Ex 20, 15 You shall not steal

(Ex 20, 15) You shall not steal

[15] "You shall not steal.

(CCC 2401) The seventh commandment forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one's neighbor and wronging him in any way with respect to his goods. It commands justice and charity in the care of earthly goods and the fruits of men's labor. For the sake of the common good, it requires respect for the universal destination of goods and respect for the right to private property. Christian life strives to order this world's goods to God and to fraternal charity. (CCC 2451) The seventh commandment enjoins the practice of justice and charity in the administration of earthly goods and the fruits of men's labor. (CCC 2452) The goods of creation are destined for the entire human race. The right to private property does not abolish the universal destination of goods. (CCC 2453) The seventh commandment forbids theft. Theft is the usurpation of another's goods against the reasonable will of the owner. (CCC 2454) Every manner of taking and using another's property unjustly is contrary to the seventh commandment. The injustice committed requires reparation. Commutative justice requires the restitution of stolen goods. (CCC 2455) The moral law forbids acts which, for commercial or totalitarian purposes, lead to the enslavement of human beings, or to their being bought, sold or exchanged like merchandise. (CCC 2456) The dominion granted by the Creator over the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be separated from respect for moral obligations, including those toward generations to come.