Cheating breaks trust, but the Bible encourages forgiveness and healing. Today, we’ll discuss what Scripture says about betrayal, repentance, and the path toward forgiveness.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Cross
What Does The Bible Say About Cheating And Forgiveness
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
This verse emphasizes the abhorrence that God has for dishonesty and cheating. It reminds us that God delights in those who are faithful and act with integrity.
1 Corinthians 6:8
But you yourselves wrong and cheat, and you do this even to your brothers and sisters.
Paul addresses the issue of cheating within the church in this verse, highlighting the wrongness of such behavior. Cheating not only harms others but also goes against the principles of love and unity that should characterize the body of Christ.
Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.
This commandment clearly forbids dishonesty and stealing. Cheating involves taking what does not rightfully belong to us, disregarding the importance of respecting others’ property and possessions.
Proverbs 11:1
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.
God condemns cheating in business transactions, deceitful practices such as using false weights or measures to trick others. He delights in fairness and honesty.
Proverbs 20:23
The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
God despises any form of cheating, especially in matters of commerce. He desires integrity and fairness in all our dealings.
Leviticus 19:11
You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.
This verse encompasses the broader scope of cheating, encompassing theft, deceit, and lies. God commands His people to refrain from any form of dishonesty.
Ephesians 4:28
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Paul encourages a transformation from a life of cheating and theft to one of honest work and generosity. Cheating is replaced by integrity, and the focus shifts to blessing others.
Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
In Christ, we are called to a new way of living that is characterized by truthfulness and openness. We are no longer bound by the deceitful practices of our old selves.
James 5:12
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
James teaches that our words should be truthful and trustworthy. Cheating involves deceiving others, and this verse urges us to speak honestly and avoid the need for oaths or vows.
Matthew 19:18
He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,
Jesus herself reiterates the commandment against stealing, further reinforcing the importance of respecting the property and possessions of others.
Proverbs 28:6
Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
This verse provides a valuable perspective on the value of integrity over material wealth. Cheating may lead to temporary gain, but it will ultimately compromise our character and rob us of true blessings.
Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;
Cheating often involves taking advantage of others, including borrowing without the intention of repayment. This verse affirms the righteousness and generosity of those who act justly and honestly.
Proverbs 21:6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
This verse warns against the illusiveness of cheating and dishonest gain. Although it may seem advantageous in the moment, the repercussions and consequences can be severe and even deadly.
Romans 13:9
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Paul reminds us that cheating, stealing, and coveting are all contrary to the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. These actions harm others and violate the principles of love and respect.
Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
This verse contrasts the faithfulness that leads to blessings with the hasty pursuit of wealth through cheating. It warns of the potential consequences and punishments that may follow such actions.
Leviticus 6:2
If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor
Cheating not only harms others but is also a breach of faith against God. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of deceiving our neighbors, particularly in matters of trust and security.
Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
This verse highlights the security and peace that accompanies a life of integrity. Cheating, on the other hand, brings vulnerability and the potential for exposure and shame.
Proverbs 15:27
Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
Cheating is often driven by greed and the desire for unjust gain. This verse warns of the negative impact such actions have, not only on ourselves but also on our families and those close to us.
1 Thessalonians 4:6
That no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
Paul admonishes the Thessalonians against cheating and wronging their brothers and sisters in Christ. He reminds them that God will bring justice to those who engage in such behavior.
Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Instead of resorting to cheating and trying to conceal our wrongdoings, this verse encourages confession and repentance. God’s mercy is available to those who acknowledge their faults and seek forgiveness.
Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.
Cheating often involves falsehoods and deceit. This verse highlights the inevitable consequences and punishment that await those who engage in such behavior.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
This verse serves as a sobering reminder that cheating and deceit will not go unnoticed or unpunished. God is just and will ensure that the consequences of our actions catch up with us.
Proverbs 12:19
The lip of truth endures forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Honesty and truthfulness stand the test of time, while cheating and lies are fleeting and temporary. This verse underscores the enduring power and value of living a life of integrity.
Proverbs 14:22
Do they not go astray who devise evil? Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.
Cheating involves devising evil and deceitful plans, leading one astray. On the other hand, those who pursue goodness and faithfulness experience God’s steadfast love and blessings.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
This verse highlights the guiding power of integrity in the lives of the upright, while the deceitfulness of cheating and treachery leads to destruction. It calls us to choose the path of honesty and integrity.