Nathaniel2 Jan 16, 2015:

I'm sure that works, Stuart. It gets the point across and doesn't sound awkward.

Pavel Slama Jan 16, 2015:

Yes, I think it is an imperative. As well as more concise.

BTW, I know this maxim without the stát, perhaps because it comes from times when all property belonged to the government, directly or indirectly. And I imagine it can easily apply to multinational corporations, if you happen to work for one. Steal from the multinationals, or deprive the 99% – now that is straying too far.

Stuart Hoskins (asker) Jan 15, 2015:

Would "steal from the state/government or [otherwise you will] deprive your family" be straying too far?

Nathaniel2 Jan 14, 2015:

"Not stealing from the government is the same as/akin to stealing from your own family"

Just don't know if there's a snazzy way to say this in English!

Pavel Slama Jan 12, 2015:

“Not pilfering government property equals depriving your own family.” – hmm, sounds more like an explanation than a snappy translation... Anyway, my bit of brainstorming, if you can call it that in this weather.