THINKING

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT OUR THOUGHTS?

BIBLE READING: Proverbs 15:1-33
KEY BIBLE VERSE: The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words. (Proverbs 15:28)

THINKING BEFOREHAND WILL HELP US TO SPEAK AND ACT WISELY.

The righteous weigh their answers; the wicked don’t wait to speak because they don’t care about the
effects of their words. It is important to have something to say, but it is equally important to weigh it
first. Do you carefully plan your words, or do you pour out your thoughts without concern for their
impact?
It is vital to think also before acting, to consider the effects of our choices. Think of your plans for today
and consider what their long-range results will be. As we deal with others, we should keep these
principles in mind. We should act responsibly and justly with all people-friends and enemies alike.
BIBLE READING: Mark 7:14-23
KEY BIBLE VERSE: From within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft,
murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and
foolishness. (Mark 7:21-22)

WE SHOULD DISCIPLINE OUR THOUGHTS TO BE PURE-BECAUSE ACTIONS BEGIN WITH THOUGHTS.

An evil action begins with a single thought. Allowing your mind to dwell on lust, envy, hatred, or revenge
will lead to sin. Don’t defile yourself by focusing on evil. Instead, follow Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8
and think about what is true, good, right, pure, lovely, and fine.
BIBLE READING: Romans 12:1-8
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a
new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will
know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)

AFTER CONVERSION, WE MUST ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CHANGE OUR THOUGHT PATTERNS.
God has plans for us that will really prove satisfying. He wants us to be new and different people with
freshness in all we do and think as we live to honor and obey him. Because he wants only what is best
for us, and because he gave his Son to make our new life possible, we should joyfully give ourself as a
living sacrifice for his service.
BIBLE READING: Philippians 4:2-9
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your
thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and
admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT GOOD THINGS SO OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS WILL BE POSITIVE AND WISE.
Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable,
excellent, and praiseworthy. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine
what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations, movies, and magazines.
Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word, and pray. Ask God to help
you focus your mind on what is pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.