As we navigate the present day, it’s fascinating to discover age-old Biblical rules that might feel out of place today. From clean-shaven debates to the great pork dilemma, let’s dive into these intriguing prohibitions. Hold onto your hats because some of these are real eyebrow-raisers!
The Rugged vs. Clean-Cut Debate
“Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.” – Leviticus 19:27. Surprisingly, the Bible seems to give a nod to rugged aesthetics over a smooth shave. So, while a sleek buzz cut and clean-shaven cheeks might be in style, the Bible apparently leans towards embracing that natural scruff. To beard or not to beard, that’s the divine question.
The Great Pork Dilemma
“And the swine…is unclean to you.” – Leviticus 11:7. This might be hard to swallow for all the bacon fans out there. The Old Testament flags pork as off-limits because pigs were considered unclean animals. While we love our Sunday morning bacon, it seems they didn’t make the biblical cut for clean eating.
Seafood: The Deeper Dive
“All that have not fins and scales in the seas…they shall be an abomination unto you.” – Leviticus 11:10. The Bible’s picky about underwater delights. Creatures like lobsters and shrimp, sans fins and scales, don’t fit the menu. So, while they’re a gourmet’s dream, they’re not biblically-approved munchies.
Snails: Slow Food
“They shall be an abomination unto you.” – Leviticus 11:30. Our fancy French Escargot is a big Biblical no-no. Snails, though gastronomically praised, aren’t seen in a favorable light in this context. A slow realization, but a realization nonetheless.
Torn Jeans: Divine Fashion Statement?
Although there’s no direct “Thou shalt not wear ripped jeans” commandment, Biblical teachings often emphasize modesty in appearance. Intentionally torn threads might be all the rage now, but back in the day, it would be more ‘holey’ than ‘holy.’
Sabbath To-Dos and Not-To-Dos
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” – Exodus 20:8. This commandment is firm about kicking back on the Sabbath. The Bible discourages people from doing any form of work, even those Sunday chores. So if you’re pulling weeds or fixing things around the house, you’re bending the rules a bit.
The Glam Quotient: Striking Balance
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” – 1 Timothy 2:9. The New Testament gently hints that perhaps toning down the bling and glam is wise. This isn’t necessarily about fashion policing but guiding women towards a humbler appearance.
The Gossip Chronicles
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets.” – Proverbs 20:19. Gossiping or sharing some juicy info? Proverbs give us a clear message: Keep secrets hush-hush and avoid spreading tales, even if they’re tantalizingly interesting.
Peeking into the Future
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards.” – Leviticus 19:31. Tarot cards, palm readings, or any kind of divination is discouraged. The Bible emphasizes relying on God’s plan over attempting to foretell the future.
Relationship Rollercoasters
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery.” – Matthew 5:32. While divorces today are often a complex and personal decision, the Bible generally advises sticking it out, except in cases of infidelity.
Tales Told by Tattoos
“Ye shall not…print any marks upon you.” – Leviticus 19:28. Thinking of getting inked? The Old Testament advises against it. Tattoos, regardless of their design, were seen as potential pagan practices. As such, this makes them a definite no-go zone.
Indulgence: The Middle Path
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh.” – Proverbs 23:20-21. Balance is the watchword. While it’s tempting to indulge, the Bible pushes for moderation. Overeating or excessive drinking? Not so biblical.
Words: Handle with Care
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” – Ephesians 4:29. Words have weight, and the Bible advises us to choose them wisely. Be it casual swearing or heavy cursing, the Bible suggests we hold our tongue.
Nature’s Mix and Match: The Do’s and Don’ts
“Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed.” – Leviticus 19:19. Cross-breeding animals or mixing seeds, the Bible asks for purity in nature. This extends even to our attire, discouraging mixed fabrics.
Helping Hubby: The Fine Print
“When men strive together…and she reacheth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets.” – Deuteronomy 25:11-12. If your man’s in a brawl, the Bible suggests a hands-off approach, especially from the, ahem, sensitive areas.
Parental Matters: Keep It Respectful
“He that curseth his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.” – Exodus 21:17. Respecting our parents, even when disagreements arise, is one of the Bible’s golden rules. No matter the provocation, it asks us to maintain reverence.
Prayer Dress Code: Hats Off or On?
“Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every wife who prays…with her head uncovered dishonors her head.” – 1 Corinthians 11:4-5. It’s interesting how even attire during prayer has its specifications: Men, hats off; ladies, maybe a nice scarf?
Church Conversations: Who Gets the Mic?
“Let your women keep silence in the churches.” – 1 Corinthians 14:34. Historically, women were more passive in church services. While things have drastically changed, this was the vibe back in the day.
Walking the Straight Path
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” – Proverbs 12:22. Truth always triumphs, and dishonesty, be it in business or personal matters, isn’t in line with biblical teachings. Even little white lies are not good, according to the Bible.
The Quest for Revenge
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” – Romans 12:19. The Bible urges us to refrain from seeking revenge, leaving it in God’s hands instead. Turning the other cheek might be challenging, but it’s the recommended approach.
Church and Health: A Delicate Dance
“He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.” – Deuteronomy 23:1. The Old Testament had stringent criteria for temple participation. Physical impairments, especially those related to reproduction, stopped men from being able to attend church.