What does the Bible say about meditation?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that meditation is the prayerful, attentive dwelling on God, his Word, his works, and his truth, so that the heart is shaped toward faithful worship and obedience. Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2 commend continual reflection on God’s law, not emptying the mind but filling it with revealed truth. The Psalms model meditating on God’s steadfast deeds, wisdom, and goodness in both daylight and sleepless nights. Psalm 19:14 joins meditation with acceptable speech and a heart pleasing to the Lord. Philippians 4:8 directs believers to consider what is true, honorable, pure, and praiseworthy. Such meditation nourishes love for God, steadies the mind, and bears fruit in godly living.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Psalms 19:14 3 votes

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

  • Psalms 119:15 3 votes

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

  • Joshua 1:8 3 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 104:34 3 votes

    Let my meditation be sweet to him. I will rejoice in Yahweh.

  • Philippians 4:8 3 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.

  • Psalms 119:97 2 votes

    How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.

  • Psalms 63:6 2 votes

    when I remember you on my bed, and think about you in the night watches.

  • Psalms 49:3 2 votes

    My mouth will speak words of wisdom. My heart will utter understanding.

  • Psalms 143:5 2 votes

    I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.

  • Psalms 1:2 2 votes

    but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.

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