What Does the Bible Say About Cheating?

TL;DR: The Bible consistently condemns cheating in its many forms. Adultery is explicitly forbidden in the Ten Commandments — twice — in Exodus and Deuteronomy Exodus 20:14 Deuteronomy 5:18. Proverbs warns that committing adultery destroys one's own soul Proverbs 6:32. Jesus reinforced these commands in the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:27. Whether it's marital unfaithfulness or covenant-breaking, Scripture treats cheating as a serious moral failure with lasting consequences.

"Thou shalt not commit adultery."

This command appears verbatim in Exodus 20:14 Exodus 20:14 and is repeated in Deuteronomy 5:18 Deuteronomy 5:18, underscoring just how seriously God takes fidelity and honesty in relationships. It's not an afterthought — it's part of the foundational moral law given to Israel.

Proverbs 6:32 goes even further, stating that the one who commits adultery

"lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."

Proverbs 6:32 The Hebrew word translated "understanding" literally means "heart," suggesting that cheating isn't just a moral failure — it's a failure of wisdom at the deepest level. And in Matthew 5:27, Jesus quotes the commandment directly:

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Matthew 5:27 He then raises the standard even higher, making clear that the spirit of the law matters, not just the letter.

Protestant · Christianity

Protestant View on Cheating

"Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Protestant theology holds that the prohibition against adultery and cheating is rooted in God's own character — He's a covenant-keeping God who calls His people to the same faithfulness. The Seventh Commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery" Exodus 20:14, is understood to cover not only marital infidelity but any form of dishonest dealing that violates trust.

Proverbs 6:32 is frequently cited in Protestant preaching as a stark warning: cheating isn't just sinful, it's self-destructive.

"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."

Proverbs 6:32 The reformers emphasized that sin has real consequences, and this verse makes that painfully concrete.

Jesus' words in Matthew 5:27 are central to Protestant ethics on this topic Matthew 5:27. He doesn't abolish the Old Testament command — He deepens it. Most Protestant traditions teach that cheating, whether in marriage, business, or any covenant relationship, violates the integrity God demands of His people. Daniel 11:32 also warns that those who act wickedly against a covenant can be corrupted Daniel 11:32, a sobering reminder that compromise often starts subtly.

Leviticus 5:17 adds another dimension: even unintentional sin carries guilt before God Leviticus 5:17. This pushes Protestants toward a high standard of intentional integrity in all areas of life, not just the obvious ones.

Key takeaways

The Bible forbids adultery explicitly in the Ten Commandments — appearing in both Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 Exodus 20:14 Deuteronomy 5:18.
Proverbs 6:32 warns that cheating 'destroyeth his own soul,' framing it as an act of profound foolishness, not just moral failure Proverbs 6:32.
Jesus reaffirmed the prohibition against adultery in Matthew 5:27, showing it remains central to New Testament ethics Matthew 5:27.
Daniel 11:32 warns that covenant-breaking of any kind can lead to spiritual corruption Daniel 11:32.
Even unintentional violations of God's commands carry guilt, according to Leviticus 5:17 Leviticus 5:17, setting a high bar for integrity.

FAQs

Where in the Bible does it say not to commit adultery?

The command appears explicitly in Exodus 20:14 Exodus 20:14 and is repeated in Deuteronomy 5:18 Deuteronomy 5:18 as part of the Ten Commandments. Jesus also quotes it directly in Matthew 5:27 Matthew 5:27, confirming its ongoing moral authority in the New Testament. It's one of the most consistently repeated ethical commands in all of Scripture.

What does the Bible say happens to those who cheat or commit adultery?

Proverbs 6:32 is blunt: the one who commits adultery "destroyeth his own soul" and "lacketh understanding" Proverbs 6:32. Leviticus 5:17 adds that even unknowing violations of God's commandments result in guilt and iniquity Leviticus 5:17. The Bible doesn't treat cheating as a minor slip — it's portrayed as a spiritually devastating choice.

Does the Bible address cheating beyond just adultery?

Yes. Daniel 11:32 warns that those who "do wickedly against the covenant" can be corrupted through flattery and compromise Daniel 11:32, suggesting that covenant-breaking in any form — not just marital — is condemned. Leviticus 5:17 also establishes that violating any of God's commandments, even unintentionally, carries moral weight Leviticus 5:17.

What did Jesus say about cheating and adultery?

In Matthew 5:27, Jesus directly quotes the Old Testament command: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery" Matthew 5:27. He then raises the ethical bar, showing that the heart's intentions matter just as much as outward actions. His teaching reinforces rather than replaces the foundational prohibition Exodus 20:14.

0 Community answers

No community answers yet. Share what you've read or learned — with sources.

Your answer

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share an interpretation, source, or counter-argument.