Ephesians 4:28

The thief must stop stealing and instead work honestly so he can give to those in need. The gospel turns takers into generous givers.

Cross-references · 28

• 1 Tim 6:18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
• 1 Th 4:11–12And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
• Gal 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
• Exod 20:15Thou shalt not steal.
• 2 Th 3:11–12For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
• Luke 21:1–4And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
• Zech 5:3Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.
• 2 Th 3:6–8Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
• Hos 4:2By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
• Luke 3:10–14And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
• John 12:6This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
• Jer 7:9Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;
• Prov 28:13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
• Luke 19:8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
• Exod 20:17Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
• Exod 21:16And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
• 1 Cor 6:10–11Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
• Prov 13:11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
• Job 34:32That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
• Prov 14:23In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
• Luke 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
• Acts 20:34–35Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
• 2 Cor 8:12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
• 2 Cor 8:2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
• 2 Cor 9:12–15For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
• Prov 30:9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
• Rom 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
• John 13:29For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

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