What does the Bible say about taking advantage?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns taking advantage of others as sinful oppression and calls God’s people to deal honestly, justly, and lovingly with their neighbors. Leviticus 19:13 forbids defrauding or withholding what is due, while Proverbs 11:1 denounces dishonest measures and Proverbs 28:8 warns against gaining wealth through unjust interest. Micah 2:1-2 and Jeremiah 22:13 expose those who use power to seize property or exploit workers, and James 5:4 declares that God hears the cries of defrauded laborers. Believers are instead to work honestly and share with those in need, as Ephesians 4:28 teaches. Christ also warns against greed in Luke 12:15, directing our hearts toward God and our neighbor’s good.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Thessalonians 4:6
that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
- Leviticus 19:13
"'You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.
- Proverbs 28:8
He who increases his wealth by excessive interest Gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.
- Micah 2:1-2
[1] Woe to those who devise iniquity And work evil on their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it, Because it is in the power of their hand. [2] They covet fields, and seize them; And houses, and take them away: And they oppress a man and his house, Even a man and his heritage.
- James 5:4
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of those who reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
- Proverbs 22:22-23
[22] Don't exploit the poor, because he is poor; And don't crush the needy in court; [23] For Yahweh will plead their case, And plunder the life of those who plunder them.
- Proverbs 11:1
A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, But accurate weights are his delight.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
- Luke 12:15
He said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."
- Jeremiah 22:13
Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by injustice; who uses his neighbor's service without wages, and doesn't give him his hire;
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