What does the Bible say about being negative?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible calls us to resist a sinful, despairing, or critical spirit by trusting God, guarding our hearts, and setting our minds on what is true and good. Philippians 4:6 directs believers to bring anxieties to God in prayer, while Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on what is honorable, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Romans 12:2 teaches that renewal comes through the transformation of the mind, not conformity to the world. Proverbs 4:23 urges careful watchfulness over the heart, from which life flows. Our words matter before God, as Matthew 12:36-37 warns, and harmful influences can corrupt character according to 1 Corinthians 15:33. Through his searching Word, God exposes sin and steadily reforms his people by grace.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Matthew 12:36-37

    [36] I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

    Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."

  • Philippians 4:6

    In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

  • Romans 12:2

    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.

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

  • 2 Timothy 3:1-5

    [1] But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. [2] For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, [4] traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; [5] holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. Turn away from these, also.

  • Philippians 4:8

    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 any praise, think about these things.

  • Proverbs 4:23

    Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it is the wellspring of life.

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