Ephesians 4:28

Steal no more. Paul is speaking to those who had, in many instances, come out of paganism. Then too, there are many ways besides the outright taking of the property of others in which we may be guilty of this sin, such as a dishonest or sharp business transaction. Hence Paul’s command may apply to professing Christians. Thieving takes many insidious disguises, but in all cases it is a violation of the basic commandment of love to one’s neighbor.

Labour. It may be debated whether the stealing was a cause or a result of idleness, but certainly work is the remedy. Paul does not merely forbid an evil. If it is true that “nature abhors a vacuum,” it is equally true that habits given up must be replaced by others (cf. Matt. 12:43-45). Idleness and theft tend to go together, as do labor and honesty.

Working with his hands. Paul himself set an example by working with his own hands (Acts 20:34), following his Master, who worked at the carpenter’s bench with His own hands. Honest work is essential to the happiness of men, whether it be mental or physical labor, and no Christian has the right to be kept by others if he is able to support himself. There is therapeutic value in hard work; Paul’s instruction is psychologically sound as well as spiritually true (see Rom. 12:11).

May have to give. There is added reason for this exhortation to work. There are many who cannot support themselves because of age or other disability. This gives opportunity for a demonstration of the unity that is the theme of the epistle. It is a Christian privilege to give to those in need, those who would perish without such aid. The making of money for its own sake is not a Christian activity; the rewards of honest labor are to be received and dispersed in the spirit of Christian stewardship. The believer works in order that he may be able to help others after having discharged his obligation to society by supporting himself. Thus he lives in marked contrast with the thief.