But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner. The distinction between theft (the custodian's negligence or complicity) and unavoidable harm (death without negligence) is maintained. If the animal was stolen, someone was careless or complicit — restitution is required. If the animal died from natural causes without negligence, the oath settles it. The law's granular case distinctions reflect the variety of real situations that arise between neighbors, and the consistent principle: carelessness that produces harm requires restitution; unavoidable harm requires truthfulness but not punishment. Luke 16:10 says whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much — the custodial responsibility laws establish the standard for trustworthiness with others' property.

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