Topical Encyclopedia
Cheating, in the biblical context, refers to the act of deceit or dishonesty to gain an unfair advantage or benefit. It is a violation of God's commandments and principles of integrity, justice, and love. The Bible addresses cheating in various forms, including theft, lying, and deceit, and consistently condemns such behavior.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings against cheating. In
Leviticus 19:11, the Israelites are commanded, "You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another." This verse highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships and transactions.
Proverbs, a book known for its wisdom literature, frequently addresses the issue of cheating.
Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse underscores God's disdain for deceitful practices in commerce and His pleasure in fairness and honesty.
The account of Jacob and Esau in
Genesis 27 illustrates the consequences of cheating. Jacob deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau, leading to family conflict and estrangement. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the long-term repercussions of deceitful actions.
New Testament ReferencesThe New Testament continues to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the importance of truthfulness, saying, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one" (
Matthew 5:37). This instruction emphasizes the value of straightforwardness and the avoidance of deceit.
The account of Ananias and Sapphira in
Acts 5:1-11 serves as a stark warning against cheating. This couple sold a piece of property and lied about the proceeds, attempting to deceive the early church. Their immediate deaths, as a result of their deceit, demonstrate the seriousness with which God views cheating and dishonesty.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also addresses the issue of cheating. In
1 Thessalonians 4:6, he warns, "In this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother. The Lord will avenge all such offenses, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you." This passage highlights the ethical standards expected of believers and the divine justice that awaits those who cheat others.
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsCheating is fundamentally opposed to the character of God, who is described as a God of truth and justice. Believers are called to reflect God's character in their lives, which includes living honestly and treating others fairly. The Bible's teachings on cheating are not merely about avoiding punishment but about cultivating a heart that values truth and integrity.
The biblical perspective on cheating extends beyond personal morality to social justice. The prophets frequently condemned the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable through deceitful practices. For example,
Amos 8:5-6 criticizes those who "skimp the measure, boost the price, and cheat with dishonest scales," highlighting the societal impact of cheating and the call for justice.
ConclusionThe Bible's consistent message against cheating serves as a guide for believers to live lives marked by honesty, integrity, and fairness. Cheating not only harms individuals and communities but also dishonors God, who calls His people to a higher standard of truthfulness and righteousness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Cheat.
Greek
2940. kubeia -- dice playing... 2940 ( ), associated with a "sleight of the hand," implies the use of and
cheating (used only in Eph 4:14). [2940 is the root of the English term, "cube."].
...Library
Cheating and Dishonest Ways of Making Money are Utterly Unfit for...
... Book III. Chapter IX.Cheating and dishonest ways of making money are utterly
unfit for clerics whose duty is?Cheating and dishonest...
The Unjust Steward
... The steward has beencheating his master already.... What? Commended him forcheating
him a second time, and teaching his debtors to cheat him?...
By Sins Committed in Buying and Selling
... (D) BY SINS COMMITTED IN BUYING AND SELLING (Q ). OFCHEATING, WHICH IS
COMMITTED IN BUYING AND SELLING (FOUR ARTICLES) We must now...
Commerce
... prices, especially of produce. Indeed, it was regarded ascheating to charge
a higher profit than sixteen per cent. In general, some...
The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... There be many to be found here who have during this week been spending their time
in lying,cheating, and swindling in the midst of their business....
George Borrow
... Their faults were proverbs. They lived by drawing fools into a circle andcheating
them. Stealing and lying were first principles in their code of life....
Preface of Dr. Martin Luther.
... and it has been resolved that, in case the Pope with his adherents should ever be
so bold as seriously and in good faith, without lying andcheating, to hold a...
Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
... Joseph's brethren dipt their brother's coat in goat's blood, and then brought the
dabbled garment to their father,cheating him with the idea that a ferocious...
A New Age and New Standards
... We call stealing "swiping" andcheating "cribbing." When we have been drunk we say
we were "squiffy." As soon as we face the facts, we realize that what we...
Petty Dishonesty.
... ends are not fastened, and the farm work is half done, and the whole trade and commerce
of the country is one great system of adulteration and pettycheating....
Thesaurus
Cheating (1 Occurrence)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Cheat. Multi-Version Concordance
Cheating (1 Occurrence). Amos
8:5 Saying,'When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain?
...Juggling (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Juggle. 2. (a.)Cheating; tricky. 3. (n.) Jugglery; underhand
practice. Multi-Version Concordance Juggling (1 Occurrence)....
Gull (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To deceive; to cheat; to mislead; to trick; to defraud. 2. (n.) Acheating
or cheat; trick; fraud. 3. (n.) One easily cheated; a dupe....
Imposture (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act or conduct of an impostor; deception practiced
under a false or assumed character; fraud or imposition;cheating....
Imposition (3 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An excessive, arbitrary, or unlawful exaction; hence, a trick or deception
put on laid on others;cheating; fraud; delusion; imposture....
Foul (41 Occurrences)
... 8. (superl.) Not conformed to the established rules and customs of a game, conflict,
test, etc.; unfair; dishonest; dishonorable;cheating; as, foul play....
Deceitful (46 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Fraudulent;cheating; insincere; serving to mislead
or ensnare; trickish. Multi-Version Concordance Deceitful (46 Occurrences)....
Cheated (5 Occurrences)
Cheats (1 Occurrence)
Abusive (7 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Containing abuse, or serving as the instrument of abuse; vituperative;
reproachful; scurrilous. 5. (a.) Tending to deceive; fraudulent;cheating....
Resources
What does the Bible say about cheating in school? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Immanuel Kant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? | GotQuestions.orgCheating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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