There are many things we do today that the Bible strongly frowns against. So that we remain on the right path of spirituality, here are 18 things you aren’t meant to do according to the Bible.
Worship Other Gods
In the first of the ten commandments, God says he’s our lord and that we shall not have any other gods before him. The monotheistic nature of the worship of God is the very foundation of what being a Christian is all about, and worshiping or even making an idol is a grave sin against Jehovah.
Gossiping
Talking behind people’s backs is also a behavior that the Bible sees in a negative light. Reading Proverbs 20:19 from Bible Hub, we’re advised that “gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Romans 1:28–32 calls gossiping a result of a debased, unrighteous mind.
Use God’s Name in Vain
In Exodus 20:7, God commands us not to take his name in vain. Misusing the name of God is a lack of reverence for his divineness, and you could be guilty of this in a plethora of ways. You take God’s name in vain when you make a profession that you don’t live up to, break covenants with God, or use it carelessly in jokes.
Neglect the Sabbath
We’re instructed to observe the day of the sabbath—free of work—and to go the extra step of using it for the remembrance of God. This is a covenant between God and his people, representing how He also rested on the seventh day of creation. Saturday has now become the preferred day of Sabbath for most people.
Hold Grudges
Leviticus 19:18, from the Bible Gateway, commands us not to hold a grudge against anyone, especially to the point of vengeance—telling us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Grudges can lead to anger and spiritual decay, and they also push us into committing violent sins.
Dishonor Your Parents
The Bible also tells us, through Exodus 20:12, that we should honor our fathers and mothers so that we may live long and well. Respect for parents is the foundation of societal morals and harmony, and it represents recognition and gratitude for their parental care.
Commit Murder
We’re also instructed not to kill unjustly, as God has made life sacred, and murder only leads to moral and societal disruptions. Only God has sovereignty over life and death, and the only form of killing allowed is what Bible Study Tools calls “harag” —killing for self-defense, unintentionally, or as punishment for the sin of murder.
Commit Adultery
In Exodus 20:14, the Bible offers strong words against marital infidelity. Cheating is a violation of the sanctity of marriage, and it undermines the values of trust and loyalty that marital vows represent. It’s so frowned upon that it’s the only specific justification the Bible gives for a divorce.
Steal
Stealing isn’t just a legal or moral offense you shouldn’t be found guilty of; it’s a stain on your spirituality too! Exodus 20:15 reiterated in the New Testament through Romans 13:9, instructs that we don’t take what belongs to others forcefully or without permission, as it’s harmful to trust and social order.
Be Prideful
Proverbs 16:18 tells us clearly that “pride goes before destruction” and the related feeling of disdainful arrogance goes before a fall. We’re encouraged to remain humble in our relationships with others, and Christianity.com explains how pride is spiritually deadly and can lead to all other sins.
Human Trafficking
The Bible has really strong words against human trafficking and kidnapping in general. Through Proverbs 6:30–31, it says that whoever “steals” a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of this man, should be put to death. It’s an offense against our neighbor’s dignity and fundamental human rights.
Bear False Witness
Whether in court or in your regular interactions with people around you, or whether for personal benefit or spite, Exodus 20:16 also commands us not to lie against others. If you do, Proverbs 25:18 likens you to a war club or sword—you perpetrate an injustice that kills the reputation of whoever you slander.
Covet
The last of the ten commandments, contained in Exodus 20:17, tells us not to covet our neighbor’s house, wife, servants, animals, or anything of their possession. It’s a trait that shows ingratitude toward what God has provided to you, and it could lead to other sins like theft and adultery.
Engage in Sexual Immorality
Separate from marital infidelity, the Bible also abhors sexual immorality, and this covers premarital sex, promiscuity, and other forms of misconduct. Sexual immorality violates God’s purification of our body as the temple for our souls, and it’s a risky behavior with both spiritual and physical consequences.
Get Drunk
The Bible isn’t against drinking alcohol—Jesus turned water into wine to show for this. What the Bible frowns at is excessive consumption of alcohol to the point of drunkenness. Proverbs 20:1 calls anyone who allows himself to be led astray by wine unwise, while Galatians 5:19–21 says that anyone engaging in alcohol won’t inherit the kingdom of God.
Practice Witchcraft
By withcraft, we mean divination, fortune-telling, sorcery, and every other unholy spiritual action mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:10–12. These condemned acts clearly have a very close association with idolatrous practices, as all they do is divert trust and reliance away from God.
Reject the Poor
The Bible also constantly emphasizes how important it is for us to help the needy or less privileged, either financially or through our actions. And it goes further to say, through Proverbs 14:31, that whoever oppresses the poor or treats them with disdain insults God in the process.
Judge Others Harshly
We’re also implored not to judge others so that we won’t be judged ourselves. It’s a behavior closely associated with hypocrisy and unjustified self-righteousness, given that no one is free of sin. Instead, it’s better for us to focus on and fix our own actions and intentions.
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