We often think of the Bible as a guide to living a moral and righteous life, but some of its teachings might surprise you. Here’s a list of unexpected things the Bible says are wrong, offering a fresh perspective on ancient wisdom and everyday actions.
Gossiping
According to Bible Study Tools, “God’s Word warns us to stay away from people who gossip,” and despite us all being tempted to share exciting information every once in a while, the Bible really frowns on gossip. Proverbs warns that gossip can break up friendships and cause drama.
Eating Certain Foods
You might love bacon and shrimp, but the Bible actually lists these as off-limits. In Leviticus, pork and shellfish are considered unclean and not meant to be eaten. It’s wild to think about, since these foods are so common today. This ancient dietary law shows how different practices were back then.
Tattoos
Tattoos are everywhere these days, but Leviticus specifically says not to get them; back then, tattoos were associated with pagan rituals. It’s interesting to see how something that’s a form of self-expression today was once seen so differently, and it makes you think about how cultural meanings change over time.
Charging Interest
In our world, paying interest on loans is pretty standard, but the Bible isn’t a fan. Exodus and Deuteronomy both talk about how charging interest, especially to those in need, is wrong. It’s a call for compassion and fairness, suggesting we should help others without expecting anything extra in return.
Divination and Sorcery
If you think horoscopes and tarot cards are just for fun, the Bible says otherwise. In Deuteronomy and Leviticus, any form of divination or sorcery is a big no-no, as these practices were linked to idolatry and false gods. It’s a stark reminder of the Bible’s emphasis on faith.
Holding Grudges
The Bible understands holding a grudge, but it urges us to forgive instead; in Ephesians and Colossians, we’re encouraged to forgive others just as God forgives us. Holding onto anger only hurts us in the long run. Forgiveness is portrayed as a path to personal peace and spiritual health.
Cross-dressing
Today, we talk a lot about gender expression, but Deuteronomy has some pretty clear lines about it. It says men shouldn’t wear women’s clothing and vice versa. This was about maintaining clear gender distinctions back then. While our understanding of gender has evolved, it’s interesting to see these ancient rules.
Working on the Sabbath
If you’ve ever felt guilty for working on the weekend, according to the Bible, you should take a break. Observing the Sabbath as a day of rest is one of the Ten Commandments, and the idea is to take a day off from work to rest and focus on spiritual matters.
Dishonoring Parents
We might joke about rolling our eyes at our parents, but the Bible takes respecting them very seriously. The commandment to honor your father and mother even comes with a promise of a long life. Disrespecting parents is seen as a big deal, emphasizing how important family relationships are supposed to be.
Bearing False Witness
Lying might seem like no big deal sometimes, but the Bible really pushes for honesty; the commandment against bearing false witness highlights the importance of truthfulness. Spreading lies or false information can cause a lot of harm and disrupt the community, as it’s all about maintaining integrity and trust.
Idol Worship
The Bible is pretty clear about worshipping anything other than God. Idol worship is condemned repeatedly, from the Ten Commandments to various prophetic books. Putting faith in idols or other gods is seen as a major betrayal. It’s a strong call to stay devoted and not get distracted by false beliefs.
Greed
If you’ve got a soft spot for money, the Bible has some warnings for you: it frequently condemns greed and the love of money, and passages in Proverbs and the New Testament talk about how chasing wealth can lead you astray from moral values. Instead, the Bible encourages generosity and contentment.
Taking Revenge
Wanting to get back at someone who wronged you is a standard feeling, but the Bible says leave that to God. Romans and other books advise against taking revenge, suggesting that justice is God’s job. Instead, we should respond to wrongs with kindness and promote peace.
Coveting
We all have moments of wanting what someone else has, but the Bible advises against it. The commandment against coveting warns that desiring others’ possessions or status can lead to a lot of negative feelings like envy and jealousy. You should concentrate on being grateful for what you have.
Laziness
We’ve all had a lazy day, but unsurprisingly, the Bible has some thoughts on that, too. Proverbs has lots of verses warning against laziness, promoting the idea that hard work leads to prosperity and fulfillment. Laziness, on the other hand, is seen as a path to ruin.
Causing Others to Stumble
The Bible takes our influence on others very seriously, as it warns against actions that might lead others to sin or lose faith. Jesus talks about this in the Gospels, highlighting our responsibility to support and uplift each other, and it’s a call to be mindful.
Making Oaths
If you’ve ever made a promise you couldn’t keep, you’ll know how this feels—the Bible suggests we shouldn’t even make oaths. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, advises that our word should be enough. If we say we’ll do something, we should just do it.
Ignoring the Poor
The Bible also outlines ignoring the needy, and it furthermore urges us to care for the poor. Ignoring those less fortunate is condemned, with believers encouraged to show generosity and compassion—it’s all about social justice and supporting our communities.
Adultery of the Heart
There’s some debate over whether emotional cheating is just as bad as physical cheating in modern society—but the Bible outlines it clearly. Jesus teaches that even looking at someone with lust is like committing adultery in your heart. This teaching from the Sermon on the Mount shows the importance of purity.
Loving the World
And finally, the Holy Book warns against being caught up in worldly things. In 1 John, believers are reminded that loving the world’s temptations can lead us away from spiritual truths and values. The message is to prioritize spiritual growth and a connection with God over material pursuits.
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