What does the Bible say about breaking the law?

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• James 4:17

  To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.

• Romans 13:1-7

  [1] Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. [2] Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, [4] for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. [5] Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually on this very thing. [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

• 1 John 3:4

  Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.

• James 2:10

  For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he has become guilty of all.

• Acts 5:29

  But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.

• Proverbs 19:5

  A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.

• Proverbs 8:1-36

  [1] Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice? [2] On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she stands. [3] Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entry doors, she cries aloud: [4] "To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind. [5] You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart. [6] Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things. [7] For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. [8] All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. [9] They are all plain to him who understands, Right to those who find knowledge. [10] Receive my instruction rather than silver; Knowledge rather than choice gold. [11] For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it. [12] "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion. [13] The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. [14] Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power. [15] By me kings reign, And princes decree justice. [16] By me princes rule; Nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth. [17] I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. [18] With me are riches, honor, Enduring wealth, and prosperity. [19] My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; My yield than choice silver. [20] I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice; [21] That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries. [22] "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, Before his deeds of old. [23] I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth existed. [24] When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water. [25] Before the mountains were settled in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth; [26] While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. [27] When he established the heavens, I was there; When he set a circle on the surface of the deep, [28] When he established the clouds above, When the springs of the deep became strong, [29] When he gave to the sea its boundary, That the waters should not violate his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; [30] Then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, Always rejoicing before him, [31] Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men. [32] "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, For blessed are those who keep my ways. [33] Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it. [34] Blessed is the man who hears me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my door posts. [35] For whoever finds me, finds life, And will obtain favor from Yahweh. [36] But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death."

• Romans 13:2

  Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.

• Romans 13:1

  Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

• Romans 3:20

  Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

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