Scoundrels Penalty

When one man’s secret sin brings a nation to its knees...

In this powerful solo performance, a fiery widow unleashes her fury over stolen fruit—but soon reveals a deeper lesson about justice, covenant, and the devastating cost of disobedience. As she recounts the story of Achan’s greed and Israel’s shame, her anger becomes a warning: no sin is hidden from God.

Both dramatic and darkly humorous, Scoundrel’s Penalty© delivers a sobering message with theatrical flair. Perfect for youth groups, church services, or Bible studies exploring the ripple effects of sin—and the faithfulness of God’s justice.

Runtime: approx. 3 minutes
Bible Reference: Joshua 7
Themes: Consequences of sin, justice, obedience, accountability
Staging: Simple set and lighting; traditional costume recommended
Tone: Intense, expressive, and slightly satirical
Cast: 1 m or f (written for a female but could be easily changed)

Sample script:

(Actress comes on stage, angry at someone off stage)

ACTRESS
Go on now, don’t you come back, none of you!
I declare! Turn your back and those village ruffians will rob you blind!
Scoundrels are what they are!

(Pauses as though listening to someone in the audience)

What’s that you say?

(Scornful, sarcastic, mocking tone, as a putdown to the unseen person)
Oh of course!
“They are only children,” you say!

(Very angry)
Children?
Scoundrels indeed is what they are!
Little thieves, taking what is not theirs!

(Points upward)
Why, if the very roof on my humble cottage were not securely fastened, they would steal that too, I have no doubt.

(Listens again, reacting angrily to someone in the audience)
What does it matter that it was only fruit from my tree?
I tell you it was food from my table! A table that I, a poor widow woman, can ill afford to give up I tell you!
And it’s not as though the plunder was necessary, that they were starving.
Truth be known, the fruit more likely was to be used for pelting the dwellings of other poor homeowners.
Or would be buried in a hole in the ground in some obscure location; thus, the scoundrels surmised, that they would not be identified.

(Shaking an angry fist off stage)
But listen well!
The acts of a scoundrel will be found out, and when found out, both justice and vengeance will be swiftly and meted out.
I say, never doubt the surety of the scoundrel’s penalty!
As sure as sunshine follows rain, so too shall the scoundrel’s deeds be found out and justice served!

Achan!

(Pauses, looks into audience, frowns, repeats)
Achan!

(Pauses again, frowns)
You do not remember Achan?

(Overwhelmed)
I am amazed at how little your parents and elders tell you of history, and through this lack of teaching, young generations lose the benefit of past knowledge—thus acting like, like... scoundrels.

Want to see how the story unfolds? DramaShare members get this complete script— and access to our entire library—absolutely free! Not a member? You can still grab this individual script and bring it to life.