The way of get, fostered by satan the devil and his minions, both demonic and human, stands in stark contrast to God's way of give, of love, of outgoing concern. Under satan's influence, the attitude of unconverted humanity is to take for itself whatever it can, driven by a compromised nature. This pervasive, grasping character of the world seeks not only to take what is ours physically but also spiritually, aiming to undermine and even eradicate our belief in the truth and allegiance to God, as these condemn their sinful behaviors. Despite God's prohibition against stealing, the world remains intent on seizing what belongs to us, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize our possessions and value God's spiritual gifts and purposes above all else, knowing that what is safeguarded by Him will never be stolen.

There are two distinct paths in our thinking: the righteous way and the unrighteous way. The concept of the "Way of Get" aligns with the unrighteous way, focusing on selfish desires and thoughts that lead away from life. In contrast, the righteous way leads to life, while the unrighteous way, or the "Way of Get," directs us toward death. We cannot live a righteous life while constantly harboring unrighteous thoughts, as these two paths cannot coexist. A person who thinks unrighteous thoughts cannot produce righteous actions, just as a corrupt tree cannot bear good fruit. Therefore, we must choose to forsake unrighteous thoughts, refusing to follow the "Way of Get," and instead embrace the righteous way that aligns with God's purpose and direction.

The eighth commandment exposes whether we grasp the motivating principle of God's whole law, which is give rather than get (Acts 20:35). Satan's "get" way of life stands opposed to it. Stealing usually begins in the mind with covetousness and greed spawned by a selfish character, and that defiles a person from within (Matthew 15:18-20). Greed can lead to violence, murder, fraud, deceit and lying. Stealing to acquire the objects of our worship is spiritual adultery and idolatry, and giving in to the get way dishonors our spiritual Father and elevates the self above God. The way of get takes many forms: acquiring, taking, extorting and embezzling. Extortion obtains things by force, intimidation or undue power. Examples include the Pharisees pressuring people for offerings, tax collectors collecting more than their due, and a child who gets his way through tantrums. Ananias and Sapphira stole from God under the appearance of generosity. False shepherds neglect the flock while accumulating possessions for themselves. Thieves cannot inherit God's Kingdom (I Corinthians 6:9-10). The opposite of getting is giving, producing, working and being resourceful (Ephesians 4:28; Luke 3:11). Those who live this way serve others and care for the needy, which pleases the Judge.

The eighth commandment condemns the way of get, the opposite of generosity, and from it arise the contrasting ways of give and get. Stealing runs against the grain of God's way of life, and it reaches far beyond taking another's goods. It includes fraud, short weights and measures, white-collar embezzlement, exploiting the powerless, withholding wages (James 5:1-6), and even a government's taxing power used for its own ends (I Samuel 8). A person also steals by refusing to work hard and honestly so that he can share. Only two right ways to possess anything exist: as a gift, or by honest labor. Every other means is sin, whether the robber's violence or the banker's manipulative bookkeeping. Get-rich-quick schemes, cutting corners, and taking advantage of another's ignorance destroy the one who practices them (Proverbs 28:20-22). Wealth is a means, not an end. Self-concern degenerates into greed, and greed must be overcome. God is a Creator who works (John 5:17), and Christ gave Himself up, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:4-8). His children must become like Him. Ephesians 4:28 therefore tells the thief to labor with his hands so that he may have something to give to the needy, and Acts 20:35 says it is more blessed to give than to receive. Stealing also profanes God's name (Proverbs 30:7-9). Thievery leads only to despair and death, while labor yields profit (Proverbs 14:23).

The way of get is the take-way principle, the opposite of the give way, and the eighth commandment condemns it. "You shall not steal" affirms every person's God-given right to private property, so no individual, business, or government may take another's property by force, stealth, or clever manipulation, however justified the taker feels. The spirit of the law reaches far beyond robbery. It covers careless damage to another's property, fraud, embezzlement, price-fixing, dishonest weights and measures, defective products, and unfairly tilted rules that let the privileged steal from the powerless. The real thief often wears a white collar. Even a king's taxation can become legal thievery when government stops serving and demands to be served. God allows only two honest ways to come into possession of anything: a free gift, or honest labor. Ephesians 4:28 commands the thief to labor so that he may have something to give to the one in need. Refusing to work hard and honestly so as to share is part of the same sin as taking what belongs to another. Get-rich-quick schemes and gambling are condemned, since God favors patient labor. The way of give follows the example of the Father and Christ, who work in order to give, and of Christ, who became poor that others might be rich. Stealing also profanes the name of God that His children bear.

The way of get is self-centered and destructive. It is satan's way of get that only produces division, war, and destruction. The way of get follows the pattern of prideful corruption where one becomes filled with violence within and sins. The way of get is the zero-sum game in which one person or group's gain is of necessity another person or group's loss. The way of get is a system of covetousness that drives conflict and weakens the nations. The way of get is the infection that spreads throughout mankind from the beginning when the serpent convinced the woman to take what was not given. The way of get is the political allocation of resources that enhances conflict while market allocation reduces it. The way of get is the insatiable desire to have what rightfully belongs to others. The way of get is ruthless self-seeking and an arrogant assumption that others and things exist for one's own benefit. The way of get puts self-interest and things in the place of God. The way of get is idolatry because it serves to get for the self. The way of get is the system of bondage from which deliverance sets apart those who live the unleavened life.