When we speak of theft, our minds naturally turn to the image of another coming to take what is ours. Yet consider the clothing and various belongings in our care that we fail to tend with diligence — left exposed beneath the open sun, the wind, and the rain, or simply allowed to gather dust without proper cleaning and maintenance. Such neglect causes them to age rapidly, to deteriorate swiftly, and to be deprived of their natural span of usefulness. Does this not constitute a form of plundering one’s own possessions?
When we speak of theft and plunder by others, there is much that may be said. But what is to be said of one who plunders themselves? One who consumes and wastes without care or restraint — should they be living under the roof of their parents — is in effect plundering their very own mother and father.
Our possessions and belongings, whatever they may be, must therefore be tended with care and used with mindful consideration — lest we become the very thieves of our own wealth.
