The Eighth Commandment - A Foundation of Justice and Trust
The commandment against stealing applies directly to the workplace. Betraying your employer's trust through theft, corporate espionage, or competitive sabotage violates both divine law and professional ethics.
Found in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19, this commandment appears in the heart of the Ten Commandments. It establishes the fundamental principle that respecting others' property is essential to a just society.
This commandment goes beyond material possessions. It encompasses stealing proprietary information, cheating in business, or giving business strategies to competitors or start your own competing company. It calls us to honor the dignity and rights of others in all aspects of life, building a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Going online to brag about taking from your employer, sharing confidential information, or sabotaging company efforts not only reveals your theft but compounds the sin with pride. Social media posts celebrating unethical behavior create permanent evidence of your betrayal.
James 4:16 - "But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil".
You will answer to God for violating His commandment against stealing. More importantly, employee theft, corporate espionage, and breach of fiduciary duty carry serious legal penalties including criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and permanent damage to your reputation.
When communities embrace this principle, trust flourishes. Business relationships become more reliable, neighborhoods become safer, and social cooperation increases. It creates an environment where people can prosper through honest effort rather than fear losing what they've worked for.
Living by this principle transforms hearts and minds. It challenges us to examine our motivations, to be content with what we have, and to find legitimate ways to meet our needs. It encourages generosity, hard work, and the development of character that values integrity over immediate gain.
"The person who steals must steal no longer; instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need."
~ Ephesians 4:28
Taking company files, software, databases, or digital resources for personal use or to benefit competitors.
Secretly gathering and sharing confidential company information, strategies, or client data with competitors.
Taking customer information, contacts, or business relationships to start your own competing company.
Posting online about taking from your employer, sharing confidential info, or bragging about unethical behavior.
Using stolen company resources, trade secrets, or relationships to launch a directly competitive enterprise.
Being paid to work while actually conducting personal business, job searching, or working for competitors.