Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextPilfering refers to the act of stealing minor items or small amounts, often repeatedly, and typically involves a breach of trust. In biblical terms, pilfering is considered a form of theft, which is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. The act of pilfering is not only a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (
Exodus 20:15), but it also reflects a deeper moral and spiritual issue concerning honesty, integrity, and respect for others' property.
Biblical ReferencesWhile the term "pilfering" itself is not directly used in most English translations of the Bible, the concept is addressed in various passages. One of the clearest references to the idea of pilfering is found in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul instructs slaves to be trustworthy and not to steal from their masters. In
Titus 2:9-10 , Paul writes, "Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive."
This passage highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness in all relationships, particularly in situations where one might be tempted to take advantage of another's trust. The admonition against stealing, even in small amounts, is a call to live a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsPilfering, though often perceived as a minor offense, is a serious moral failing in the biblical worldview. It undermines trust and damages relationships, whether in a personal, professional, or communal context. The Bible consistently calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, emphasizing honesty and integrity as essential virtues.
In
Ephesians 4:28 , Paul further elaborates on the transformation expected in the life of a believer: "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This verse not only condemns theft but also encourages productive and generous living, highlighting the redemptive change that should characterize a follower of Christ.
Spiritual SignificanceThe issue of pilfering is not merely about the act of taking what does not belong to one; it is also about the condition of the heart. Jesus taught that the heart is the source of all moral actions, saying in
Matthew 15:19 , "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." Thus, addressing the sin of pilfering involves a transformation of the heart, aligning one's desires and actions with God's will.
The call to avoid pilfering and all forms of theft is ultimately a call to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His character. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of contentment and trust in God's provision, as expressed in
Hebrews 13:5 : "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'"
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, avoiding pilfering involves cultivating habits of honesty and accountability. This can be achieved through regular self-examination, prayer, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them, whether in their personal lives, workplaces, or communities.
Furthermore, the Christian community is called to support one another in living out these values, providing encouragement and accountability to resist the temptation to pilfer and to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Pilfer.
2. (a.) Thieving in a small way.
3. (n.) Petty theft.
Greek
3557. nosphizo -- to abandon, to set apart... Word Origin from nosphi (apart) Definition to abandon, to set apart NASB Word Usage
keep back (1), kept back (1),
pilfering (1). keep back, purloin.
...Library
Naparima and Montserrat
... This continualpilfering, I was assured, was a serious tax on the cultivation
of the estates around. But I was told, too, frankly...
Song 4. The Thief 8,7,8,7
... fruit? Oft we see a young beginner Practice littlepilfering ways, Till
grown up a harden'd sinner, Then the gallows ends his days....
Song 4. The Thief
... When they stole forbidden fruit? Oft we see a young beginner. Practice littlepilfering
ways,. Till grown up a harden'd sinner,. Then the gallows ends his days....
Who Then Can be Saved?
... And one was among them,pilfering from the bag what was intended for the poor,
to whom that look of Christ must have been very terrible....
Susanna Wesley's "By-Laws"
... "2. That no sinful action, as lying,pilfering, playing at church, or on the Lord's
day, disobedience, quarreling, and so forth, should ever pass unpunished....
A Priori Argument on the Divine Attributes.
... If He makes blind and deaf, who has given sight and hearing? If He commitspilfering,
who administers justice? If He mocks, who is sincere?...
Arise, and Go into the City
... As all boys do, he roamed the environs of his home with his chums, occasionally
pilfering fruit and getting into all kinds of mischief; but though other boys...
Little Sins
... never a man yet that came to the gallows but confessed that he began with small
thefts;"the stealing of a book at school"thepilfering, afterwards, from...
The Eighth Commandment
... 28, &c. The devil hires such as stand idle, and puts them to thepilfering
trade. An idle person tempts the devil to tempt him. (2...
He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10.
... An individual will not be at the expense of getting a little charcoal for himself,
to kindle his fire in the morning, but gets along bypilfering from the...
Thesaurus
Pilfering (2 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Pilfer. 2. (a.) Thieving in a small way. 3. (n.) Petty
theft. Multi-Version Concordance
Pilfering (2 Occurrences).
...Owners (19 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them
satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and notpilfering, (WEY)....
Picking (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The act of choosing, plucking, or gathering. 4. (n.) That which is, or may
be, picked or gleaned. 5. (n.)Pilfering; also, that which is pilfered....
Pilfer (2 Occurrences)
Pilgrim
Satisfaction (15 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them
satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and notpilfering, (WEY RSV)....
Slaves (119 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them
satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and notpilfering, (WEY NAS RSV...
Always (186 Occurrences)
... Titus 2:9 Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them
satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and notpilfering, (WEY)....
Resources
How important is Christian conduct to how the unbelieving world sees Christ? | GotQuestions.orgPilfering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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