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What does the Bible say about thoughts and the mind?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God cares deeply about our thoughts and calls us, by his grace, to have minds renewed by his truth rather than shaped by sin or the world. Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:22-24 describe the believer’s ongoing renewal as part of new life in Christ. Philippians 4:8 directs our attention toward what is true, honorable, pure, and praiseworthy, while Isaiah 26:3 promises steadfast peace to those whose minds are fixed on God. Because spiritual conflict includes false ideas and sinful patterns of thinking, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 calls us to take thoughts captive in obedience to Christ. God gives his children not fear, but power, love, and self-control.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 26:3

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

  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

    [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh; [4] for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, [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; [6] and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full.

  • Philippians 4:4-9

    [4] Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. [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. [9] The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

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

  • Proverbs 4:23

    Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it is the wellspring of life.

  • James 1:8

    He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

  • 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;

  • Ephesians 4:22-24

    [22] that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit; [23] and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, [24] and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

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