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What does the Bible say about sound mind?

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The Bible teaches that a sound mind is God-given steadiness of faith, thought, and conduct, formed by the Holy Spirit rather than by fear or sinful desire. In 2 Timothy 1:7, believers receive power, love, and self-control, while Romans 12:2 calls them to renewed minds instead of conformity to the world. Philippians 4:8 directs the heart toward what is true, honorable, pure, and praiseworthy. Isaiah 26:3 promises enduring peace to those whose minds rest on the Lord, and 1 John 4:18 shows that God’s perfect love drives out fear. Through Christ, believers have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and are taught and reminded by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 2 Timothy 1:7 11 votes

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

  • Romans 12:2 6 votes

    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.

  • 1 Peter 1:13 5 votes

    Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ--

  • Philippians 4:8 5 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 any praise, think about these things.

  • 1 John 4:18 4 votes

    There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

  • Isaiah 26:3 4 votes

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

  • 1 Corinthians 2:16 3 votes

    "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him?" But we have Christ's mind.

  • 2 Timothy 1:6-7 3 votes

    [6] For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

  • John 14:26 3 votes

    But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.

  • Galatians 5:19-21 2 votes

    [19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

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