What does the Bible say about sound doctrine?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that sound doctrine is the healthy, trustworthy teaching of God’s Word, centered on the gospel of Christ and producing godly faith and obedience. Titus 1:9 and 2:1 call church leaders and believers to hold firmly to this teaching, both to encourage others and to refute error. Scripture itself is God-breathed and equips His people for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). Because many will prefer teachings that suit their desires, pastors must patiently preach the Word in every season (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Believers are to guard the pattern of sound words, watch their life and doctrine closely, and reject teachings that promote pride, quarrels, and departure from Christ (2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 4:16; 6:3-5).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Titus 1:9
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
- Titus 2:1
But say the things which fit sound doctrine,
- 2 Timothy 4:2-4
[2] preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. [3] For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; [4] and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.
- 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;
- 2 Timothy 3:16
Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness,
- 1 Timothy 6:3
If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
- 1 Timothy 6:3-5
[3] If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, [4] he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, [5] constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
- 1 Timothy 1:10
for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine;
- 2 Timothy 1:13
Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Timothy 4:16
Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about sound doctrine and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about sound doctrine