What does the Bible say about mind?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that the mind is to be renewed by God’s truth, fixed on him, and guarded against sin and falsehood. Romans 8:5-6 contrasts the death-producing mind set on the flesh with the life and peace given by the Spirit. Romans 12:1-2 calls believers to be transformed through renewed thinking, while Colossians 3:2 directs hearts and minds toward heavenly things. Isaiah 26:3 promises peace to those whose minds trust the Lord. Christians are to take thoughts captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), reject deceptive philosophies (Colossians 2:8), and cultivate prayerful, pure, and worthy thoughts (Philippians 4:6-8). This renewal flows from God’s grace and increasingly conforms believers to the mind of Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Romans 8:5-6

    [5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. [6] For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;

  • Colossians 3:2

    Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.

  • Romans 12:1-2

    [1] Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. [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.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on you]; because he trusts in you.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

    For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5

    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;

  • Colossians 2:8

    Be careful that you don't let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

  • Philippians 4:6-8

    [6] In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. [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.

  • Philippians 2:5

    Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus,

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

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