Question
I would like some information on dancing is it right or wrong and some Bible verses to back it up.
Answer
The Bible does not specifically condemn dancing per se. In fact, in the Old Testament people often “danced before the Lord” as a means of expressing joy (see for example 2 Sam. 6:14, Ps 149:3, and Ps150:4). But today’s dances are not to be compared with them. Here are some Scriptures which have a direct bearing not only on dancing, but on the way we conduct our lives if we wish to please God:
1. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you, that everyone who looks on woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matt. 5:28). The idea of “lusting for” is not just “admiration,” but in this case implies a desire to have sex with (hence, “commits adultery”). This is closely akin to other terms, such as sensuality or lewdness (these are translated lasciviousness, in the King James Version) which is also condemned in Scripture. Notice for example, in the list of the “works of the flesh” in Gal. 5:19–21, this term is mentioned in vs. 19. No one practicing these things can inherit the kingdom of God (vs 21). Anything (not just dancing) that promotes lust and sensuality is condemned. It is not simply a matter of physical contact, either. Just try substituting “square dancing” for the dances on MTV, VH-1, Soul Train, etc. and see how much interest that draws!
2. In 1 Timothy 2:9–10, Paul through the Holy Spirit writes that women should “adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness.” Different English words are used in different versions. The version I use is the New American Standard Bible (NASB). The word translated “modestly” in my version (“with shamefacedness” in the King James Version) is a Greek word which carries the idea of bashfulness or shyness. This becomes another problem not only in dancing, but in our everyday lives. Though this command is addressed to women, and Matt. 5 (above) to men, one should not think that women are permitted to lust for men or that men may dress immodestly.
3. Romans 12:1 urges Christians “by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” God was never pleased with polluted or blemished sacrifices. He is worthy of our best. Dancing today is almost exclusively done for the enjoyment of the flesh. If it does not actually lead to sex, it promotes the thought or the lust. These things are only sanctioned
in the marriage relationship (1 Cor. 7:2–5).
4. As you may have noticed, much of Scripture, especially New Testament Scripture, deals with proper hearts and attitudes. That’s why in the New Testament you won’t always find a Scripture which specifically says “thou shalt not” do this or that. It is more a book of “dos” than “don’ts.” There is one more passage, though, that should be noted. It is 1 Peter 4:3 in which drinking parties are included with a class of other things which are condemned.
By Doug Focht
