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What does the Bible say about entertainment?

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The Bible teaches that entertainment should be received gratefully and enjoyed wisely under the lordship of Christ, never becoming an idol or leading us into sin. Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 101:2-3 call believers to set their minds on what is true, pure, lovely, and worthy, while Ephesians 5:11 warns against sharing in works of darkness. Colossians 3:17 teaches that all we do should be done in Christ's name and for God's glory. Scripture also commends joyful praise, as Psalm 150 shows, yet cautions that wealth, pleasure, and possessions must not master the heart (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 6:24). Christians should use their freedom with discernment, gratitude, and love for God.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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.

  • Psalms 101:2-3

    [2] I will be careful to live a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a blameless heart. [3] I will set no vile thing before my eyes. I hate the deeds of faithless men. They will not cling to me.

  • Colossians 3:17

    Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

  • Ephesians 5:11

    Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."

  • Titus 2:12

    instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;

  • 1 Timothy 6:17-19

    [17] Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; [18] that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

  • Luke 12:33-34

    [33] Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

  • Psalms 150:1-6

    [1] Praise Yah! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power! [2] Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness! [3] Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise him with harp and lyre! [4] Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! [5] Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals! [6] Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!

  • Matthew 6:24

    "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.

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