Many students feel pressured to cheat on tests in order to keep up with their classmates. They know that it is wrong and against the rules, but they also feel like they need to do whatever it takes to get a good grade.

Most of these students rationalize their decision by thinking that as long as they don’t get caught, cheating is okay. They need to do well on the test, so they have to do everything they can to achieve high scores. What they don’t realize is that even if they escape their teacher’s eyes, there’s someone who has witnessed what they’ve done.

Who is that someone? It’s God, of course! We must remember that He is always watching us and we can’t hide from His all-encompassing gaze. Academic cheating may seem like a trivial wrongdoing and inconsequential unless discovered, but a sin is a sin. If you’re able to cheat on a small matter like a quiz or a homework, what’s stopping you from cheating on even bigger and more important things in the future?

The bible is clear that honesty is important to the Lord. If we try to hide our sins from Him and repeat the same mistakes all over again, we will not be blessed. However, if we admit our errors and ask for forgiveness, we may find mercy.

These following verses should convince you to keep your eyes on your own paper and give honest answers according to your own ability:

Ephesians 4:28 NIV

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Luke 16:10 NIV

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

James 4:17 NIV

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Leviticus 19:11 NIV

Do not steal.

Do not lie.

Do not deceive one another.

Proverbs 10:9 NIV

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

Proverbs 12:22 NIV

The Lord detests lying lips,
    but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

2 Corinthians 4:2 NIV

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

Romans 12:2 NIV

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Proverbs 12:19 NIV

Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.