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What does the Bible say about bad thoughts?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that sinful thoughts arise from the fallen heart, yet God calls his people to repent, seek forgiveness in Christ, and renew their minds by his Word and Spirit. Jesus shows that inward lust and evil intentions are morally serious, not merely outward acts, in Matthew 5:28 and Matthew 9:4. Yet believers need not despair: 1 John 1:9 promises cleansing to those who confess their sins. Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 call Christians to reject worldly patterns and bring thoughts captive to Christ. By meditating on God’s Word, as Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 119:15 teach, and dwelling on what is true and pure, as Philippians 4:8 says, believers grow in holy thinking.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Philippians 4:8 10 votes

    Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

  • 1 John 1:9 8 votes

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Romans 12:2 7 votes

    Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 7 votes

    For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

  • Psalms 19:14 6 votes

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 6 votes

    Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

  • Matthew 9:4 5 votes

    Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?

  • Matthew 5:28 5 votes

    but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  • Joshua 1:8 4 votes

    This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

  • Psalms 119:15 3 votes

    I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

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