The Bible offers moral guidance on a vast array of lifestyle topics, and it isn’t always 100% clear on what is and isn’t allowed. However, there are certain acts that the ancient Christian text is very specific about, and there can be no doubt that they’re prohibited. This article describes 18 things that the Bible says you cannot do for any reason and without exception.
Murder
We really hope this one goes without saying! Of course, the sanctity of life is paramount in the Bible, and the Ten Commandments explicitly state, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). Most Christians take this to encompass the deliberate, non-accidental taking of any human life, even oneself, via suicide, a fetus via abortion, or a terminally ill person by euthanasia.
Stealing
Theft is repeatedly condemned in the Bible as a violation of God’s law. Openbible gives over 90 examples where theft is referenced and prohibited in the holy book, including “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15) and “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands” (Ephesians 4:28). It’s pretty clear! Plus, it’s illegal to boot.
Adultery
The Bible upholds the sanctity of marriage and condemns sexual acts outside of its bounds or sexual immorality in general. Passages like Exodus 20:14 (“Thou shalt not commit adultery”) and 1 Corinthians 6:18 (“Flee from sexual immorality”) clearly forbids adultery, fornication, and other forms of sexual misconduct. It’s also clearly forbidden by any religious wedding vows.
Breaking Oaths
Failing to uphold promises made to God or others is considered a severe offense in the Christian scriptures. Bible Portal references Deuteronomy 23:23; “When you vow a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it will be sin.” This emphasizes the importance of integrity and honor in fulfilling promises.
Dishonesty
Exodus 20:16 writes, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” and other such references to lying are common throughout the Bible. This principle extends to all forms of deceit, including fraud, plagiarism, and withholding the truth. Christian teachings often preach honesty, even when admitting fault or sin, and say that genuinely repentful souls will be forgiven.
Greed
Greed is one of the 7 deadly sins, and the Bible warns against excessive desire for possessions and wealth. Passages like Matthew 6:24 (“You cannot serve both God and money”) and Timothy 6:10 (“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows”) warn against materialism.
Idolatry
Worshiping anything other than God is strictly forbidden, and The Ten Commandments begin with, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). This is widely taken to encompass acts such as worshiping false gods, making idols, or placing anything, including money, power, or personal desires, above God.
Hatred
The Bible generally promotes love and forgiveness and condemns hatred and acts of violence against fellow humans. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:21-22, “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” Proverbs 10:12 is also quite clear on the subject, stating, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
Gossip
Dwell CC states that, although the Bible sees value in confidentiality, scripture “speaks strongly against gossip,” especially if it’s untrue and/or malicious, and spreading rumors or lies about others is explicitly condemned. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “a lying tongue, a deceitful heart, a wicked eye” as negative personality traits and insinuates that gossip is prohibited.
Pride
Like greed, pride is a deadly sin, and the Bible consistently warns against arrogance and proud behavior. Instead, it emphasizes humility before God. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Similarly, James 4:6 declares, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The holy book isn’t vague on the subject!
Witchcraft
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly asserts, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium.” Seeking guidance or trying to gain power through practices deemed ‘outside’ Christian faith or God’s will is strictly forbidden.
Dishonoring Parents
The Bible emphasizes respecting and caring for one’s parents, and The Ten Commandments include, “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you” (Exodus 20:12). Most Christians believe that this commandment extends to providing for their physical needs as they age and treating them with respect throughout their lives.
Bearing False Witness
Dishonesty, in general, is forbidden, and lying under oath or providing false testimony in a legal setting is an especially grave offense. In Proverbs 19:5, it is written “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” This principle emphasizes the importance of honest justice within legal proceedings, and the sanctity of swearing oaths.
Coveting Others
It doesn’t matter how much bigger your friend’s house is than yours; desiring what belongs to others is considered sinful. The Ten Commandments state, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey” (Exodus 20:17) and preaches contentment with your own life.
Drunkenness
Although wine is referenced heavily in the Bible, excessive consumption of alcohol is condemned due to the loss of control one has over one’s actions and the potential to act immorally or hurt others while under the influence. Crosswalk says, Ephesians 5:18 instructs, “And do not be drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Homosexuality
Sadly, the Bible isn’t very tolerant when it comes to alternative sexual preferences, although its exact message is debated. Several passages appear to condemn homosexual acts. Leviticus 18:22 states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” Romans 1:26-27 also speaks of same-sex relationships as unnatural and a result of denying God.
Oppression
The Bible repeatedly calls for the vulnerable and weak to be protected and included, advocating justice and compassion for those who need it most. Proverbs 22:22-23 states, “Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will defend their cause and despoil those who despoil them.” This likely includes children, the elderly, and those living in poverty.
Rebellion Against God
Although rebelling against oppressors or wrong-doers may be okay, denying God’s authority and actively opposing His will is considered the ultimate sin. Proverbs 16:5 declares, “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” This extends to rejecting God’s teachings, disobeying commandments, and living a non-Christian lifestyle.
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