447 / 665
Chapter 31. Seventh Commandment: Do Not Steal—Act Justly • 419
RESPECT PEOPLE AND THEIR POSSESSIONS
The seventh Commandment forbids theft. Theft is the
usurpation of another’s goods against the reasonable
will of the owner. . . . Every manner of taking and using
another’s property unjustly is contrary to the seventh
commandment. The injustice committed requires repa-
ration. Commutative justice requires the restitution of
stolen goods.
—CCC, nos. 2453-2454
The Seventh Commandment forbids stealing or theft, which involves
taking someone’s money or property “against the reasonable will of the
owner.” Theft includes not only robbery but also actions such as embez-
zlement, computer theft, counterfeit money, fraud, identity theft, copy-
right violations (including pirating things such as music or computer
software), and mail scams.
To keep this Commandment, we need to acquire the virtues of mod-
eration in our possessions, justice in our treatment of others, respect for
their human dignity, and solidarity with all peoples. Moderation curbs
our attachment to worldly goods and restrains our appetite for consum-
erism. Justice helps us respect our neighbor’s rights and be interested in
their human well-being. Solidarity opens our hearts to identifying with
the whole human family, reminding us of our common humanity.
We should not steal from each other, pay unfair salaries, cheat
in business, or exploit people’s weaknesses to make money. Promises
should be kept and contracts honored to the extent that the issues are
morally just (cf. CCC, no. 2410). We need to safeguard property rights,
pay our debts, and fulfill obligations freely incurred. The government
has the right and duty to safeguard legitimate ownership of money and
property and to protect people from robbery and injury.