A Handbook of Bible Law - Etiquette and moral issules

Copyright 1991 by Charles A. Weisman. 2nd Edition: Aug., 1992; 3rd Edition: Dec., 1994

Etiquette and moral issules

Comments: The interrelations of people in society require that a moral code of conduct be adhered to. For ages the Bible has been a proven standard of good morals and social decorum. Man has always tried to devise his own moral code and social guidelines but they never are successful for long.

While God gave us liberty, as freemen we are not to use that liberty for a cloak of maliciousness and vice (1 Pet. 2:16), or as an opportunity to engage in lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:13). We are not to get drunk, slander our neighbor, or run around in indecent apparel just because we have the freedom to do so.

We can see from present day examples how easily a people can be demoralized and will adopt immoral manners and habits when they abandon the Biblical moral code of conduct. The influences of the ways of man have proven to corrupt such morals. It thus is imperative that children be continually imbued with the ideas and ways of chaste conduct which the Bible teaches, and that morality be taught from the standpoint of Christianity and the Bible.

Following and adhering to these principles and guidelines of morals and etiquette, have long been an earmark of a civilized people. The culture of Biblical times demanded a high degree of decorum and decent conduct.

A proper social decorum is clearly revealed by the continual exhortations of the wise men and prophets, who urged that if men can be shown the folly of certain kinds of conduct, they will refrain from it. Accordingly, they pointed out the dangers of unethical conduct, such as showing how rightousness is better than riches, or condemning drunkenness.

That proper etiquette is discussed in the Bible, is evidence of a life of social amenities and that life was not confined to herding sheep and tilling of fields.

12A - Chastity and Virtue

  1. Chastity commanded; and that you not to be fornicators. Acts 15:20 Col. 3:5; 1 Thes. 4:3; Titus 2:5.
  2. We should be chaste in the heart. Prov. 6:25.
  3. We are to keep the body in chastity. 1 Cor. 6:13, 15-19.
  4. Chastity is preserved by wisdom and discretion. Prov. 2:10-11; Prov. 7:1-5.
  5. We should not keep company with those devoid of chastity. 1 Cor 5:11; 1 Pet 4:3.
  6. Keep yourself pure in mind and heart. Psa. 73:1; Prov. 22:11; Matt. 5:8; 1 Tim. 5:22; James 4:8.
  7. Immoral and unchaste conduct (works of the flesh) excludes entry into the Kingdom of God. Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; Heb. 13:4.
  8. Abstain and turn away from every form of evil. Job 1:1 18; 1 Thes. 5:22; 1 Pet 3:10-11.
  9. A virtuous person should let their mind dwell on those things which are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Phil. 4:8.
  10. It is chaste to add virtue in your faith and knowledge to virtue. 2 Pet. 1:5.
  11. Virtue in women is a highly desired attribute. Prov. 30:10-31.
  12. A gracious woman retains honor. Prov. 11:16.
  13. You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you. Deut. 6:18.
  14. As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. Prov. 11:22.
  15. Whoredom and prostitution is forbidden. Lev. 19:29; Deut. 22:21; Deut. 23:17.
  16. Whoremongers condemned. Eph. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:10; Heb. 13:4; Rev. 21:8; Rev. 22:15.
  17. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. Titus 1:15.
  18. Punishment and consequences for breach of chaste conduct. Prov. 5:3-11; Prov. 7:25-27; 1 Cor. 3:16-17.
  19. Seek good and not evil; hate evil, love good. Isa. 7:15-16; Amos 5:14-15.

12B - Meddling and Gossip

  1. Busybodies exhorted to mind their own business. 2 Thes. 3:11-12; Prov. 26:17; 1 Pet. 4:15.
  2. Christians exhorted not to suffer as a consequence of being a meddler in other people's matters. 1 Pet 4:15.
  3. We are not to wander from house to house as tattlers and busybodies. 1 Tim. 5:13.
  4. We should not meddle in other's concerns. 2 Kings 14:10; Prov. 20:3; Prov. 24:21; Prov. 26:17.
  5. Gossiping is not proper and a sign of a depraved mind. Rom. 1:28-29.
  6. Every fool will be meddling. Prov. 20:3.
  7. We are admonished not to gossip. 2 Cor. 12:20.
  8. We should not talk about the errors or transgressions of others. Prov. 17:9.
  9. Gossip often arises from hatred. Psa. 41:7.
  10. Gossip causes a separation in friendship. Prov. 16:28; Prov. 17:9.
  11. Do not associate with a gossip. Prov. 20:19.
  12. Where gossiping is eliminated, strife ceases. Prov. 26:20.

12C - Excessiveness & Indulgence

  1. Seeking pleasures and lavish living is not Godly. Rom. 13:13; 1 Tim. 5:6; Titus 3:3; Heb. 11:25; 1 Pet 4:3-4.
  2. Lovers of pleasure are brought into poverty. Prov. 21:17; Prov. 23:20-21; Luke 15:13-14.
  3. To seek mirth and pleasure is vanity. Eccl. 2:1, 10-11; Jer. 7:34; Jer. 16:9; Hosea 2:11.
  4. Beware of those who are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 2 Tim. 3:4.
  5. We should display moderation. Phil. 4:5.
  6. Gluttony and excessiveness is iniquity and leads to a carnal outlook on life. Isa. 22:13-14; Luke 12:19-20; 1 Cor. 15:32.
  7. It is wise to abstain from indulgences. Prov. 28:7; Eccl. 7:2-3.
  8. Avoid lasciviousness and wantonness or covetousness. Eph. 4:19; 1 Pet 4:3-4; 2 Pet 2:13-15.
  9. We are not to desire riches. Prov. 23:3-4; James 5:1-5.
  10. Indulgence is a proof of folly. Eccl. 7:4.

    12D - Dress and Appearance

    1. Women shall not wear men's clothing, nor shall a man put on women's clothing, this is an abomination to God. Deut. 22:5.
    2. We are not to wear a garment of mixed fabrics (e.g. wool and linen). Lev. 19:19; Deut 22:11.
    3. Women are to wear modest apparel and should not have braided hair or adorn themselves with gold or fancy and costly array. Isa. 3:16-24; 1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet 3:3.
    4. Clothes are to be washed before appearing in the sight of God. Exod. 19:10-11.
    5. Whoever handles the carcass of unclean animals is to wash their clothes. Lev. 11:25.
    6. Long hair is a shame for men. 1 Cor. 11: 14.
    7. Long hair is a glory for women. 1 Cor. 11: 15.
    8. Nakedness is condemned. Gen. 9:21-27; Isa. 47:3; Ezek. 16:36-37; Hab. 2:15.

      12E - Slander and Backbiting

      1. Slander and speaking lies about your brethren is an abomination to God. Prov. 6:16, 19.
      2. You shall not go about speaking slander or spreading false reports about others. Exod. 23:1; Lev. 19:16; Luke 3:14; Titus 2:3; James 4:11.
      3. You shall not backbite others. Psa. 15:1 1 3; Rom. 1:30; 2 Cor. 12:20.
      4. A backbiting tongue brings forth an angry countenance (no one will be pleased with a backbiter). Prov. 25:23.
      5. A talebearer who spreads scandals causes harm to others. Prov. 18:8; Prov. 26:20, 22.
      6. He who does not backbite and slander with his tongue is near to God. Psa. 15:1-3.
      7. We should not speak evil of someone out of suspicions or assumptions. 1 Tim. 6:4.
      8. Beware of those who are slanderers. 2 Tim. 3:3.
      9. Slander is a characteristic of the wicked. Psa. 31:13; Psa. 50:16, 20; Jer. 6:28.
      10. Libel and name calling is condemned by Christ. Matt. 5:22.
      11. He that speaks slander is a fool. Prov. 10: 18.
      12. Those who indulge in slander are not to be trusted. Jer. 9:4.
      13. Slander is a sign of a debauched and corrupt people. Jer. 6:28; Jer. 9:4; Ezek. 22:9.
      14. We are commanded to put away all such evil speaking. Eph. 4:31; 1 Pet 2:1.
      15. You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people. Lev. 19:16; 2 Cor. 12:20.
      16. You are to speak evil of no man. Titus 3:2; James 4:11.
      17. He who secretly slanders his neighbor is to be cut off from the people. Psa. 101:5.

      12F - Courtesy and Kindness

      1. We are exhorted to be courteous. 1 Pet 3:8.
      2. Be peaceable, well behaved, showing courtesy and every consideration to all men. Titus 3:2.
      3. Brotherly kindness is needed to be fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Pet 1:5-7.
      4. We are to show kindness to one another. Rom. 12:10; 2 Cor. 6:6; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12.

      12G - Drinking and Drunkenness

      1. Sobriety commanded. 1 Thes. 5:6, 8; 1 Pet. 1: 13; 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8.
      2. The gospel teaches we should live soberly. Titus 2:12.
      3. The taking of wine or strong drink is forbidden when going into the tabernacle of the congregation. Lev. 10:9.
      4. Those in the service of God are not to drink alcohol. Num. 6:2-3.
      5. Drinking and Drunkenness not approved. Deut. 21:20; Hosea 4:11; Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13; Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18.
      6. Drinking and merrymaking prevents the people from seeing the afflictions of the nation. Joel 1:4-7; Amos 6:1-7.
      7. Excessive or habitual drinking is admonished against, as it causes a disregard of the judgments and works of God. Isa. 5:11-12.
      8. Pregnant women are not to take alcoholic drinks. Judges 13:3-4, 79 14; Luke 1:15.
      9. Intoxicating drink causes persons to err and be led astray. Isa. 28:7.
      10. We are not to associate with those that are drunkards and gluttons. Prov. 23:20; 1 Cor. 5:11.
      11. Addiction to intoxicating drink brings sorrow, contentions, complaints, wounds without cause, and redness of eyes. Prov. 23:29-35.
      12. Wine is a mocker, strong drink arouses brawling, and whoever is intoxicated by it is deluded and not wise. Prov. 20:1.
      13. You are not to encourage another to drink or attempt to get another drunk. Hab. 2:15.

      Previous | Next | Home