Selling drugs, particularly illegal ones, often brings harm to individuals and communities. The Bible teaches believers to avoid activities that lead others into sin or destruction. Let’s explore what scripture says about living a life of integrity, making honest living, and avoiding harmful practices like drug dealing.
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What Does The Bible Say About Selling Drugs
Proverbs 27:20
“Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes.”
This verse warns against the insatiable desire for more, whether it be wealth, power, or substances. Selling drugs may seem like a quick way to make money, but it ultimately leads to destruction and death.
It is important to remember that God calls us to use our resources and abilities for good, not for harming others or promoting evil. Engaging in drug trafficking goes against the principles of love, justice, and integrity that are found throughout Scripture.
Proverbs 16:8
“Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
This verse encourages individuals to prioritize righteousness over monetary gain. It emphasizes that having little but possessing integrity is far more valuable than acquiring wealth through unjust means like selling drugs.
Choosing righteousness means seeking what is good, just, and pleasing to God. It requires valuing the well-being and safety of others over personal gain. Selling drugs is inherently unjust and endangers the lives and future of those who may become addicted.
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 speaks to the transformative power of God’s grace and the call for repentance. It urges individuals to abandon actions that harm others, such as theft or dealing drugs, and instead engage in productive and honorable work.
By working diligently and using one’s skills and abilities for good, individuals can earn a living that enables them to support themselves and contribute to the welfare of those in need. Selling drugs not only perpetuates harm but also hinders the ability to positively impact the lives of others.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse reminds believers that their bodies are sacred, as they house the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that our bodies are not our own to do with as we please but instead belong to God.
Selling drugs involves using one’s body and mind to perpetuate a harmful and destructive cycle. It disregards the sanctity of the body and dishonors God. Instead, as followers of Christ, we are called to use our bodies as instruments of righteousness and glorify God in all that we do.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
This verse serves as a reminder that actions have consequences. In the context of selling drugs, it warns of the inevitable repercussions that come from engaging in this dangerous and illegal activity.
While some may believe they can deceive others or avoid facing the consequences, God sees all and holds individuals accountable for their choices. Selling drugs leads to a harvest of destruction, broken lives, and potentially even legal consequences.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse challenges believers to respond to evil and wrongdoing with goodness and blessing. It reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of love and grace, even in the face of adversity or harm.
Selling drugs perpetuates evil, addiction, and harm in society. Instead, we are called to combat these dark forces with acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and stand as a testimony to His transformative power.
Proverbs 10:2
“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse highlights the fleeting nature of ill-gotten treasures, including the wealth amassed through selling drugs. While it may seem desirable in the short term, the consequences are severe and can lead to spiritual and physical death.
In contrast, choosing righteousness and living according to God’s commands leads to a life delivered from the grip of sin and its destructive consequences. Pursuing righteousness, rather than material gain, offers true and lasting value that cannot be taken away.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse draws a stark contrast between the behavior of the wicked and the righteous. It warns against dishonest practices, such as borrowing with no intention of repayment, which align with the exploitative nature of the drug trade.
Instead, the righteous are called to be generous, willingly giving of their resources and abilities to bless others. Selling drugs perpetuates a cycle of taking without giving, whereas following Christ leads us to a life marked by generosity and selflessness.
Proverbs 20:17
“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouthful of gravel.”
This verse serves as a warning against the temporary satisfaction that comes from ill-gotten gain. While the consequences of selling drugs may not be immediately apparent, they eventually catch up, leaving behind a trail of brokenness and regret.
Choosing a path of integrity may require sacrifice and delayed gratification, but it leads to a life rooted in peace, love, and the blessings of God. Selling drugs, on the other hand, leaves one with nothing but emptiness and heartache in the end.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse makes it clear that serving two masters is impossible. One cannot claim to follow God while being devoted to the pursuit of wealth and material gain at any cost, including selling drugs.
As Christians, our allegiance should be to God alone. We are called to prioritize a relationship with Him over any earthly desires or temptations. Seeking to serve both God and money inevitably leads to compromising one’s faith and perpetuating harm.
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse challenges believers to express their love for others through their actions and genuine concern for their well-being. Love is not merely expressed through empty words but through practical acts of kindness, compassion, and support.
Selling drugs is a direct contradiction to this commandment to love. It causes harm, destroys lives, and promotes self-interest over the well-being of others. Instead, let us show love through acts of mercy, grace, and genuine care for those around us.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse reminds us of the characteristics that should mark the life of a believer, known as the fruit of the Spirit. These qualities, such as love, peace, and self-control, should guide our decisions and actions.
Selling drugs goes against the very fabric of these virtues, promoting destruction, chaos, and enslavement. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the fruit of the Spirit and exemplify a life marked by righteousness and compassion.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse defines true religion and highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable and marginalized. It emphasizes that genuine faith is not confined to religious rituals but is expressed through acts of compassion, particularly towards those who are in need.
Selling drugs contributes to the pollution of society, leading to broken families, addiction, and the exploitation of the weak. Instead, let us embrace a faith that reflects God’s heart for justice, mercy, and the restoration of the marginalized.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.”
This verse presents a straightforward command to reject all forms of evil. It calls believers to have discernment and to consciously distance themselves from any activity or behavior that opposes God’s commands and values.
Selling drugs is undeniably an evil that brings harm, suffering, and devastation. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand against such wickedness and actively choose to reject any involvement in or support of the drug trade.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of fulfilling God’s commandments through love. It states that love inherently avoids causing harm to others and is the ultimate expression of righteousness.
Selling drugs directly contradicts the command to love and care for our neighbors. It brings harm and destruction, causing immeasurable pain and brokenness. Instead, let us love our neighbors by working towards their well-being, helping them navigate life’s challenges, and pointing them towards a life of hope and redemption.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
This verse encapsulates the concept of the golden rule, instructing believers to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and fairness they desire for themselves.
Selling drugs disregards this principle, as it inflicts harm and destruction on others. It perpetuates an environment of exploitation and ruins families and communities. Let us choose to honor this principle by treating others with love, compassion, and justice.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse calls believers to respond to evil or harm with goodness and righteousness. It encourages living a life that exhibits integrity and aligns with moral standards, seeking peace with all people as much as possible.
Selling drugs is a clear manifestation of repaying evil with evil. It perpetuates a cycle of harm and destruction. Instead, let us choose to do what is right and pursue peace, acting as agents of reconciliation and promoters of justice.
Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
This verse extends an invitation to those engaged in wickedness and unrighteousness to turn away from their destructive ways and seek the mercy and forgiveness of God.
Selling drugs falls under the category of wickedness, bringing harm and suffering to many. Yet, through repentance and genuine transformation, individuals can find forgiveness and experience a new life in Christ.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
This verse encourages believers to dwell on thoughts that are wholesome, pure, and praiseworthy. It challenges us to guard our minds and intentionally seek after things that align with God’s character.
Selling drugs is far from the thoughts of truth, nobility, purity, or excellence. It is essential to transform our thought patterns to be in alignment with God’s values and focus on what is good and pleasing to Him.
Proverbs 14:22
“Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of those who plot evil and those who plan good. It suggests that those who engage in evil actions will ultimately find themselves lost and wandering, whereas those who plan and pursue goodness will find love and faithfulness.
Selling drugs falls into the category of plotting evil, resulting in a path of destruction and brokenness. On the other hand, choosing to plan and pursue what is good aligns with God’s purposes and leads to a life marked by love, faithfulness, and blessings.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This verse declares the transformative power of Christ’s salvation. It emphasizes that when someone surrenders their life to Christ, they become a new creation, leaving behind their old ways and adopting a new way of living.
Selling drugs is representative of the old life, characterized by sin, selfishness, and harm. However, in Christ, there is an opportunity for a complete transformation and a fresh start, walking in the path of righteousness and contributing to the well-being of others.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This verse cautions against the love of money, highlighting that it is a root cause of various forms of evil. It warns that those who pursue wealth solely for personal gain can find themselves straying from the faith and experiencing profound grief.
Selling drugs is typically driven by the desire for financial gain, often at the expense of others’ well-being. Instead, let us fix our eyes on eternal treasures and seek contentment in God, understanding that the pursuit of money can lead to great sorrow and spiritual loss.