Definition:
Pilfering refers to the act of stealing minor items or small amounts, often repeatedly, and typically involves taking things of little value. It is a form of theft that is characterized by its petty nature, yet it is still considered a sin according to biblical teachings.

Biblical Context:
The Bible addresses the issue of theft in various forms, including pilfering, and consistently condemns it as contrary to God's commandments. The Eighth Commandment explicitly states, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and maintaining integrity in all dealings.

New Testament Teachings:
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul provides guidance on the behavior expected of believers, including the renunciation of theft. In Ephesians 4:28 , Paul instructs, "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 emphasizes the transformation expected in a believer's life, moving from dishonest gain to honest labor and generosity.

Additionally, in Titus 2:9-10 , Paul advises bondservants to be "submissive to their masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Here, pilfering is specifically mentioned as a behavior to be avoided, highlighting the importance of trustworthiness and integrity in all relationships, including those between servants and masters.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
Pilfering, though often seen as a minor offense, is a violation of the ethical standards set forth in Scripture. It reflects a lack of contentment and trust in God's provision, as well as a disregard for the rights and well-being of others. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the character of Christ and upholds the principles of honesty and respect.

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts and actions to ensure they align with biblical teachings. This includes being vigilant against the temptation to pilfer, whether in the workplace, at home, or in any other context. Believers are called to cultivate a spirit of contentment and to trust in God's provision, as well as to seek restitution and forgiveness if they have engaged in pilfering.

Conclusion:
While pilfering may seem insignificant compared to other forms of theft, it is nonetheless a sin that the Bible addresses with seriousness. Believers are urged to live lives of integrity, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in every aspect of their conduct.1. (v. i.) To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practice petty theft.

2. (v. t.) To take by petty theft; to filch; to steal little by little.

941. bastazo -- to take up, carry
... 1), bore (1), borne (1), carried (2), carried...away (1), carried away (1), carries
(1), carry (2), carrying (2), endured (1), picked (1), pilfer (1), remove (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/941.htm - 8k

The True Christian's Blessedness
... But if thou art no lover of God, but a stranger to him, I beseech thee do not pilfer
to-day and steal a comfort that was not intended for thee. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the true christians blessedness.htm

Practical Observations.
... overshadows a life. When Judas began to pilfer from the bag, he had no thought
that he would ever sell his Master. When Nero first ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 25.htm

The Subject of Plagiarisms Resumed. The Greeks Plagiarized from ...
... For, inasmuch as they pilfer from one another, they establish the fact that they
are thieves; and although against their will, they are detected, clandestinely ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the subject of plagiarisms.htm

The Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Animals in the Law ...
... a mixture of fruit-bearing and fruitless trees, since the composition aims at
concealment, on account of those that have the daring to pilfer and steal the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xviiithe distinction between clean.htm

Confutation of Idol-Worship.
... the spiders that are on them; they would thrust forth those that wish to surprise
and to steal them; they would easily capture those who pilfer the offerings. ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxii confutation of idol-worship.htm

Folly of Idolatry.
... are apprehended are detected. And such ought to be our conclusion with respect
to those who steal and pilfer the gods. But it will ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxiii folly of idolatry.htm

Heathen Worshippers under the Power of the Demon.
... According to the worship of God, the proclamation is made to be sober, to be chaste,
to restrain passion, not to pilfer other men's goods, to live uprightly ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xv heathen worshippers under the.htm

The Canonical Epistle of St. Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, to St. ...
... They that pilfer, and then confess their sin to the priest, are only obliged to
amendment, and to be liberal to the poor; and if they have nothing, to labour ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/vi the canonical epistle of.htm

Christ is All
... Those who yoke the sinner and the Savior together as each doing a part rob Christ
of all his glory; and this is robbery indeed, to pilfer from the bleeding ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/christ is all.htm

The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet
... If we begin to pilfer even a little of the praise, we shall find that our Master
will reckon us to be unfaithful stewards, and give us a discharge. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the key-note of a choice.htm

Pilfer (2 Occurrences)
... theft. 2. (vt) To take by petty theft; to filch; to steal little by little.
Multi-Version Concordance Pilfer (2 Occurrences). John ...
/p/pilfer.htm - 7k

Pileser (3 Occurrences)

/p/pileser.htm - 9k

Finger (35 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To mark the notes of (a piece of music) so as to guide the fingers in
playing. 9. (vt) To take thievishly; to pilfer; to purloin. 10. ...
/f/finger.htm - 22k

Pick (37 Occurrences)
... 11. (vi) To do anything nicely or carefully, or by attending to small things;
to select something with care. 12. (vi) To steal; to pilfer. 13. ...
/p/pick.htm - 18k

Pilfering (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Pilfer. 2. (a.) Thieving in
a small way. 3. (n.) Petty theft. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/pilfering.htm - 7k

Crib (3 Occurrences)
... 13. (vt) To pilfer or purloin; hence, to steal from an author; to appropriate;
to plagiarize; as, to crib a line from Milton. 14. ...
/c/crib.htm - 9k

Pilfer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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