Not loving the neighbor and harming them is trespassing against the Lord. (Leviticus 6:1-6) The Royal Law taught by the Lord demands loving the Lord with all heart, soul, mind, and strength; and loving your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Sin against God: Joseph refused an adulterous relationship, stating he was sinning against Potiphar’s wife, Potiphar, himself, and God. (Genesis 39:8-9) Similarly, a breach of trust with a neighbor is a sin against God.
Stealing: The Ten Commandments forbids stealing. (Exodus 20:15) It is not only just robbery but using deception, trickery, including lying to take what belongs to someone else.
God’s ownership: The commandment against stealing implies that all belongs to God. He is the owner of the earth, and all in it belongs to God. (Psalms 24:1) Humans who live are delegates as temporary owners on this earth. Taking from others, which is not legitimate, using any means, including violence, is a sin against God. Ahab sinned against God by stealing from Naboth’s vineyard using falsehood, and the power of the State. (I Kings 21:1-29)
Private property: In God’s economic system, individuals could own property and assets. Respect for other people includes respecting the ownership of things, assets, and properties. In the Valley of Gerar, when Isaac’s servants dug wells, it was taken over by the local herdsmen. There was no right to property in the ancient world. (Genesis 26:15-22) In a few countries, the right to private property is not protected.
Stewardship: The earth is given to humanity to be stewards of all. Sadly, many rich and powerful hoard the best resources, reducing others to poverty. The Five Talented man and the Two Talented man had to double their assets. The One Talented man was also supposed to do it, he buried it. He could have even conspired to rob the successful men. Even some political ideologies have similar philosophies to rob the rich, even kill the rich, instead of educating, providing equal opportunities, upgrading, and empowering the poor.
Do I rob the individual rights of my neighbor?