Things Condemned by the Bible That Might Seem Strange to Non-Believers

Both believers and non-believers are aware that the Bible condemns various things. However, many may not be aware of the rather specific things that are condemned in this text.

Many of these oddly condemned actions or situations are a testament to the times in which the Bible was written. Today, these condemnations may seem very strange to non-believers.

Owning Homes

In Leviticus 25:23, the Bible says, “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.”

This passage suggests that owning homes is actually wrong — according to the Bible. This condemnation may come as a surprise to even believers, as the idea of owning a home is so prevalent in our day and age.

Wearing Ripped Jeans

Interestingly, the Bible also warns people against wearing clothing that is torn. In Leviticus 10:6, a section is dedicated to discussing how people should properly appear. This passage states, “Do not let your hair become unkempt and do not tear your clothes.”

For modern-day believers, this means that the writers of the Bible would frown upon the idea of wearing ripped jeans.

Women Wearing Jewelry

The Bible also doesn’t favor the idea of women wearing jewelry. Timothy 2:9 says, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.”

As many women today wear jewelry and expensive clothes, this condemnation is likely very surprising for both believers and non-believers.

Shaving Your Beard

When the Bible was written thousands of years ago, the idea of a man ever shaving their beard was heavily frowned upon. Thus, this was put in the Bible — even though many modern-day believers may have no issue with shaving.

This condemnation appears in Leviticus 19:27, which says, “Neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.”

Having Short Hair

Another interesting Biblical condemnation? Having short hair. The Bible states that people cannot cut their hair, which may have led to unfortunate situations for those who suffer from baldness.

This statement occurs in Leviticus 19:27. In this passage, it is written, “Ye shall not round the corners of your heads.”

Having Tattoos

Historically, many cultures have experimented with marking their bodies with tattoos. It’s been a practice worldwide since ancient Neolithic times. Today, many people enjoy getting tattoos that are meaningful to them.

However, Leviticus 19:28 doesn’t encourage tattoos. “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves,” this excerpt reads.

Using Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are also frowned upon in the Bible. Any type of paranormal activity, such as holding seances, is also condemned. As many modern-day people enjoy reading tarot cards, this may come as a surprise.

Leviticus 19:31 is the passage that warns people to steer clear of these types of activities. “Do not turn to mediums or spiritists,” it explains.

Picking Up Fallen Fruit

Leviticus 19:10 also takes the time to talk about how people should not pick up fallen fruit. Specifically, they shouldn’t touch fallen grapes.

This section says, “Do not go over your vineyard again or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner.”

Treating Foreigners Badly

Most people — believers and non-believers alike — know the Bible says that we should always love our neighbors. However, Leviticus 19:33-19:34 also states that people should always treat foreigners with respect.

This passage reads, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.”

Lying

The Bible calls out people who lie and says that believers shouldn’t do this. This condemnation occurs in Leviticus 19:11, which states, “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.”

This section is similar to the passages in the Bible that remind people they should always treat others how they’d like to be treated.

Holding a Grudge

The Bible also explains people should not hold a grudge — advice that many today might feel they can benefit from. Holding grudges is never healthy, after all. Science has proven it can even ruin your health.

Discussion about why people shouldn’t hold a grudge comes in Leviticus 19:18. “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself,” this passage explains.