25 Bible Verses About Adultery or Cheating (With Commentary)
Infidelity is a challenging topic, and the Bible provides wisdom on maintaining fidelity and trust in relationships. Today, we’ll explore verses that address adultery and cheating, shedding light on the importance of faithfulness and commitment in love.
Bible Verses About Adultery Or Cheating
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse highlights the importance of not only refraining from the physical act of adultery but also guarding our thoughts and intentions. It reminds us that even entertaining lustful thoughts can be considered adultery in God’s eyes.
Proverbs 5:15-18
“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.”
This verse encourages faithfulness and commitment within a marriage relationship. It urges husbands and wives to find satisfaction and fulfillment in each other, rather than seeking it outside the marriage through adultery or cheating.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Paul’s exhortation in this verse is clear: we should actively run away from any form of sexual immorality. He emphasizes that this sin uniquely affects our own bodies, and therefore, we should be particularly vigilant in avoiding it.
Proverbs 6:32-33
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.”
This verse highlights the severe consequences that adultery brings. It points out that not only does it lead to physical and emotional harm, but it also brings shame and everlasting consequences. It serves as a warning against the destructive nature of such actions.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and the importance of purity within the marital relationship. It reminds us that God holds individuals accountable for their actions in matters of adultery and sexual immorality.
Proverbs 7:6-27
“At the window of my house, I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: ‘Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. So, I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.’ With persuasive words, she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once, he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”
This passage serves as a warning against falling into the trap of sexual temptation. It vividly portrays the cunning and destructive nature of the adulteress, urging young men to exercise wisdom and prudence in their choices. It reminds us that indulging in adultery leads to severe consequences, both physically and spiritually.
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Jesus teaches here that divorce and remarriage, except in cases of sexual immorality, are considered adultery. This verse shows the seriousness with which God views the dissolution of marriage and the importance of maintaining fidelity in the marital relationship.
Proverbs 2:16-19
“Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.”
This verse emphasizes the role of wisdom in guarding against adultery and the consequences that come with it. It warns against the allure of wayward individuals who disregard their covenant with God and highlights the destructive path that awaits those who fall into this temptation.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
Paul’s instruction in this verse affirms the importance of realizing sexual fulfillment within the context of marriage. It is a reminder that the marriage relationship is designed to protect against sexual immorality and encourages spouses to fulfill each other’s needs.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses. It is a straightforward and explicit commandment, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness within the marriage relationship.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this passage, Paul lists sexual immorality as one of the actions of the flesh. He highlights that those who engage in such behavior, along with other sinful actions, will not inherit the kingdom of God. It emphasizes the need for repentance and transformation in the lives of believers.
Proverbs 30:20
“This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done no wrong.’”
This verse portrays the deceptive nature of adultery. It showcases the lack of remorse and the denial of wrongdoing exhibited by those engaging in such behavior. It reinforces the importance of discernment and recognizing the destructive path of infidelity.
Mark 10:11-12
“He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.””
In this passage, Jesus clarifies that divorce and subsequent remarriage outside the grounds of sexual immorality are considered adultery. This underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness within the marital covenant.
Proverbs 23:27-28
“For a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.”
These verses draw a parallel between a prostitute and an unfaithful wife, emphasizing the danger and harm they bring to those they engage with. It serves as a cautionary message to avoid being ensnared by the allure of sexual temptation.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
This verse emphasizes God’s desire for His people to live holy and honorable lives, avoiding sexual immorality. It encourages believers to exercise self-control and resist the passions of the flesh, setting themselves apart from the behavior of those who do not know God.
Proverbs 9:13-18
“The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, ‘Let all who are simple come to my house!’ To those who have no sense, she says, ‘Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!’ But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.”
This verse personifies the allure of folly and temptation, warning against being enticed by the pleasures offered by the adulteress. It reveals the destructive outcome of indulging in such behavior and the consequences that await those who succumb to her seductive invitation.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul delivers a stern warning that those who habitually engage in adultery and other immoral behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. This verse reaffirms the serious consequences of living a life characterized by sexual immorality.
Proverbs 6:23-29
“For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life. Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?”
These verses provide practical wisdom on avoiding the tempting influence of an adulterous woman. They caution against allowing lust and desire to captivate one’s heart, illustrating the severe consequences that await those who partake in such behavior.
Proverbs 22:14
“The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.”
This verse warns against the seductive words and ways of an adulterous woman. It reminds us of the dangers and consequences associated with falling into the trap of sexual immorality, causing one to fall under the judgment and wrath of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse offers reassurance to believers facing temptations, including those related to adultery. It encourages us by affirming that God is faithful and will provide a way for us to resist temptation and remain faithful to our commitments, including our marriages.
Proverbs 5:3-6
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end, she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.”
This verse provides a powerful depiction of the deceptive nature of the adulterous woman. It illustrates the allure of her words and the ultimate bitterness and destruction that follow. It serves as a warning against being enticed by the temporary pleasures she offers.
Proverbs 6:24-26
“keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life.”
This verse cautions against the temptation to desire another man’s wife, highlighting the severe consequences that result from such actions. It urges us to guard our hearts against lustful thoughts and to resist the captivating allure of an adulterous woman.
Proverbs 11:9
“With their mouths, the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.”
Though not explicitly about adultery, this verse indirectly applies to the destructive nature of engaging in adultery and cheating. It reminds us that the righteous, armed with knowledge and discernment, can avoid falling into such destructive behavior and its consequences.
James 4:7-8
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.”
This verse calls believers to wholeheartedly submit to God and resist the temptations presented by the devil. It assures us that when we draw near to God, He responds by drawing near to us, providing the strength and fortitude needed to resist the lure of adultery and cheating.
Proverbs 6:20-22
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”
This verse exhorts children to hold fast to the wisdom and guidance imparted by their parents. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upbringing in instilling values that can guard against falling into the temptations of adultery and cheating.
What Does the Bible Say About Adultery Or Cheating?
As Christians, the Bible provides clear guidance on the topic of adultery or cheating. The seventh commandment in Exodus 20:14 clearly states, “You shall not commit adultery.” This commandment serves as a foundational principle for the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness in our relationships.
Jesus also reinforced this principle in Matthew 5:27-28, where He taught that even looking at someone with lustful intent is equivalent to committing adultery in one’s heart. This underscores the significance of not only physical actions but also the condition of our hearts and minds in maintaining purity in our relationships.
In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, the Bible emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and therefore, we are called to honor God with our bodies. Engaging in adultery or cheating is a violation of this principle, as it disrespects the sacredness of the marital union and the integrity of our bodies as vessels for God’s dwelling.
Additionally, the consequences of adultery are highlighted throughout the Bible, depicting the pain, brokenness, and anguish it brings to individuals and families. Proverbs 6:32-33 warns about the destructive consequences of adultery, stating that it brings shame and wounds that are hard to heal.
Ultimately, the Bible calls us to uphold the value of faithfulness and to respect the covenant of marriage. It encourages us to guard our hearts and minds, honoring God not only in our actions but also in the purity of our thoughts and intentions. As Christians, we are called to seek forgiveness and restoration in times of failure, while also striving to walk in integrity and faithfulness in all our relationships.
