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What does the Bible say about listening to music?

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The Bible teaches that music is a good gift from God, meant to stir faith, praise, wisdom, and holy joy, yet it should be received with discernment under Christ’s lordship. Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 commend psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that let God’s Word dwell richly among believers. James 5:13 and Hebrews 2:12 show singing as a fitting response to God in both personal devotion and gathered worship. Christians should therefore weigh music by Philippians 4:8, pursuing what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, rather than what feeds sin or worldly conformity. Romans 12:2 calls believers to renewed minds, while Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith is especially nourished through hearing God’s Word.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

  • 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.

  • Ephesians 5:19

    speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and singing praises in your heart to the Lord;

  • Romans 10:17

    So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:5-6

    [5] It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. [6] For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

  • Philippians 4:8-12

    [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. [9] The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you. [10] But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. [11] Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. [12] I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.

  • James 5:13

    Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises.

  • John 4:24

    God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 2:12

    saying, "I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise."

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