Thoughts come and go – and some get stuck, circle, and pull you down. The Bible knows how much thoughts shape our lives and invites us to consciously direct them. Here you will find 20 Bible verses about thoughts and thinking.
What you think about
Verses about a healthy thought life.
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Continue, therefore, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any virtue and praise, think about these things!
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Set your minds on things above, not on things on earth.
Colossians 3:2
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Do not be alike unto this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is God's good, acceptable, and perfect will.
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For thereby we destroy the devices and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
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But to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:6Spirit
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You shall always have peace by this assurance; because your heart shall trust in Him.
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Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
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For he is like a spirit within; he saith, Eat and drink; and yet his heart is not with thee.
Proverbs 23:7
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Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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My speech must please him. I rejoice in the LORD.
Psalm 104:34
God's thoughts
God's thoughts about us.
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For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD; for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
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For I know well what thoughts I have concerning you, saith the LORD: thoughts of peace, and not of evil, that I will give you the end ye wait for.
Jeremiah 29:11Confirmation versesBirthday
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But how excellent are thy thoughts in my sight, O God, how great is the multitude thereof! If I should count them, I should be like the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.
Psalm 139:17-18
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O LORD, my God, great are thy wonders, and thy thoughts, which thou hast shewed unto us. There is nothing like thee. I will declare them, and make and shew them; they are innumerable.
Psalm 40:6Wonders
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O LORD, how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are so deep.
Psalm 92:6
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Whether I sit or rise, thou knowest; thou perceivest my thoughts from afar.
Psalm 139:2
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But the LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vain.
Psalm 94:11
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But when Jesus saw their thoughts, he said, Why do ye think evil in your hearts?
Matthew 9:4
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For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joint and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12HeartWord of God
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Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.
Psalm 139:23Heart
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
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What we think about shapes us
Paul writes to the church in Philippi, which is currently facing conflicts and worries: "Continue, therefore, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any virtue and praise, think about these things!" (Philippians 4:8). He does not forbid thinking, but invites us to consciously direct our attention to good things. This is not a suppression of problems, but an attitude that nourishes hope. Elsewhere he speaks of taking "every thought captive" "to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5) – not simply letting thoughts run wild.
God's thoughts about you
Whoever worries may know: God's thoughts about them are good. "For I know well what thoughts I have concerning you, saith the LORD: thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jeremiah 29:11). Psalm 139 marvels: "But how excellent are thy thoughts in my sight, O God, how great is the multitude thereof!" (Psalm 139:17). And Isaiah promises peace to the one whose mind is set on God (Isaiah 26:3). Whoever worries a lot will find verses in Bible verses against worries, whoever has fear, in Bible verses against fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about thoughts?
The Bible invites us to consciously direct our thoughts to good things (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2), and says that God's thoughts about us are good (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:17).
What helps against worrying according to the Bible?
The Bible recommends giving worries to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), directing thoughts to good things (Philippians 4:8), and trusting in God's thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
