Marriage is a sacred covenant, and the Bible speaks strongly against actions that break that bond. Adultery is addressed in Scripture as harmful to individuals, families, and relationships with God. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about remaining faithful in marriage.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Commandments
What Does The Bible Say About Extra Marital Affairs
Proverbs 6:32
“But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”
This verse emphasizes that engaging in adultery goes against wisdom and understanding. It highlights the destructive nature of such actions, not only affecting one’s relationship with their spouse but also their own spiritual well-being.
Adultery is a betrayal of the marriage covenant and a violation of the commitment made to one’s spouse. It is a sin that carries severe consequences, both for the individual committing the act and for the sanctity and stability of the marital relationship.
Matthew 5:27-28
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
This passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount focuses on the importance of purity of heart and mind. It highlights that even thoughts and desires can be sinful, equating lustful thoughts with the act of adultery itself.
By emphasizing the internal nature of adultery, Jesus teaches that righteousness is not just about external actions but also about having a pure heart and mind. It emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s thoughts and desires to remain faithful in both body and mind.
Proverbs 5:15-17
“Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.”
This passage uses the metaphor of water to describe the exclusivity and commitment of marriage. It encourages individuals to derive satisfaction and fulfillment from their own spouse and to not seek it from outside sources.
By urging people to drink from their own wells and to let their fountains be dispersed within the boundaries of their marriage, this verse stresses the importance of faithfulness and loyalty within the marital relationship.
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 underscores the gravity of sexual immorality, including adultery. It urges believers to actively avoid and flee from such sins, recognizing the unique nature of these transgressions.
By stating that sexual sins are sins against one’s own body, this verse emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of these acts. It highlights the inherent harm caused to oneself, both physically and spiritually, by engaging in sexual immorality.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and honor of marriage. It states that within the bounds of marriage, sexual relations are pure and without defilement. However, it warns that those who engage in adultery and sexual immorality will be judged by God.
By emphasizing the importance of marital fidelity and chastity, this verse highlights that sexual relations find their proper place and blessing within the commitment of marriage. It serves as a reminder of the consequences awaiting those who violate the sanctity of this sacred bond.
Proverbs 7:25-27
“Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.”
This passage serves as a warning against the enticements and allure of adultery. It cautions individuals to guard their hearts and minds against the temptations that may lead them astray.
By describing the destructive consequences that come with pursuing illicit affairs, this verse communicates the importance of wisdom, discernment, and self-control in resisting the seductive paths that lead to destruction.
James 4:4
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
This verse expresses a strong condemnation of adultery, addressing those who engage in such behavior as adulterers and adulteresses. It also emphasizes the incompatibility between indulging in worldly desires and maintaining a relationship with God.
By underscoring the spiritual implications of adultery, this verse urges believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to reject the allure of worldly temptations that may lead them astray.
Matthew 19:9
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
This verse speaks to the seriousness of divorce and remarriage in the context of adultery. It states that divorcing a spouse, except in the case of sexual immorality, and marrying another person amounts to committing adultery.
By emphasizing the permanence of the marriage covenant and the consequences of disregarding its sanctity, this verse encourages individuals to carefully consider their commitment to their spouse and to honor the vows they have made.
Proverbs 2:16-19
“To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.”
This passage warns against the influence of seductive individuals who may lead others astray and into the trap of adultery. It encourages individuals to remain faithful to their covenant with God and to resist the temptations presented by unfaithful partners.
By depicting the consequences that await those who fall prey to the allure of someone outside of their marriage, this verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in preserving the sanctity of the marriage bond.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God.”
This passage highlights the will of God for believers to live holy and sanctified lives, abstaining from sexual immorality. It urges individuals to honor their bodies and to refrain from giving in to lustful desires.
By contrasting the behavior of believers with that of the Gentiles, this verse emphasizes the importance of living differently, guided by a relationship with God and His commandments.
Job 31:9-10
“If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbor’s door; Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.”
This verse portrays the seriousness of adultery in the words of Job, who expresses his own commitment to faithful living. In these words, he implies that if he were to fall into such sin, he would accept the just punishment of his wife being unfaithful to him.
This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences that may follow from engaging in unfaithfulness, urging individuals to guard their hearts and to remain loyal to their spouse.
Proverbs 9:17-18
“Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.”
This passage warns against the deceptive allure of secret pleasures and forbidden relationships. It acknowledges the temporary satisfaction that may come from such acts but highlights the ultimate consequences and spiritual implications that follow.
By contrasting the initial pleasure of stolen waters and secret bread with the dark reality of death and hell, this verse emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation and seeking fulfillment within the boundaries of God’s design.
Proverbs 6:25-26
“Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.”
This verse warns against the dangerous enticements of lust and the seductions of immoral women. It encourages individuals to guard their hearts and thoughts, recognizing the destructive consequences that may follow.
By using the metaphor of a whorish woman hunting for the precious life of a man, this verse emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation and remaining faithful to one’s spouse.
Proverbs 30:20
“Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.”
This verse portrays the deceptive nature of adultery and the lack of remorse shown by the adulterer. It highlights the audacious attitude of the one who commits such acts, denying any wrongdoing.
By exposing the hypocrisy and lack of repentance exhibited by an adulterous person, this verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the destructive nature of such behavior and the need for moral integrity.
Proverbs 2:16-17
“To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth and forgetteth the covenant of her God.”
This verse warns against falling into the trap of an adulterous relationship with a seductive and enticing person. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant made with God and resisting the temptations brought forth by others.
By highlighting the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness and forsaking one’s commitment to their spouse and their relationship with God, this verse encourages individuals to stay true to their vows and to honor their marriage covenant.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.”
This passage portrays the seductive nature of an adulterous woman, highlighting the pleasing and deceptive words she uses to entice others. However, it also reveals the tragic end that awaits those who give in to her temptations.
By contrasting the initial allure with the bitter consequences, this verse serves as a reminder of the destructive path that comes with engaging in adultery and the importance of discernment and self-control.
Proverbs 23:27-28
“For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.”
This verse uses vivid imagery to illustrate the dangers of engaging with a promiscuous and adulterous woman. It cautions individuals against falling into her traps and becoming involved in immoral behavior.
By emphasizing the treacherous nature of such relationships, this verse urges individuals to preserve their purity and faithfulness, avoiding the pitfalls that may come from seeking satisfaction outside of the boundaries of marriage.
Proverbs 6:26
“For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.”
This verse highlights the destructive consequences that can result from engaging in sexual immorality and adultery. It portrays the loss of dignity and the spiritual, emotional, and even physical harm that may follow.
By using the metaphor of a whorish woman hunting for the precious life of a man, this verse emphasizes the need for individuals to guard their hearts, resist temptation, and value the sanctity of the marriage relationship.
Proverbs 7:19
“For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey.”
This verse presents a scenario where a husband is away, leaving an opportunity for temptation and seduction. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of fidelity, even in the absence of one’s spouse.
By highlighting the vulnerability that exists when one’s partner is not present, this verse underscores the need for marital commitment and loyalty, regardless of the circumstances.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
This passage encourages believers to be vigilant and humble, recognizing that they too are susceptible to temptation and sin. However, it also provides assurance of God’s faithfulness in providing a way out and the ability to withstand temptation.
By acknowledging the universal nature of temptation, this verse highlights the need for reliance upon God and His strength to resist unfaithfulness and to remain faithful to one’s spouse.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
This verse serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, both in the physical and spiritual realms. It warns against the deceptive belief that one can engage in sinful behavior without facing repercussions.
By highlighting the principle of sowing and reaping, this verse emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and investing in a life that is in alignment with God’s principles and commands.
Colossians 3:5-7
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”
This passage calls believers to put to death the sinful desires and inclinations of the flesh, including sexual immorality and covetousness. It highlights the seriousness of these sins and the judgment that awaits those who persist in disobedience.
By urging believers to turn away from past behaviors and to pursue righteousness, this verse emphasizes the transformative power of Christ and the importance of living a life marked by holiness and obedience.
Proverbs 5:22-23
“His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.”
This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of sin, including sexual immorality and adultery. It underscores the consequences that come with failing to heed wisdom and instruction.
By depicting the dire fate of those who persist in unfaithfulness and immorality, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking righteousness and embracing God’s guidance in all aspects of life, including relationships.