Men
don’t despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry: but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house.
Proverbs 6:30-31
Can a man scoop fire into his lap,
and his clothes not be burned?
Or can one walk on hot coals,
and his feet not be scorched?
So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife.
Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.
Proverbs 6 [30.] Men don’t despise a thief,
if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry:
but if he is found, he shall restore seven times.
He shall give all the wealth of his house.
He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding.
He who does it destroys his own soul.
He will get wounds and dishonor.
His reproach will not be wiped away.
For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband.
He won’t spare in the day of vengeance.
Meaning:
- Restitution for Theft:
This verse addresses the consequences for a thief who is caught. It stipulates that the thief must make restitution by repaying sevenfold for what was stolen. Restitution is a foundational principle of justice, requiring the offender to make amends for the harm caused by their actions.
- Severity of Punishment:
The requirement to restore seven times the value of what was stolen underscores the severity of the offense of theft in the eyes of God. It serves as a deterrent to would-be thieves and emphasizes the importance of respecting others' property rights.
- Complete Repayment:
The verse also emphasizes that the thief must give all the wealth of his house as restitution. This requirement ensures that the thief fully compensates the victim for their loss and leaves no room for partial restitution or evasion of responsibility.
Significance:
Justice and Accountability: Proverbs 6:31 underscores the principles of justice and accountability in God's moral order. It teaches that individuals are responsible for the consequences of their actions, and restitution is required to make right the wrongs committed against others. This principle upholds the value of fairness and integrity in interpersonal relationships.
Deterrence and Prevention: The severe consequences outlined for theft serve as a deterrent to wrongdoing and help prevent further harm to society. By emphasizing the high cost of theft and the obligation to make restitution, this verse promotes respect for property rights and discourages dishonest behavior.
Restoration and Reconciliation: Restitution not only compensates the victim for their loss but also promotes reconciliation between the offender and the offended party. By making amends and fully restoring what was taken, the thief has the opportunity to repair the breach of trust and restore harmony in the community.
Cross References:
Exodus 22:1: The principle of restitution for theft is reiterated in the Mosaic Law, where it is stipulated that a thief caught in the act must make restitution by repaying double the value of what was stolen: "If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep."
Luke 19:8: In the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repents of his dishonest practices, Zacchaeus pledges to repay fourfold to anyone he has defrauded, demonstrating the principle of restitution in action: "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."
In Conclusion: Proverbs 6:31 teaches the principles of justice, accountability, and restitution for theft. It underscores the severity of the offense of theft in God's eyes and emphasizes the importance of making amends for wrongdoing. By requiring the thief to restore sevenfold and give all the wealth of his house, this verse promotes fairness, deterrence, and reconciliation in society.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible