Respect for Others’ Rights and Property
Do not steal
Law 4 of 7
Noahides are commanded not to steal, cheat, or take anything without permission. This law applies to both individuals and societies. It forms the basis of trust and fairness in human interaction and helps ensure that everyone’s rights and property are respected.
G-d has granted each person the ownership over his money and possessions, and no one is permitted to take them away from him. This includes also the prohibition to hold back payment, and the prohibition to kidnap a person, young or old.
In practice
A strict prohibition of stealing, robbing or any kind of taking a possession away from one’s disposal by force or by fraud or in any other illegal way. Sensitivity to another’s money or property inspires us also to do acts of charity and kindness.
A deeper look
Since our sustenance comes from G-d, we should seek to earn it honestly, with dignity, and not through false means. To violate the property of others, by robbing or cheating, is a fundamental attack on their humanity. This breeds anarchy, plunging mankind into the depths of selfishness and cruelty.
It was for this sin, above all, that the Flood was brought upon the world.
