honesty, and respect for others’ possessions.

In a world where dishonesty and theft are prevalent, understanding how the Bible views these actions can provide clarity and wisdom for living a life of righteousness.

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II. What Does the Bible Say About Thieves?

In biblical terms, a thief is not simply someone who steals physical possessions but also a person who deceives or takes advantage of others. The Bible emphasizes the significance of integrity and condemns stealing in any form.

A. Old Testament Teachings on Theft

1. Exodus 20:15: “You shall not steal.”

   • The Eighth Commandment explicitly forbids stealing, underscoring the sacredness of personal property.

2. Leviticus 19:11: “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.”

   • This verse ties stealing not only to physical theft but also to deceit in business and relationships.

3. Proverbs 6:30-31: “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.”

   • While this acknowledges the temptation of theft due to need, it still emphasizes that there are consequences for stealing.

B. New Testament Teachings on Thieves

1. John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

   • Jesus contrasts His purpose with the actions of thieves, showing that theft leads to destruction while He offers abundant life.

2. Ephesians 4:28: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”

   • Paul encourages repentance for thieves and advocates for honest work as a way of providing for oneself and others.

C. Consequences of Theft in the Bible

1. Proverbs 6:30-31: Reiterates the penalty for theft and its impact on one’s life.

2. Matthew 19:18-19: Jesus lists theft among the commandments, reinforcing its seriousness.

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III. What Does the Bible Say About Liars?

Lying is seen as a grievous sin in the Bible, often associated with deceit, corruption, and malice. The Bible emphasizes truth as essential to living a righteous life.

A. Old Testament Teachings on Lying

1. Exodus 20:16: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

   • This commandment specifically addresses lying in the context of legal testimony and false accusations.

2. Proverbs 6:16-19: “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him…a lying tongue.”

   • Lying is explicitly mentioned as one of the things God hates.

B. New Testament Teachings on Lying

1. Colossians 3:9: “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”

   • Paul warns believers against lying, as it goes against the new nature in Christ.

2. Revelation 21:8: “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.”

   • Lying is listed among severe sins that result in eternal consequences.

C. Consequences of Lying in the Bible

1. John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

   • Jesus highlights the destructive power of lying, associating it with the devil.

2. Proverbs 19:5: “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.”

   • A strong statement about the punishment for those who lie.

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IV. Thieves and Liars in the Bible: What’s the Connection?

Both theft and lying are portrayed as deeply harmful actions, not only to individuals but to society as a whole. They disrupt trust, sow discord, and damage relationships.

A. The Bible’s View of Thieves and Liars as Deceivers

1. Luke 12:33: “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail.”

   • This teaches that greed and theft (motivated by materialism) can blind individuals to spiritual priorities.

B. Thieves and Liars Share a Similar Fate

1. Proverbs 29:24: “The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses it not.”

   • This highlights the shared destructive consequences for thieves and those who enable or lie for them.

V. Repentance for Thieves and Liars: Redemption in Christ

Repentance is the path to redemption for both thieves and liars. The Bible offers hope that even those who have lived in sin can be forgiven and transformed by God’s grace.

A. The Power of Repentance

1. 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

   • This is a foundational verse on the forgiveness available to all who repent.

B. Examples of Repentance in the Bible

1. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8-10): Zacchaeus, a tax collector and former thief, repented and restored four times the amount he took.

2. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): A story of redemption and forgiveness, illustrating how God is willing to forgive even the most sinful.

VI. Practical Wisdom for Dealing with Thieves and Liars in Your Life

The Bible provides wisdom for handling situations involving theft or deceit. These teachings can help believers navigate relationships and maintain integrity.

A. How to Protect Yourself from Thieves and Liars

1. Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

   • This verse reminds believers to protect themselves from deceit by maintaining integrity.

2. Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

   • Wisdom and discernment are crucial in dealing with people who may try to deceive or steal from you.

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Bible Verses About Thieves And Liars FAQs

Q: What does the Bible say about stealing and theft?

A: The Bible condemns stealing and emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ property and living with integrity.

Q: Can liars be forgiven according to the Bible?

A: Yes, the Bible offers forgiveness through repentance, as shown in 1 John 1:9 and the examples of repentance from Zacchaeus and the Prodigal Son.

Q: How can I deal with a thief or liar in my life based on the Bible?

A: The Bible encourages wisdom and discernment in dealing with thieves and liars. Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 10:16 offer guidance on how to protect yourself from deception.

Q: Are there specific Bible verses that address lying?

A: Yes, several verses such as Exodus 20:16 and Proverbs 6:16-19 specifically address the sin of lying.

Conclusion

The Bible’s teachings about thieves and liars emphasize the importance of living with integrity. By adhering to biblical principles, we can avoid the destructive behaviors of theft and deceit, and instead embrace a life of truthfulness and righteousness. Through repentance, redemption, and wisdom, even those who have fallen into these sins can be restored.