The Bible is packed with rules that might surprise you, especially when it comes to modern life. From mixing fabrics to getting tattoos, there are things you do every day that the Good Book says are no-nos.
For this article, I’ve rounded up 15 everyday practices that the Bible actually frowns upon.
1. Tattoos and Body Art
Getting inked might be cool, but the Bible isn’t a fan. In Leviticus 19:28, it clearly says not to put marks on your body. This rule was probably to set God’s people apart from other groups. Today, many Christians still debate if this applies to modern tattoos. Some see it as a way to express faith, while others stick to the old rule.
2. Wearing Mixed Fabrics
Your favorite poly-cotton blend shirt? It’s a no-go, according to the Bible. Leviticus 19:19 says not to wear clothes made of two kinds of material. This might seem odd, but it was about keeping things pure and separate. Some think it was to prevent mixing holy priestly clothes with regular ones. Now, most people don’t worry about this rule when shopping.
3. Eating Pork
Bacon lovers, cover your ears! The Bible lists pigs as unclean animals in Leviticus 11:7-8. This means no pork chops, ham, or bacon were allowed. The rule was part of dietary laws to keep people healthy. Many Christians today don’t follow this rule, but some still do. Jewish people who keep kosher still avoid pork.
4. Cutting Hair on the Sides
That trendy fade haircut might not comply with biblical rules. Leviticus 19:27 says not to cut the hair at the sides of your head. This was probably to keep God’s people looking different from other groups. Some think it was about avoiding pagan practices. Today, most people don’t worry about this when getting a haircut.
5. Working on the Sabbath
According to the Bible, Sunday chores are forbidden. The Ten Commandments say to keep the Sabbath day holy and do no work. This was meant to be a day of rest and worship. Some people still take this seriously and avoid any work on their Sabbath. Others see it more as a guideline for taking time to relax and focus on faith.
6. Charging Interest on Loans
The Bible takes a strong stance against charging interest. Exodus 22:25 says not to charge interest to the poor. This rule was meant to protect people from unfair lending practices. It encouraged helping others without trying to profit from their hardship. Today, our whole banking system works differently, but some still see high interest as wrong.
7. Gossiping
Talking behind someone’s back is a big no-no in the Bible. Proverbs 16:28 warns that gossip separates close friends. The Bible sees gossip as harmful and destructive to relationships. It encourages speaking kindly and truthfully instead. This is one rule that many people, religious or not, still try to follow today.
8. Wearing Clothes of the Opposite Sex
Deuteronomy 22:5 says women shouldn’t wear men’s clothes and vice versa. This rule was probably about maintaining clear gender roles in that culture. Some people still follow this rule strictly, while others see it as outdated. In today’s world, what counts as “men’s” or “women’s” clothes has changed a lot.
9. Eating Shellfish
Sorry, seafood lovers! Leviticus 11:10 lists shellfish as unclean. This means no shrimp, lobster, or crab were allowed. Like the pork rule, this was part of dietary laws. Some think it was for health reasons in ancient times. Most Christians don’t follow this rule now, but some still do.
10. Trimming Your Beard
Guys, put down those beard trimmers! Leviticus 19:27 also says not to cut the edges of your beard. This might have been to look different from other groups. Some think it was about respecting God’s creation. Today, most men don’t worry about this when grooming, but some still follow it.
11. Wearing Gold or Pearls
1 Timothy 2:9 warns against wearing gold, pearls, or costly clothes. This was about not showing off wealth or being too showy. The focus was on inner beauty and good deeds instead. Some people still follow this rule strictly. Others see it more as a guideline to be modest and not materialistic.
12. Eating Fat
Leviticus 3:17 says not to eat fat. This was part of the rules about animal sacrifices. The fat was seen as the best part, meant for God. Today, we know some fats are good for health. Most people don’t follow this rule now, but it shows how important respect for God is.
13. Remarrying After Divorce
Matthew 5:32 says remarrying after divorce is like committing adultery. This was a strict rule meant to protect marriage. Jesus said this to show how serious marriage should be. Today, different Christian groups have different views on divorce and remarriage. It’s still a topic that many people debate.
14. Braiding Hair
1 Timothy 2:9 also mentions not braiding hair. This was part of advice on how women should dress. It was about not being too flashy or drawing attention to yourself. The focus was on good deeds instead of looks. Today, most people don’t see braids as a problem, but the idea of modesty is still important to many.
15. Eating Blood
Acts 15:20 tells new Christians not to eat blood. This rule goes back to Old Testament laws. Blood was seen as containing life and was sacred to God. Some religious groups still follow this rule strictly. They might avoid rare steaks or foods made with blood. Others see it as an old rule that doesn’t apply today.
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