The term "illicitly" refers to actions or behaviors that are not permitted by law, custom, or moral standards. In the context of the Bible, it often pertains to actions that are contrary to God's commandments and teachings. The Bible addresses various forms of illicit behavior, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's laws and the consequences of disobedience.

Illicit Sexual Relations

One of the most frequently addressed forms of illicit behavior in the Bible is sexual immorality. The Scriptures clearly outline the boundaries for sexual conduct, reserving sexual relations for the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. In Leviticus 18, God provides a detailed list of prohibited sexual relations, which includes adultery, incest, and homosexuality. The New Testament reiterates these prohibitions, urging believers to flee from sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 , Paul writes, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

Illicit Gain

The Bible also addresses the pursuit of illicit gain, which includes dishonest practices such as theft, fraud, and bribery. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), underscores the importance of respecting others' property and rights. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight," highlighting God's disdain for deceitful practices in business and trade. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, as seen in Ephesians 4:28 : "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need."

Illicit Worship

Illicit worship, or idolatry, is another significant concern in the Bible. God commands exclusive worship and devotion, warning against the worship of other gods or idols. The First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3), establishes the foundation for monotheistic worship. The Israelites' repeated lapses into idolatry serve as cautionary tales throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament, 1 John 5:21 advises, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols," urging believers to remain faithful to God alone.

Illicit Speech

The Bible also cautions against illicit speech, which includes lying, gossip, and slander. The Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16), emphasizes the importance of truthfulness. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who gives false testimony" among the things the Lord detests. In the New Testament, James 3:5-6 warns of the destructive power of the tongue: "So also the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

Consequences of Illicit Behavior

The Bible consistently warns of the consequences of engaging in illicit behavior. In Galatians 6:7-8 , Paul writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This principle underscores the biblical teaching that actions have consequences, and those who engage in illicit behavior will ultimately face judgment.1215. betsa -- gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit
... Word Origin from batsa Definition gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit NASB
Word Usage dishonest gain (4), end (1), gain (7), illicitly (1), plunder (1 ...
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He Then Declares that the Close Relation Between Names and Things ...
... proposition is objectionable as classing the Son with all generated existences:
the inversion of it, because the term "God" is substituted illicitly for the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 he then declares.htm

part i.
... of one kind of phenomenon from a conception of another kind which does not contain
it, and must have it implicitly and illicitly smuggled in before it can be ...
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Illicitly (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Illicitly (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 15:27 He whose
desires are fixed on profit is a cause of trouble to ...
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Illiterate (2 Occurrences)

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Illicit (1 Occurrence)

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