EthicsBible questions & Scripture-grounded answers
11 questions · Moral questions and lifestyle
How should you live? What is right and wrong? In a world of competing values, where do you find moral guidance? These questions matter because you make ethical choices every day—in business, in relationships, in how you spend your time and money.
Christianity offers a moral framework rooted not in human opinion but in God's character. What is good is what reflects God's nature. What is evil is what contradicts it. The Ten Commandments summarize God's moral law. Jesus condensed it further: love God completely, love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).
Yet applying these principles to modern life is not always simple. What does the Bible say about issues it doesn't directly address? How do you navigate ethical gray areas? How do you live with integrity in a fallen world?
The great Christian tradition offers guidance. Theologians have thought carefully about ethics for centuries. They've addressed matters of conscience, the role of civil law, the ethics of war and peace, economic justice, and more. You don't have to reinvent the wheel.
The questions below tackle ethical issues you likely face. They bring Scripture to bear on practical moral questions. The goal is not legalism but wisdom—living in a way that honors God and loves others well.
Key Scripture on Ethics
"And God spoke all these words, saying, 'I am the LORD your God... You shall have no other gods before me.'"
Exodus 20:1-3
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith."
1 Timothy 6:10
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7
"For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions... men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another."
Romans 1:26-27
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Psalm 139:13-14
Questions About Ethics
What are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God's moral laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). They include: 1) No other gods, 2) No idols, 3) Don't misuse God's name, 4) Keep the Sabbath, 5) Honor parents, 6) Don't murder, 7) Don't commit adultery, 8) Don't steal, 9) Don't lie, 10) Don't covet.
What does the Bible say about tattoos?
Leviticus 19:28 prohibited tattoos for Israel, likely forbidding pagan mourning practices. Christians debate whether this applies today. Many argue that under grace, tattoos are a matter of conscience. Key questions: Does it glorify God? Is it done in faith? Does it cause others to stumble?
What does the Bible say about money?
The Bible teaches that money itself isn't evil, but the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). We're called to be generous stewards, not hoarders. Jesus warned against serving money as a master (Matthew 6:24). Contentment with godliness is great gain.
What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol?
The Bible doesn't forbid alcohol but strongly condemns drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Jesus made wine, and Paul recommended wine for Timothy's stomach. However, wisdom calls for moderation, and abstinence may be best for those prone to excess or to avoid causing weaker believers to stumble.
What does the Bible say about tithing?
The tithe (10%) was commanded in the Old Testament (Malachi 3:10). While Christians aren't under the Law, generous giving is still expected. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, sacrificial giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). Many Christians use 10% as a starting point, giving as God prospers them.
What does the Bible say about lying?
Lying is condemned throughout Scripture. The ninth commandment forbids false testimony. Proverbs 6:16-17 lists 'a lying tongue' among things God hates. Satan is the 'father of lies' (John 8:44). Christians are called to 'put away falsehood' and 'speak the truth' in love (Ephesians 4:25).
What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
Scripture consistently presents sexual activity as intended for marriage between a man and woman. Passages like Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, and Leviticus 18:22 address same-sex activity. Christians hold various views on interpretation, but historic church teaching affirms traditional sexual ethics while calling all to love.
What does 'turn the other cheek' mean?
In Matthew 5:39, Jesus taught 'if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.' A slap on the right cheek was a backhanded insult in that culture. Jesus was not forbidding self-defense but teaching a radically non-retaliatory response to personal insults—breaking the cycle of retaliation with surprising dignity and grace.
What does the Bible say about abortion?
While 'abortion' isn't mentioned directly, Scripture affirms the value of unborn life. Psalm 139:13-16 describes God forming us in the womb. Jeremiah was known by God before birth (Jeremiah 1:5). Most Christians historically teach that life begins at conception and should be protected.
What does 'an eye for an eye' mean in the Bible?
"An eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24) was a principle of proportional justice—the punishment must fit the crime, no more and no less. It limited revenge, preventing escalation. Jesus later transcended it in Matthew 5:38-39, teaching His followers to respond to personal offenses with grace rather than retaliation, breaking the cycle of violence.
What does the Bible say about adultery?
The Bible consistently condemns adultery as a serious sin against God and one's spouse. The seventh commandment states 'You shall not commit adultery' (Exodus 20:14). Jesus expanded this to include lustful intent (Matthew 5:28). Yet the Bible also offers restoration—Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, telling her 'go, and sin no more' (John 8:11).
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