Speeding—Is it a sin?

Quick answer

Speeding is a sin because it falls under lawbreaking, which is a sin. God has called believers to obey the authorities He has put in place and exhibit exemplary behavior as a witness to others.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible, obviously, doesn’t address speeding, but it does advise us about proper behavior, appropriate attitude toward governing authorities, and awareness of how our behavior reflects on our witness as believers. The Proverbs discuss the foolishness of reckless behavior (Proverbs 14:16) and the folly of minimizing our sins (Proverbs 10:23; 16:2). Those overarching principles apply to lawbreaking of any kind, which would include speeding. The New Testament includes verses about obeying governing authorities (Romans 13:1–2; 1 Peter 2:13–15) as long as their demands do not go against God’s will (Acts 5:29). Speeding is breaking the law without any godly reason. Finally, the Bible teaches that all our behavior should reflect well on our witness as Christians (1 Corinthians 8:21). Speeding, regardless of how minor it may seem, is breaking the law and, as such, is a sin. Christians should seek to honor God, even in the way that they drive.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Speeding can be considered reckless behavior, which Proverbs 14:16 addresses: "One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless."

Proverbs 10:23 adds, "Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding." We may consider speeding a minor issue, but it is flouting the laws from authorities God has put in place.

Proverbs 16:2 touches on our motives: "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit." As it relates to speeding, an occasional emergency may take priority over the posted speed limit, but the Lord evaluates your heart in these cases.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

In Romans 13:1–2, the apostle Paul wrote, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." If the government has posted a requirement about a certain speed limit, those who follow God are called to obey it.

Speeding also sends the wrong message to others. Second Corinthians 8:21 states, "For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man." If you have a Christian bumper sticker, such as a Jesus fish, on the back of your car and drive dangerously, what message does that send to people?

Peter addressed this topic as well, noting that by following the law, we are “put[ting] to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:13–15). By doing what is right, including in our driving, we can set an example in a culture where others do wrong.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Most likely this has happened to you: You’re late for a meeting or trying to make it to a store before closing time. Speed limit signs transform into speed limit suggestions. Regret may set in only when the flashing lights appear behind you.

But as Christians, our regret shouldn’t be just because we got caught speeding. God sees all our behavior, even acts that we might consider minor—-the “white lies,” the pen we “borrowed” from the office, and yes, our speedometer going ten miles over the posted limit. Granted, these aren’t murder or adultery or stealing, but they’re still sins—and we’re still lawbreakers when we commit them.

We should take a cue from the Hebrew National hot dog company; in the 80s, they ran a commercial with the slogan, “We answer to a higher authority.” Believers should have that same slogan. Our standard should always be God’s, not the world’s.

UNDERSTAND

Speeding is sin because it breaks laws God has established, and Christians must obey authorities.

Reckless behavior, including speeding, is foolish and sinful.

Christians should glorify God in all they do, including driving.

REFLECT

How do you view your responsibility as a Christian to obey laws, even in small actions like driving?

When have you justified speeding or reckless behavior, and how might that affect your witness to others?

In what ways can you better reflect God’s holiness and wisdom in everyday choices, such as how you drive?

ENGAGE

How can we encourage each other to obey authorities, knowing God set them in place?

How is speeding a bad witness to others?

What are practical ways to prevent ourselves from breaking "little" or "minor" laws?