Restitution - The Bible on Money

“Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.”

Proverbs 6:30-31

These verses teach us three things: restitution, restoration and compassion.

Restitution. Not only are we taught not to lie to, steal or deal falsely with one another (Leviticus 19:11), but we’re also taught that, when we do, we must pay back what is owed and then some. For an ox, it’s fivefold. For a sheep, it’s fourfold (Exodus 22:1-4). It’s an acknowledgment of wronging another. And an acknowledgement of what you took could have multiplied, had you not taken it. Sometimes, it’s important not just to say sorry for the harm we cause. It’s also important to do what we can to try to make up for it (Luke 19:8). Restoration. There’s freedom when we’re restored. When we make an effort to more than make up for the hurt we caused someone else, we can be restored. At first, it’s curious that for deceiving another, we pay back what is owed plus one-fifth (Leviticus 6:1-5). But Jesus paid it all. He went over and beyond what He should have, even when He did no wrong… So that we could be restored.

When we go over and beyond, there is healing. Healing with the one we have wronged. Healing within ourselves. And restoration of our soul. We give more, because Jesus gave us more than enough. He gave us His all, to give us a chance to receive eternal life.

Compassion. If someone wrongs us, we’re taught to have compassion. It may be wrong for someone to steal what is ours from us. But we have no idea what drove them to do it (Proverbs 6:30). It does not make it right, but it’s important that our heart is right. Because we stand on what’s inside, not by principles and legalities.

God has shown us mercy over and over again. If we cannot show mercy to anyone else, how can we expect Him to continue to do the same?

A thief will be required to pay back what he stole (Proverbs 6:30-31). But there is no need to add more judgment. How many wrongs have we done to someone else? Would we not want forgiveness when we ask for it? __(Matthew 18:22) __Would we not want a second chance?

Through Jesus, we are made new. Through Jesus, there is restitution. Through Jesus, restitution brings restoration. Through Jesus, restoration comes only because of the compassion He has for us. So, let us show that same compassion to each other.

Restitution - The Bible on Money

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