Infidelity is a painful betrayal, and the Bible speaks clearly on the sanctity of marriage and the sin of adultery. Scripture offers guidance on how to handle such situations, whether through forgiveness or separation. Let’s see what the Bible says about dealing with a cheating spouse.
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What Does The Bible Say About A Cheating Spouse
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. It reveals that engaging in such behavior not only lacks wisdom but also brings harm to oneself.
It serves as a reminder that the consequences of infidelity go beyond hurting one’s partner but also have negative implications for the individual involved.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This commandment from God makes it clear that adultery is a forbidden act. It serves as a moral guideline for believers and warns against betraying the marriage covenant.
By adhering to this commandment, believers honor the sanctity of marriage and uphold the values of faithfulness and trust in their relationships.
Proverbs 5:15-17
“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.”
This passage metaphorically encourages marital fidelity, urging individuals to find satisfaction within their own marriages rather than seeking it elsewhere.
It highlights the importance of keeping intimate relationships sacred and private, guarding against the temptation to stray from the commitment to one’s spouse.
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 instruction to flee from sexual immorality emphasizes the gravity of such actions and their detrimental impact on one’s own well-being.
It underscores the need for believers to actively distance themselves from situations or temptations that may lead to infidelity and instead pursue righteousness and purity.
Proverbs 20:17
“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.”
This verse draws a parallel between cheating and the enjoyment of ill-gotten gains. While the initial pleasure may seem enticing, the long-term consequences are bitter and unsatisfying.
It serves as a cautionary reminder that the temporary gratification of cheating on a spouse is far outweighed by the eventual pain and destruction it brings.
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.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out that adultery is not just a physical act but also encompasses the intentions and desires of the heart.
This verse challenges believers to guard their thoughts and emotions, recognizing that even internal lustful desires can be just as damaging as the physical act of adultery.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse highlights the important role of honesty and trustworthiness in relationships. Infidelity involves deceit and breaks the trust that is the foundation of a healthy marriage.
It reminds believers that honesty and faithfulness are valued by God and should be upheld in all areas of life, including marriage.
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 your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
This verse admonishes individuals against divorcing their spouses out of hatred or unfaithfulness. It highlights the importance of protecting and cherishing one’s partner.
It serves as a reminder that faithfulness requires remaining committed to the vows made in marriage and being vigilant against the temptation to be unfaithful.
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 and value of marriage. It calls believers to honor marriage and maintain purity within the marital relationship.
Moreover, it reminds individuals that God holds them accountable for their actions and attitudes towards fidelity, promising judgment for those who engage in adultery and sexual immorality.
Proverbs 2:16-17
“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.”
This passage warns against the allure of the adulterous and wayward woman, cautioning individuals to embrace wisdom to protect themselves from succumbing to temptation.
It underscores the importance of honoring the covenant made before God and remaining faithful to one’s spouse, resisting the seductive words and actions of those who seek to lead astray.
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.”
This passage cautions against allowing one’s heart to be enticed by the ways of a deceptive and adulterous woman.
It vividly describes the destructive consequences of infidelity, highlighting the multitude of victims who have fallen into its trap and depicting it as a pathway leading to spiritual and emotional demise.
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.”
Paul urges believers to live in accordance with God’s will, which involves abstaining from sexual immorality and preserving the sanctity of their bodies.
He emphasizes the need for believers to exercise self-control and avoid giving in to lustful desires, distinguishing themselves from those who do not know God.
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 exposes the deceptive nature of the adulterous woman, who engages in her actions without remorse or acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
It serves as a cautionary reminder to be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the harmful intentions of those who justify their unfaithfulness and refuse to take responsibility for their actions.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse addresses husbands directly, instructing them to love their wives sacrificially, following the example of Christ’s love for the church.
It calls husbands to prioritize their commitment to their wives, demonstrating selflessness and willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being and flourishing of their marriages.
1 Peter 3:1
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.”
This verse speaks to wives, encouraging them to exhibit love and submission to their husbands, recognizing that their godly behavior may have a transformative influence.
It highlights the power of a faithful and respectful wife to have a positive impact on her husband, potentially leading them to embrace God’s word and the sanctity of marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This passage highlights the mutual responsibilities and obligations within marriage, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one’s sexual duties to avoid temptation and maintain unity.
It recognizes the significance of sexual intimacy in a healthy marriage and encourages open communication and consent between spouses regarding the frequency and duration of abstinence for spiritual purposes.
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
This verse underscores the value of confession and repentance when one has acted unfaithfully or indulged in adultery.
It encourages individuals to be honest about their wrongdoing and seek God’s forgiveness, acknowledging that true restoration and mercy are found through genuine remorse and renunciation of sinful behavior.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
Paul instructs husbands to love their wives and treat them with kindness, cautioning against any form of harshness or mistreatment.
It serves as a reminder that love within marriage should be characterized by gentleness and care, fostering an environment of safety and emotional well-being for both spouses.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This statement from Jesus affirms the sacredness and permanence of marriage, urging believers not to allow any force or temptation to tear apart what God has united.
It reinforces the commitment to fidelity and the unbreakable bond that exists within the marital covenant.
Luke 16:18
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Jesus’ words in this verse highlight the seriousness of divorcing one’s spouse and remarrying, as it is considered adultery in the eyes of God.
It reinforces the call for faithfulness and loyalty within marriage, cautioning against the dissolution of marital vows for any reason other than infidelity.
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 reminds believers that temptation, including the temptation to cheat, is not insurmountable.
It assures them that God will provide a way to resist and overcome such temptations, emphasizing the importance of relying on God’s strength and guidance in times of vulnerability.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
David’s plea to God in this psalm reflects the repentant heart seeking purity and restoration. It recognizes the need for a change of heart and a resolute spirit.
It serves as a prayer for transformation, asking God to cleanse one’s desires and motivations, enabling faithful commitment and resistance to the temptation of infidelity.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus reiterates the unity and indivisibility of marriage, emphasizing that the bond forged by God should not be broken by any external influence or personal desire.
It reinforces the importance of fidelity and commitment in marriage, recognizing that it is a divine union that should be honored and protected.
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
This passage encourages believers to prioritize love and faithfulness in all relationships, including marriage.
It highlights the positive outcomes of demonstrating these virtues, such as finding favor with God and earning a good reputation among both God and fellow human beings.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse reassures believers of God’s willingness to forgive and cleanse them when they confess their sins, including the sin of infidelity.
It offers hope for restoration and healing, emphasizing the limitless mercy and grace of God to those who turn to Him in repentance.