The Ten Commandments are foundational to God’s moral law. Breaking them isn’t just disobedience—it’s a spiritual danger. Today, we’ll see what the Bible says about the consequences of breaking these commandments and the mercy of God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Effects Of Sin
What Does The Bible Say About Breaking The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of worshipping and serving only the one true God. It reminds us to prioritize our devotion to God above anything or anyone else, breaking this commandment would mean placing something or someone else above God in our lives.
We should constantly examine our hearts and ensure that we are not allowing worldly desires, material possessions, or any other gods to take the place of God in our lives.
Exodus 20:4-6
“You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship any other gods, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
This passage reminds us that God is a jealous God who desires our wholehearted worship and devotion. Making idols, whether physical or in our hearts, is a violation of this commandment.
God’s intention is to bless those who love Him and keep His commandments. However, those who worship false gods or idols will face the consequences of their actions, not only for themselves but for generations to come.
Exodus 20:7
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
This verse warns against using the name of the Lord in vain or for empty purposes. It teaches us to treat God’s name with reverence and respect.
We must be mindful of our words and actions, ensuring that we do not use God’s name carelessly or in a way that dishonors Him. Instead, we should use His name to glorify and honor Him.
Exodus 20:8-11
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
This commandment instructs us to set apart the Sabbath day as a holy day of rest and worship. It is a reminder that God worked in creating the universe in six days and rested on the seventh day.
We should honor the Sabbath by dedicating it to God, refraining from our normal work and using the day to worship, rest, and spend quality time with God and our loved ones.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
This commandment encourages us to show respect and honor to our parents. It reminds us that honor and obedience to our parents bring blessings not only from them but also from God.
We must recognize the importance of parental authority and strive to treat our parents with love, respect, and gratitude, knowing that it pleases both them and God.
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This commandment straightforwardly prohibits the intentional killing of another person. It affirms the sanctity of human life and emphasizes the value God places on every individual.
As followers of Christ, we should actively promote peace, unity, and forgiveness, rather than engaging in violence or harming others.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This commandment addresses the sacredness of the marriage covenant and the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in relationships.
Adultery involves betraying the trust and commitment established within marriage. We should strive to honor God’s design for marriage and remain faithful to our spouses, guarding ourselves against any form of infidelity or sexual immorality.
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.”
This commandment prohibits taking something that rightfully belongs to someone else without their permission or through dishonest means.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to live with integrity and respect for others’ property. We should work diligently and honestly, using our resources to bless and help others rather than taking what is not rightfully ours.
Exodus 20:16
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
This commandment addresses the sin of lying or spreading false accusations against others. It highlights the importance of truthfulness and maintaining the integrity of our words.
As believers, we should strive to be people of truth and honesty, refraining from bearing false witness, gossip, or slander. We should instead seek to build others up and speak the truth in love.
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
This commandment addresses the sin of coveting, which is an intense desire or envy for what someone else possesses. It warns us against longing for or desiring what belongs to others.
As followers of Christ, we should cultivate a heart of contentment, gratitude, and trust in God’s provision, rather than allowing jealousy or covetousness to consume us.
Leviticus 19:17
“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.”
This verse teaches us to avoid harboring hatred or bitterness in our hearts towards others. It encourages open communication and admonishment when necessary, as a means of reconciliation.
Instead of holding grudges or spreading negativity, we should seek resolutions that promote forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity within the body of Christ.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness in our relationships with others. It calls for compassion and treating others with the same kindness and grace that we desire for ourselves.
As Christians, we are called to display the love of Christ through our actions, letting go of grievances and being quick to forgive, just as God forgave us through Christ.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This passage highlights several behaviors and attitudes that are detestable to the Lord and are considered breaking His commandments.
We are called to examine our hearts and actively avoid engaging in these sinful actions, instead cultivating humility, truthfulness, peace-making, and righteousness.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse reinforces the importance of honesty and trustworthiness. It reminds us that God values integrity and honesty in our words and actions.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to be people of truth, speaking with integrity and living out our faith transparently, as a reflection of God’s character.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse warns against treating others with contempt or disdain. It encourages us to show kindness, generosity, and compassion, especially towards those who are less fortunate.
As Christians, we should be actively looking for opportunities to bless others and meet the needs of the poor, reflecting God’s heart of love and compassion.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words and the importance of responding with gentleness and humility, rather than anger or hostility.
As believers, we should strive to use our words to build up, encourage, and bring peace to others, even in difficult situations.
Proverbs 22:22-23
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.”
This verse warns against taking advantage of the vulnerability of the poor or showing partiality in judgment. It assures that God is the defender of the oppressed and will hold those who mistreat them accountable.
As followers of Christ, we are called to advocate for justice, fairness, and compassion towards the less fortunate, treating all people with dignity and respect.
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 expands the scope of the commandment against adultery, revealing that it is not only the physical act but also the thoughts and desires of the heart that are relevant to God.
We should guard our hearts and minds, seeking purity in our thoughts and intentions, and ensuring that we are honoring God with our bodies and our thought life.
Matthew 5:33-37
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
This passage addresses the issue of making oaths and emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our words.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of our word, letting our yes be yes and our no be no. We should have such a reputation for trustworthiness that we do not need to make oaths to validate our statements.
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
This verse addresses the sin of stealing and encourages a transformed lifestyle focused on honest work and generosity.
Instead of taking from others, we should use our abilities and resources to work diligently and contribute positively to society, seeking opportunities to help those in need and bless others.
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”
This verse admonishes believers to refrain from falsehood and deceit, highlighting the significance of living as people of truth.
Having been renewed in Christ, we are called to walk in integrity, speaking truthfully and honestly in all circumstances, reflecting the changed nature and character of Christ within us.
James 2:8-9
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of treating all people with love and fairness. It reminds us that showing favoritism or prejudice is a violation of God’s law.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors, regardless of their race, social status, or any other defining characteristic. We should strive to see others through the eyes of Christ, treating them with respect and equality.
1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
This verse draws a strong parallel between hatred and murder, highlighting the destructive nature of harboring hatred towards others.
As children of God, we should cultivate love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, knowing that harboring hatred contradicts the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives.
1 John 5:21
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
This verse serves as a final reminder to guard ourselves against idolatry, which encompasses anything that takes the place of God in our lives.
As believers, we should continuously examine our hearts, ensuring that we are wholeheartedly devoted to God and not allowing anything or anyone to hinder or replace our worship and commitment to Him.