In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by media and influences that can shape our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes. Whether through television, social media, music, or conversations, the things we watch and listen to have a profound impact on our spiritual and emotional well-being.
The Bible warns us to be careful about what we expose ourselves to, as it affects not only our thoughts but also our hearts and actions.
The Bible provides clear guidelines for guarding our minds and hearts, encouraging us to focus on things that honor God and lead to spiritual growth.
In this blog post, we will explore 35 Bible verses that caution us about the importance of being mindful of what we watch and listen to, and how our choices in these areas can shape our lives.
35 Bible Verses About Being Careful What You Watch and Listen To
1. Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Explanation: This verse encourages us to focus on positive and virtuous things. It reminds us to filter what we watch and listen to through the lens of purity, truth, and goodness.
2. Psalm 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Explanation: The psalmist commits to avoiding evil influences. By being careful about what we allow before our eyes, we protect ourselves from temptation and sin.
3. Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Explanation: What we watch and listen to affects our heart, and from our hearts, our actions flow. This verse encourages us to guard our hearts carefully.
4. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Explanation: The people we interact with and the things we listen to can influence us for good or evil. We are cautioned to avoid negative influences that can corrupt our morals.
5. Matthew 6:22-23
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Explanation: Our eyes are the gateway to our minds and hearts. What we choose to look at impacts our spiritual health, either filling us with light or darkness.
6. Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Explanation: We are called to avoid the pressures of worldly influences and instead focus on renewing our minds through God’s Word, which shapes our thoughts and actions.
7. Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Explanation: We are encouraged to focus on heavenly, godly things rather than being consumed by the fleeting, worldly things that can lead us astray.
8. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Explanation: We are called to take control of our thoughts and reject anything that contradicts God’s truth. This includes being careful about what we watch and listen to.
9. Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Explanation: Our thoughts shape who we are. What we allow ourselves to think about, through what we watch or listen to, will influence our character and actions.
10. Psalm 119:37
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
Explanation: The psalmist asks God to keep his eyes away from distractions that are empty and meaningless. It’s a reminder to be selective in what we allow ourselves to view.
11. 1 John 2:15-16
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Explanation: This passage warns against the desire for worldly things, which can lead us away from God. We must be cautious of what appeals to our flesh and our eyes.
12. 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Explanation: As believers, we are called to be examples in every area of our lives, including what we speak about and what we listen to. Purity in our actions begins with our words and thoughts.
13. Matthew 15:18-19
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
Explanation: What we listen to and speak about reflects what is in our hearts. Being cautious about what we hear and speak helps protect us from defilement.
14. Luke 11:34-36
The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
Explanation: This passage emphasizes the importance of what we focus on. What we allow into our hearts through our eyes and ears will either fill us with light or darkness.
15. Psalm 101:2-3
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Explanation: The psalmist expresses a commitment to purity in what he views, making a conscious choice to avoid anything that could lead him astray.
16. Proverbs 4:25-27
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Explanation: This passage urges us to stay focused on the path of righteousness and avoid distractions that could lead us off course.
17. Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Explanation: We are called to avoid associating with things that promote darkness and sin, including media and entertainment that lead us away from God.
18. 1 Peter 1:13
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Explanation: We are instructed to stay mentally alert and focused on the hope we have in Christ, avoiding distractions that could hinder our spiritual growth.
19. Proverbs 4:20-21
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
Explanation: This passage emphasizes the importance of focusing on God’s Word, which should be the primary influence in our lives, shaping what we see and hear.
20. Isaiah 33:15
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.
Explanation: This verse highlights the integrity and purity we should have in both what we listen to and what we look at. Righteousness requires us to avoid evil influences.
21. Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Explanation: We are warned to be cautious about what we listen to, as false teachings can lead us astray. Discernment is key when choosing what we hear.
22. Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Explanation: We are urged not to be shaped by worldly influences but to allow our minds to be transformed by God’s Word, which will guide our actions and thoughts.
23. Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Explanation: We are warned to avoid worldly philosophies and empty deceit, which can come through what we listen to and watch. God’s truth must be our guiding principle.
24. Psalm 119:37
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
Explanation: The psalmist prays for God’s help in turning away from distractions and meaningless things, asking God to give him life through His Word.
25. 1 Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
Explanation: While not everything is inherently sinful, we are encouraged to choose what is beneficial and edifying, avoiding influences that do not build us up spiritually.
26. James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Explanation: This verse reminds us to be careful and intentional in our listening. Quickness to hear leads to better understanding and greater wisdom.
27. Romans 8:5
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Explanation: What we listen to and focus on can either fuel our fleshly desires or strengthen our spiritual life. We are encouraged to focus on the things of the Spirit.
28. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Explanation: We are called to test everything, ensuring it aligns with God’s truth before we accept it. This applies to what we watch and listen to.
29. Titus 2:7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.
Explanation: We are called to be examples of good works and integrity, and this includes what we listen to and watch, as it affects our witness to others.
30. 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.
Explanation: The Bible warns of a time when people will only want to hear what aligns with their desires, rather than truth. We must be careful not to be led astray by such teachings.
31. Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Explanation: Storing God’s Word in our hearts protects us from sin and helps us choose wisely what we expose ourselves to.
32. Proverbs 2:2-5
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
Explanation: We are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding earnestly. What we listen to shapes our understanding and relationship with God.
33. 2 Peter 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Explanation: We are warned against false teachings that could come through the things we listen to. Discernment is crucial in protecting our faith.
34. 1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Explanation: While we are free to engage with many things, we must be cautious not to let anything control us. We should be mindful of what we watch and listen to so it doesn’t dominate our lives.
35. Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Explanation: Our faith is shaped by what we listen to. To grow in faith, we must make sure that what we hear aligns with God’s truth.
Conclusion: Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
The Bible offers clear guidance on how we should approach the things we watch and listen to. Our hearts and minds are precious, and we must guard them carefully by choosing influences that align with God’s Word.
By being intentional about the content we consume, we protect our spiritual well-being and ensure that our actions reflect God’s will.
How do you guard your heart and mind from negative influences? Share your thoughts and favorite verses in the comments below. Let’s continue to encourage one another to choose wisely what we watch and listen to, knowing that it impacts our spiritual journey.