Bible Society of South Africa

The Bible has something to say about many of the problems we encounter at work today. Over the next few days we’ll be having a look at what the Bible says about honesty in the workplace.

Stealing is a serious problem in business today, whether it is taking small items for your own use, or defrauding the company by embezzling large amounts of money. We need to honour God by being totally honest in all that we do and say in the workplace. The word of God from the Ten Commandments to the New Testament clearly warns us against theft and dishonesty.

Let's read from the Old Testament. From the eighth commandment to the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, the Bible teaches us that stealing and lying are wrong in the eyes of the Lord.

"Do not steal."  Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19

"Do not steal or tell lies or cheat others." Leviticus 19:11

"We don’t put up with thieves, not even with one who steals for something to eat. And thieves who get caught must pay back seven times what was stolen and lose everything." Proverbs 6:30-31

"This scroll puts a curse on everyone in the land who steals or tells lies. The writing on one side tells about the destruction of those who steal, while the writing on the other side tells about the destruction of those who lie. The Lord All-Powerful has said, “I am sending this scroll into the house of everyone who is a robber or tells lies in my name, and it will remain there until every piece of wood and stone in that house crumbles.”  Zechariah 5:3-4

The Lord All-Powerful said: “I’m now on my way to judge you. And I will quickly condemn all who practise witchcraft or cheat in marriage or tell lies in court or rob workers of their pay or ill-treat widows and orphans or steal the property of foreigners or refuse to respect me.” Malachi 3:5

The New Testament emphasises that theft does not belong in the workplace.

"If you are a thief, stop stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need." Ephesians 4:28

"Tell slaves always to please their owners by obeying them in everything. Slaves must not talk back to their owners or steal from them. They must be completely honest and trustworthy. Then everyone will show great respect for what is taught about God our Saviour." Titus 2:9-10

Let us do our work honourably today as our King expects from us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be honest in my work today and every day through the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Amen