The Bible isn’t just a collection of ancient stories; it’s a guide for living a meaningful and righteous life. Throughout its pages, it provides clear instructions on behaviours to avoid, helping believers with what to do against life’s challenges. Let’s explore 18 actions the Bible explicitly advises us to steer clear of.
Stealing
“The Bible has much to say about the sin of stealing,” says Bible Study Tools, and it’s indeed quite clear about the imåportance of respecting other people’s property. Stealing, in any form, is condemned, and this doesn’t just refer to taking physical items but also extends to deceitful practices, like cheating in business or taking credit for someone else’s work.
Lying
Lying is another major no-no in the Bible; whether it’s a small white lie or a significant deceit, the Bible encourages us to speak the truth. Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy,” and honesty is valued because it builds trust and transparency in relationships.
Coveting
Intensely desiring what someone else has, known as coveting, is discouraged, and this includes envy over possessions, relationships, or status. The Tenth Commandment, “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house…or anything that belongs to your neighbour,” reminds us to be content with what we have.
Adultery
Adultery is strictly forbidden in the Bible, highlighting the importance of fidelity and commitment in marriage. This act not only betrays a spouse’s trust but also disrupts the family unit, which is a cornerstone of biblical teachings, shown through the commandment “You shall not commit adultery”.
Bearing False Witness
Closely related to lying, bearing false witness specifically refers to giving false testimony against someone, and this is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments. False accusations can ruin lives, destroy reputations, and lead to unjust consequences, and by avoiding bearing false witness, we uphold justice and ensure that truth prevails.
Idolatry
Idolatry, or worshipping idols, is another practice the Holy Book warns against. This isn’t just about physical idols but also about placing anything above God in our lives, whether it’s money, power, or even relationships. The importance of worshipping God alone is stressed, as in the commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.”.
Dishonouring Parents
Respecting and honouring your parents is a key principle, too; the commandment “Honour your father and your mother” underscores the importance of family relationships and the respect due to parents. This isn’t just about obedience in childhood but also involves caring for and valuing parents throughout their lives.
Murder
The commandment “You shall not murder” is one of the most straightforward and universally recognised biblical directives. Valuing human life and respecting its sanctity is a fundamental biblical principle, therefore murder, in any form, is condemned, with the Bible advocating for peace.
Bearing Grudges
Holding grudges is also advised against, with forgiveness instead encouraged. Bearing a grudge can lead to bitterness which can negatively impact our mental and emotional well-being. Leviticus 19:18 says, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself.”.
Engaging in Witchcraft
Witchcraft and any form of occult practices are explicitly condemned in the Bible, and Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns against engaging in divination, sorcery, and other similar practices. These actions are seen as contrary to trusting in God’s power and wisdom.
Slander
Making false and damaging statements about others, or slander, is another action warned against. Ephesians 4:31 advises, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice,” as slander can destroy reputations and relationships, creating a toxic environment.
Greed
Greed, or an excessive desire for more than what we need, is discouraged, and especially so seeing as it’s one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Luke 12:15 cautions, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”.
Gossip
Proverbs 20:19 says, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Gossip can damage reputations and trust, leading to discord and conflict, so by refraining from gossip, we respect others’ privacy and contribute to a more respectful and trustworthy community.
Drunkenness
Drunkenness, or excessive consumption of alcohol, is advised against, too, shown through Ephesians 5:18, which states, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Drunkenness can lead to a loss of self-control and poor decision-making—as most of us know.
Malice
The Bible also warns against malice, or the intention to harm others; 1 Peter 2:1 urges, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” Malice can lead to destructive actions and broken relationships, so by letting go of malice, we can cultivate kindness.
Envy
If you’re feeling discontented over someone else’s advantages, envy such as this is discouraged, with James 3:16 warning, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Envy can lead to bitterness and resentment, harming our mental and emotional health, when we should be focusing on our blessings.
Sexual Immorality
Sexual immorality, including premarital sex and other forms of sexual misconduct, is addressed throughout the Bible. 1 Corinthians 6:18 advises, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” The Bible promotes sexual purity and faithfulness within marriage, after all.
Anger
Finally, unchecked anger is another behaviour the Good Book advises against; Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Anger, when not managed, can lead to destructive actions and words, therefore peaceful resolutions are advised instead.