25 Bible Verses About Cheating On Spouses (With Commentary)
Cheating on a spouse is a significant breach of trust, and the Bible addresses this issue with seriousness. Today we will examine verses that discuss fidelity, the sanctity of marriage, and the consequences of infidelity.
We’ll also look into the biblical teachings on loyalty, trust, and the sacred bond of marriage, understanding the spiritual and moral dimensions of staying faithful to one’s spouse.
Bible Verses About Cheating On Spouses
Title: Bible Verses about Faithfulness in Marriage
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive nature of adultery and highlights the lack of wisdom in engaging in such behavior. Adultery not only harms the individual committing it but also damages the fabric of trust and commitment within the marriage.
God’s design for marriage is built on faithfulness and trust, and straying from this path can lead to severe consequences for both the adulterer and their spouse.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This commandment, given by God to Moses, clearly forbids adultery. It serves as a moral compass and a reminder of the sanctity of the marriage covenant. Adhering to this commandment ensures the preservation of the sacred bond between a husband and a wife.
By obeying this commandment, we acknowledge the importance of fidelity in marriage and honor God’s intentions for lifelong commitment and mutual love.
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.”
Jesus, in His teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, goes beyond the external act of adultery and addresses the condition of the heart. He reveals that even indulging in lustful thoughts constitutes adultery in God’s eyes.
This verse reminds us that the battle against infidelity starts within our hearts and minds. Guarding our thoughts and desires is just as crucial as staying faithful in our actions.
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.”
In these verses, the wisdom of the book of Proverbs underscores the importance of marital fidelity. The imagery of drinking from one’s own well signifies the exclusivity and satisfaction found within the marriage relationship.
By emphasizing the blessings of sharing intimacy solely within the marriage covenant, this verse encourages couples to stay faithful to their spouses and cherish the unique connection they share.
Malachi 2:16
“The man who hates and divorces his wife, says the Lord, the God of Israel, does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
In this passage from the Book of Malachi, God expresses His displeasure with divorce and the act of hating one’s spouse. He underscores the importance of protecting and cherishing the marriage covenant.
By warning against unfaithfulness, God reminds us of the commitment and responsibility we have in upholding the sanctity of marriage. It is a call to prioritize love, forgiveness, and reconciliation rather than allowing our hearts to be swayed towards disloyalty.
Proverbs 20:6-7
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
These verses highlight the rarity of finding someone truly faithful and dependable. They stress the importance of faithfulness both in marriage and in our general conduct.
In a world where fidelity may seem scarce, these verses serve as a reminder of the blessedness that follows a righteous life. By being faithful, we not only honor our covenant with our spouse but also set an example for future generations to follow.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse addresses husbands specifically and challenges them to love their wives sacrificially, mirroring the selfless love of Christ for the Church.
By emphasizing sacrificial love, this verse calls husbands to prioritize their wives’ well-being above their own desires. Faithfulness in marriage involves actively choosing to love, honor, and protect one’s spouse, just as Christ exemplifies His love for His followers.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
These verses serve as a powerful reminder to flee from sexual immorality and to honor God with our bodies. As believers, we are temples of the Holy Spirit, and maintaining sexual purity is essential.
By highlighting the significance of our bodies as God’s dwelling place, this verse encourages us to treat ourselves and others with respect, refraining from any form of unfaithfulness that defiles our bodies.
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 sanctity of marriage and the need to honor it. It cautions against defiling the marriage bed with adultery or any form of sexual immorality.
By reminding us of the coming judgment for those who indulge in adultery and sexual impurity, this verse encourages us to strive for faithfulness in our marriages and to keep our commitment to our spouses holy before God.
Proverbs 12:22
“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Trustworthiness is highly valued by God, and lies and deceit are detestable in His sight. This principle extends to the context of marriage, where faithfulness and honesty play vital roles in building and maintaining trust between spouses.
By being trustworthy and faithful to our partners, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father, who delights in truthfulness and integrity in all areas of life.
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 encouraging verse reminds us that God is faithful in helping us resist temptation and providing a way of escape. It reassures us that we are not powerless in the face of temptation but have the strength to choose faithfulness.
By leaning on God’s faithfulness and relying on His strength, we can overcome the temptations that may lead to infidelity and honor our commitment to our spouses.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes faithfulness among other attributes. When we are led by the Holy Spirit, faithfulness becomes a natural outflow of God’s work within us.
By cultivating these qualities through a relationship with God and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can demonstrate faithfulness in our marriages and experience the fullness of God’s blessings.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
These verses praise the character of a virtuous wife and her commitment to her husband. It portrays the value of trust and faithfulness within a marriage
By exemplifying virtuous character and faithfulness, wives can contribute to the overall well-being and harmony of their marriages, creating an environment of love, trust, and respect.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus speaks these words when discussing divorce, reaffirming the permanence and sacredness of the marital union. God’s intention is for marriage to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman.
By acknowledging the sacred bond and honoring the covenant made before God, we commit to remain faithful and work towards the preservation and strengthening of our marriages.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the consequences of unfaithfulness within a marriage. The wise woman, through her faithfulness and commitment, contributes to the growth and stability of her family and home. Conversely, the foolish woman’s infidelity can lead to the destruction of her marriage and family.
By prioritizing faithfulness, we actively participate in the building up of our homes and contribute to the emotional and spiritual well-being of our loved ones.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of steadfast love and faithfulness both in friendship and in marriage. True friendship and commitment, characterized by unwavering support during difficult times, are vital in all relationships, including marriage.
By mirroring God’s faithfulness and love, we can be a constant source of strength, encouragement, and comfort to our spouses, fostering an environment of trust and security within the marriage relationship.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse points out the significant value of a prudent and faithful wife. It highlights that such a wife is a precious gift from the Lord.
By displaying faithfulness and wisdom, wives contribute to the overall success and contentment of their marriages. Through their example, they bless their families and honor God’s intention for marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of deep love within the context of marriage and relationships. When genuine love is present, it has the power to forgive and redeem, covering over the faults and sins of others.
By choosing to love deeply, we create an atmosphere of grace and understanding, allowing room for growth, healing, and restoration in our marriages.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse reiterates the permanence of the marriage covenant. Once God has brought a couple together in marriage, we are called to honor and protect that union.
By remaining faithful to our spouses and refusing to entertain thoughts or actions that could lead to separation, we demonstrate our commitment to God’s design for lifelong companionship.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
This verse highlights the rewards of faithfulness and warns against the temptation of seeking personal gain at the expense of one’s commitment to marriage.
By valuing faithfulness above personal ambitions, we position ourselves to receive the rich blessings that come from living out God’s principles in our marriages and relationships.
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.”
These verses emphasize the importance of heeding the teachings and wisdom of our parents, which often include guidance on faithfulness and honoring the marriage covenant.
By valuing the instructions and values imparted to us by our parents, we equip ourselves with the tools to remain faithful in our own marriages and relationships, ensuring a strong foundation for future generations.
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.”
These verses call believers to live a sanctified and holy life, which includes avoiding sexual immorality. This command extends to our behavior within the marriage covenant.
By surrendering our desires to God’s will and submitting our bodies to His plan, we can walk in faithfulness and honor within our marriages.
As followers of Christ, it is essential for us to honor the commitment and covenant of marriage. These Bible verses provide guidance and encouragement to diligently pursue faithfulness, trust, and love within our marriages. By seeking God’s wisdom and relying on His grace, we can display a faithful, committed, and God-honoring example to our spouses and the world around us.
What Does the Bible Say About Cheating On Spouses?
The Bible is clear in its teachings about adultery and infidelity in marriage. In the Old Testament, the seventh commandment given to Moses explicitly states, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Jesus also reaffirmed the seriousness of this commandment in the New Testament when he said, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
Throughout the Bible, marriage is held in high regard as a sacred covenant between a husband and a wife, symbolizing the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Adultery and infidelity violate the trust, faithfulness, and commitment that are central to this sacred covenant. Proverbs 6:32-33 warns that those who commit adultery lack sense and destroy themselves.
The consequences of adultery are also highlighted in the Bible. It brings about emotional pain, broken trust, and can lead to the dissolution of the marriage. In the book of Malachi, God specifically expresses his displeasure with marital unfaithfulness (Malachi 2:16). Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 6:18 states, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
It is essential to remember that forgiveness and reconciliation are also prominent themes in the Bible. However, they do not negate the seriousness of the sin. When faced with the temptation to cheat, we are encouraged to flee from it and seek the strength of God to remain faithful to our spouses and honor our marriage vows.
In conclusion, the Bible unequivocally condemns cheating on spouses. It emphasizes the sanctity of marriage, the importance of faithfulness, and the consequences of infidelity. As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to uphold the values of fidelity and commitment in our marriages, trusting in God’s grace to help us remain steadfast in our marital faithfulness.
