Matthew Poole and continuators on Ephesians 4:28

28 Let him that stole, steal no more ; but rather let him labour e, working with his hands the thing which is good , that he may have to give to him that needeth .

Stealing is understood largely for seeking our own gain by any way defrauding others, whether by taking away, or unjustly detaining what is theirs. i. e. Diligently and Industriously, as the word imports. Idleness is condemned as tending to Theft.

As the onely instrument by which most Arts and Trades are exercised.

Not in any unlawfull way, but in an honest calling.

That he may have not onely whereupon to live, and prevent stealing, but wherewith to help those that want, Luk. 21.2.

Marginal references: Act. 20.35. 1 Thess. 4.11. [illegible: 1 letter] Thess. 3.8, 11, 12.; Or, distri [illegible: 4 letters].