Do Not Steal to Gain More – (Proverbs 22:28)
Daily Proverbs
Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.
Daily Bible Study
At first glance we may look at this passage and wonder why it's there, because it seems to make no sense in our modern world of today. However, if we rephrase this passage in our modern vernacular we would say, "do not steal what others have, through dishonest gain." By rephrasing this passage the meaning becomes clear, it's about stealing what others have acquired through honest labor. During ancient times the wealth and livelihoods of the people depended on the land which they owned. And the boundaries of their land were determined by the landmarks which their forefathers set. To move a landmark was to not only steal land from another person and their family, but also their ability to create wealth.
To move a landmark was an act of stealing away part of their livelihood and their ability to provide for themselves and their families. God's word condemns the use of dishonest gain in business and in life. Our modern idiom of, "it's only business" is not condoned in the Bible and has no place in the life of the Christian. God's word has quite a bit to say about dishonest business practices and God promises he will not hold those blameless who steal from others. The excuses of profit and wealth for business's sake, do not impress God. And just like any other sin those who practice these things will answer to the sovereign God of the universe. Dear follower of Christ, this also includes what we would call "office politics." Those practices by employees and managers, which include gossip, slander and favoritism.