But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6 belongs with those chapters that show turning away from instruction and breaking spiritual law produces spiritual disease and death, while the way of wisdom is the way of life. Its warnings make disobedience not merely a mistake but a course that sickens and kills the soul, and make obedience the path that preserves and gives life.
A thief who is caught is bound to restore sevenfold, even to yielding up all the property of his house. Discovery does not end the matter with exposure or light penalty, but demands manifold repayment that may cost him everything he possesses.
That standard of full restitution exposes corrupt justice in which one who steals a loaf of bread is sent to prison, while officials who steal millions from taxes retain their gains and commonly escape punishment.
Proverbs 6 belongs with those chapters that show turning away from instruction and breaking spiritual law produces spiritual disease and death, while the way of wisdom is the way of life. Its warnings make disobedience not merely a mistake but a course that sickens and kills the soul, and make obedience the path that preserves and gives life.
A thief who is caught is bound to restore sevenfold, even to yielding up all the property of his house. Discovery does not end the matter with exposure or light penalty, but demands manifold repayment that may cost him everything he possesses.
That standard of full restitution exposes corrupt justice in which one who steals a loaf of bread is sent to prison, while officials who steal millions from taxes retain their gains and commonly escape punishment.