22 If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner. 2 If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back. 3 Do the same if you find their donkey or cloak or anything else they have lost. Do not ignore it.
4 If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet.
The Hebrews were to care for and return lost animals or possessions to their rightful owners. God set the Israelites apart and chose them, and through this, they were to be different from the world around them. The world contrasts this by saying ‘finders keepers, losers weepers’. The world says that a person can be greedy and envious. Today, as a believer in Jesus Christ, go beyond the finders keepers worldly view by protecting and returning the property of others. Guard against being greedy and envious. Take care of what belongs to you, and respect the property of others.
Spirit and Truth