Infidelity is one of the most painful betrayals in a marriage. But what does the Bible say about a man cheating on his wife? Scripture speaks clearly about the sacredness of marriage and the impact of unfaithfulness. Discover the biblical guidance for those facing this issue and how God’s plan for marriage brings healing and restoration.
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What Does The Bible Say About A Man Cheating On His Wife
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse emphasizes the consequences of adultery, highlighting that those who engage in such actions lack wisdom and ultimately bring destruction upon themselves.
Adultery is a betrayal of the marital covenant and a violation of God’s design for marriage. It not only damages the relationship between a husband and wife but also has far-reaching effects on families and society as a whole.
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’ teachings go beyond the physical act of adultery, revealing that even entertaining sinful thoughts and desires in one’s heart is a form of adultery in itself.
This verse urges individuals to guard their hearts and minds, emphasizing the importance of purity and righteousness in both actions and thoughts.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“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.”
This verse serves as a warning against the seductive nature of adultery, highlighting the enticing but ultimately destructive allure of being unfaithful.
It reminds individuals of the grave consequences that accompany such actions, leading to pain, regret, and eventual spiritual death.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fleeing from sexual immorality, including adultery, recognizing that it is a sin that directly impacts one’s own body and soul.
It calls believers to exercise self-control and make intentional choices to avoid situations that may lead to sexual sin, honoring the sanctity of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 7:25-27
“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.”
In this verse, the adulterous woman is depicted as a temptress who leads men astray, highlighting the destructive path that follows those who succumb to her seductive ways.
It serves as a reminder to resist temptation, to remain steadfast in one’s commitment to their spouse, and to recognize the dire consequences that may result from giving in to such 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 highlights the will of God for believers to live lives of sanctification, which includes abstaining from sexual immorality and exercising self-control.
It emphasizes the importance of honoring God in one’s body and pursuing relationships that are pure, reflecting the holiness and honor of Christ.
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 necessity of maintaining purity within the marital relationship.
It serves as a reminder that God holds individuals accountable for their actions, including those who engage in adultery and other forms of sexual immorality.
Proverbs 2:16-19
“Wisdom will save you 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 highlights the importance of wisdom in avoiding the temptations of an adulterous or wayward woman.
It speaks to the destruction and loss that comes from straying from one’s marital commitments and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to the marriage covenant.
Colossians 3:5-6
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”
This verse calls believers to put to death their earthly desires and inclinations towards sexual immorality, understanding that such actions are contrary to God’s design for their lives.
It warns of the imminent judgment that awaits those who persist in engaging in sinful behaviors, highlighting the need to pursue holiness and righteousness instead.
Proverbs 30:20
“This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.'”
This verse portrays the deceptive nature of an adulterous woman who justifies her actions and denies any wrongdoing.
It serves as a cautionary reminder that those involved in such sinful acts may deceive themselves and others, ultimately leading to further harm and denial of personal responsibility.
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 assures believers that they are not alone in the face of temptation, and God will provide the strength and means to resist it.
It encourages individuals to rely on God’s faithfulness and seek His guidance when facing trials, including the temptation to engage in adultery or any other form of sexual immorality.
Proverbs 6:25-29
“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? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.”
This verse issues a strong warning against desiring another man’s wife and highlights the severe consequences that await those who engage in such actions.
It serves as a reminder of the destructive effects that adultery has on one’s life, emphasizing the importance of honoring the sanctity of the marriage covenant.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse affirms the sacred bond of marriage, emphasizing that husband and wife become one flesh in the eyes of God.
It teaches against the idea of separating what God has joined together and reinforces the importance of faithfulness and commitment within a marital relationship.
Ephesians 5:31-32
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”
This verse highlights the significance of the marital union and the deep bond that exists between a husband and wife.
It also draws a parallel between the relationship of husband and wife and the relationship between Christ and the church, showcasing the importance of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness in both.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including within the marital relationship.
It reminds individuals that God takes pleasure in those who are trustworthy and despises those who engage in deceitful actions, such as infidelity.
James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
This verse highlights the progression of sin, revealing that it starts with wrongful desires and can ultimately lead to death, both spiritually and relationally.
It serves as a cautionary reminder to guard one’s heart and mind against temptations that may lead to adultery or any other form of sexual immorality.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse encourages believers to support and uplift one another, promoting love and virtuous actions within the community of faith.
It reminds individuals to prioritize regular fellowship and accountability, which can help guard against the temptation to engage in actions such as adultery.
Proverbs 30:32-33
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”
This verse warns against engaging in foolish or wicked actions, highlighting the negative consequences and conflict that arise from stirring up anger or pursuing evil desires.
It serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and seek godly ways of resolving conflicts within marriages and relationships.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of sexual fulfillment within the context of marriage, serving as a practical measure to guard against sexual immorality.
It highlights the mutual responsibility of husbands and wives to meet each other’s needs, promoting faithfulness and satisfaction within the marital relationship.
Proverbs 9:17-18
“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.”
In this verse, the allure of illicit pleasures is described, but it also reveals the hidden consequences and spiritual death that accompany such actions.
It serves as a warning against seeking satisfaction and pleasure in forbidden relationships, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful and content within one’s own marriage.
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.”
This verse lists various sinful behaviors, including sexual immorality, and highlights that those who engage in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of God.
It serves as a call to repentance and transformation, urging believers to flee from such acts and pursue a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the difference between wisdom and foolishness in the choices and actions of a woman.
It serves as a reminder of the impact that infidelity can have on a marriage and family, urging individuals to choose wisdom and build up their households, rather than tearing them down through unfaithfulness.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse warns believers to be vigilant and watchful against the schemes and temptations of the devil, who seeks to destroy and devour.
It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that exists, urging individuals to guard their hearts and minds against the lure of adultery and other forms of sexual immorality.
Proverbs 2:18-19
“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 echoes the warning against the adulterous woman, emphasizing the consequences that await those who pursue her and engage in unfaithfulness.
It serves as a sobering reminder of the irreversible damage that can occur to relationships, and the spiritual death that results from adultery.