Summary
With so much content available to us we want to know, “what does the Bible say about watching bad things?”. The Bible urges you to guard your heart and mind, focusing on what is virtuous, pure, and praiseworthy. It encourages discernment in media choices and emphasizes that your inner state profoundly impacts your moral and spiritual outlook.
What does the Bible say about watching bad things?
The Bible offers profound insights into various facets of life, including the act of watching content that may not align with godly values.
1. Guarding Your Heart – Proverbs 4:23 (CSB)
Proverbs 4:23 wisely advises, “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” This foundational guidance underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting the core of your being.
2. Pondering True Things – Philippians 4:8 (CSB)
In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul offers a roadmap for your media choices: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
3. Avoiding Evil Desires – Romans 13:14 (CSB)
Concerning content that might trigger evil desires, Romans 13:14 advises: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t make plans to gratify the desires of the flesh.” This scriptural counsel encourages you to steer clear of media that nurtures sinful inclinations.
4. Exercising Discernment – 1 Corinthians 10:23 (CSB)
1 Corinthians 10:23 emphasizes discernment: “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up.” Developing discernment helps you distinguish enriching content from unhelpful material.
5. Setting Your Mind on Things Above – Colossians 3:2 (CSB)
Colossians 3:2 reminds you to focus your thoughts on higher things: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This verse emphasizes the importance of directing your thoughts toward virtuous pursuits.
6. The Eye as a Lamp – Matthew 6:22-23 (CSB)
In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus imparts profound wisdom about the condition of your heart: “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” This scripture underscores the significance of the eyes in shaping your inner self. A healthy focus on what is good and virtuous fills your being with light, while a fixation on negativity can lead to darkness.
Key Takeaways:
- Diligently guard your heart, recognizing its profound impact on your life.
- Prioritize content aligned with truth, virtue, justice, purity, beauty, and moral excellence.
- Steer clear of media that fosters sinful desires.
- Cultivate discernment to distinguish enriching from unhelpful content.
- Fix your thoughts on virtuous matters rather than earthly distractions.
- Understand that the state of your heart profoundly influences your moral and spiritual outlook.
As you seek to explore what the Bible says about watching bad things you will find invaluable wisdom for navigating media consumption. It encourages you to protect your heart, focus on virtuous content, avoid negative influences, practice discernment, and concentrate on virtuous pursuits. These principles can guide your choices and help you live a life aligned with your faith.