Infidelity is one of the most painful breaches of trust in a marriage. Cheating on your wife doesn’t just hurt her—it damages the foundation of your relationship. Rebuilding trust after betrayal takes time, commitment, and a lot of hard work.
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What Does The Bible Say About Cheating On Your Wife
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse emphasizes the foolishness and destructive nature of adultery. It highlights the lack of wisdom in engaging in such unfaithful acts, as it ultimately leads to self-destruction.
Committing adultery not only breaks the sacred bond of marriage but also has severe consequences for the individual involved, causing emotional, relational, and spiritual harm.
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 from the Sermon on the Mount reveals that adultery is not just about physical actions but also includes the thoughts and desires of the heart.
Jesus raises the standard of purity, emphasizing that even lusting after someone in one’s heart is a violation of God’s commandment. It reminds us that faithfulness and purity should be practiced not only externally but also in our thought life.
Proverbs 5:15-20
“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. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This passage extols the virtues of marital fidelity and the exclusivity of intimate relationships within the bounds of marriage.
It encourages husbands to find satisfaction in their wives and to cherish the lifelong partnership they share. The imagery of water symbolizes the purity and refreshment that can be found when one remains faithful and committed to their spouse.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse highlights that adultery is considered a sinful act and, along with other wrongdoings, can prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God.
It warns against deception and serves as a reminder of God’s righteous judgment. The message is clear that engaging in adultery is incompatible with a life of faith and should be avoided.
Proverbs 2:16-19
“Wisdom will save you also 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 passage serves as a cautionary warning against the seduction and temptation of an adulterous person.
It speaks to the destruction caused by infidelity, illustrating the dire consequences that arise from disregarding the commitment made in marriage. Through wisdom and discernment, one can be protected from the allure of the adulterous path which leads to ruin.
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 importance of upholding the sanctity of marriage and maintaining purity in the marital relationship.
It serves as a reminder that God holds individuals accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to acts of adultery or sexual immorality. Therefore, it is crucial to honor and respect the institution of marriage as designed by God.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
While not explicitly about adultery, this verse highlights the importance of truthfulness and trustworthiness in our actions.
Adultery often involves deception and betrayal of trust. This verse reminds us that God despises dishonesty and instead takes pleasure in those who demonstrate integrity and faithfulness within their relationships.
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 speaks to the importance of living a sanctified and morally pure life, specifically in regard to sexual behavior.
It emphasizes the need for self-control and the rejection of lustful desires, which often lead to acts of adultery. Believers are called to live differently from the world, exhibiting self-discipline and honoring God with their bodies.
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
This verse addresses the seriousness of divorce in relation to adultery.
It establishes the principle that divorce should generally be discouraged, except in cases of sexual immorality (which includes adultery). It emphasizes the importance of fidelity in marriage and warns against entering into new relationships that would result in adulterous unions.
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 exclusivity and commitment within the bounds of marriage as a way to prevent sexual immorality.
It encourages couples to engage in marital intimacy as a means of satisfying their sexual desires, reinforcing the idea that fulfilling one’s needs should be done within the sacred covenant of marriage.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This direct commandment from the Ten Commandments makes it clear that adultery is prohibited by God.
It establishes a standard of faithfulness within the marriage relationship. The simplicity of this command serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the fidelity and trust expected in a 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 passage lists several sinful behaviors, including sexual immorality, that are contrary to a life that seeks to follow God.
It emphasizes the need for believers to abstain from such actions, reminding them of the eternal consequences if they continue to live in a lifestyle characterized by these sins.
Proverbs 14:14
“The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.”
While not specifically about adultery, this verse speaks to the consequences that individuals will face according to their actions.
It serves as a reminder that faithfulness will be rewarded while unfaithfulness, such as committing adultery, will result in just punishment or repayment.
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This verse highlights the importance of self-control and patience, virtues that help individuals avoid falling into sin, including adultery.
It conveys the idea that exercising self-restraint and discipline is more valuable than achieving victory through force or impulsive actions that can lead to sinful behavior.
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 describes the deceitful nature of an adulterous person, both in their actions and their attempts to deny any wrongdoing.
It serves as a cautionary reminder to be aware of the temptations and manipulations that may come from those seeking to lead others astray.
Mark 10:11-12
“He answered, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.’”
These verses from the teachings of Jesus emphasize the seriousness of divorce and remarriage in relation to the sin of adultery.
They make it clear that divorcing one’s spouse and marrying another person amounts to adultery, calling for a commitment to faithfulness in marriage.
Job 31:9-10
“If my heart has been enticed by a woman or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door, then may my wife grind another man’s grain, and may other men sleep with her.”
In these verses, Job expresses his commitment to faithfulness and integrity within his marriage.
He takes a strong stance against adultery, stating that if he were to be unfaithful, he would deserve the consequences of his actions, even allowing his wife to have relations with other men.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and cherishing the institution of marriage.
It encourages couples to keep their marriage bed undefiled, free from any acts of sexual immorality, such as adultery. It reminds believers of God’s righteous judgment upon those who engage in such sinful behavior.
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 passage serves as a warning against the seductive nature of adultery and the destructive path it leads to.
It uses vivid imagery to portray the initial allure of an adulterous person, likening her speech to honey. However, it emphasizes that her path ultimately leads to bitterness, pain, and death.
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 reassures believers that they are not alone in overcoming temptations and sinful desires, including the temptation to commit adultery.
It affirms God’s faithfulness and his provision of a way out when faced with temptation. It encourages individuals to rely on God’s strength to resist and endure, trusting in his ability to help them navigate challenging situations.
Proverbs 6:27-29
“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.”
These verses illustrate the inevitable consequences and punishment that follow the act of sleeping with another person’s spouse.
They serve as a vivid warning against the destructive nature of adultery, making it clear that those who engage in such actions will face the repercussions of their infidelity.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse challenges believers to put to death the sinful desires and inclinations of their earthly nature, including sexual immorality.
It prompts individuals to strive for purity and holiness, rejecting the temptations that can lead to acts of adultery.
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 emphasizes the need to guard one’s heart and avoid being lured into the ways of an adulterous person.
It warns that many have been led astray and victims of the destructive path that aduItery leads to. It serves as a cautionary reminder to stay steadfast and avoid the deadly consequences resulting from illicit relationships.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This verse celebrates the blessings and joys found within the covenant of marriage.
It highlights the exclusivity and satisfaction that can be found in one’s spouse, encouraging husbands to cherish and enjoy the love and intimacy of their wives throughout their lives.