The Bible doesn’t mention technology directly, since it was written long before the digital age. However, it does offer principles on how to live a righteous life, make wise decisions, and treat others, which can be applied to our use of technology today. It encourages us to use our resources wisely and be mindful of their impact on our lives and relationships. So, in a nutshell, while the Bible doesn’t provide specific instructions on technology, it guides us on how to use it in a way that aligns with our faith and values.
Ready to dive deeper into what the Bible says about technology? Keep reading to explore the topic from various angles and uncover biblical wisdom that applies to our digital world today.
What Does the Bible Say About Technology?
The Bible was written in a time where the closest thing to technology was a stone tablet, so you won’t find any verses directly mentioning smartphones or the internet. But that doesn’t mean we can’t draw valuable lessons from its pages to guide our tech use today.
Let’s start with the basics. The Bible teaches us to use our resources wisely and responsibly. This includes the tools and technology at our disposal. In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus praises the servants who use their resources wisely to bring about growth and condemns the one who buries his talent out of fear. This can be applied to technology, encouraging us to use it in productive and positive ways, rather than wasting our time or hiding from the world.
God’s view on community and relationships is another angle to consider. The Bible emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions and warns against behaviors that could drive wedges between us. In the age of social media, it’s easy to see how technology can both connect and divide. The apostle Paul, in his letters in the New Testament, often expresses his longing to be with his fellow believers in person, showing the irreplaceable value of physical presence.
Additionally, the Bible warns against allowing anything to become an idol or take God’s place in our lives. This can be directly applied to technology, especially when we find ourselves spending more time on our devices than with God or our loved ones. In Exodus 20:3-4, God commands not to have any gods before Him, nor to make an idol of anything in heaven or on earth. This is a clear call to keep our priorities in check and ensure that our use of technology doesn’t lead us into sin.
Our moral and ethical choices in the digital age are also something to reflect on. The Bible encourages honesty, integrity, and treating others with respect and kindness. These principles should guide our interactions online, just as they do offline.
In summary, while the Bible may not mention technology directly, it offers timeless wisdom on how to use our resources, prioritize our relationships, and make ethical choices in every area of life, including our digital world.
Bible Verses About Technology
- Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents): This parable teaches us to use our resources, including technology, wisely and for the betterment of ourselves and others. It reminds us of the responsibility that comes with the tools and resources we are given.
- Exodus 20:3-4 (First Commandment): This commandment warns against making idols out of anything in our lives, a warning that is relevant to our use of technology today. It reminds us to keep God first and ensure that our devices and digital practices do not take His place.
- Ephesians 4:29 (Building Each Other Up): In this verse, Paul encourages believers to use their words for building up, not tearing down. This principle can be applied to our online interactions, reminding us to communicate with kindness and respect.
- Philippians 4:8 (Think on These Things): Paul encourages believers to focus their thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute. This verse challenges us to consider the content we consume and share through technology, ensuring it aligns with our faith and values.
- 1 Corinthians 6:12 (All Things are Lawful, But Not All Things are Beneficial): Paul reminds us that while we are allowed to do many things, not everything is beneficial or constructive. This verse encourages us to evaluate our use of technology, considering its impact on our lives and well-being.
- James 1:19-20 (Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak): This teaching from James encourages us to be thoughtful in our communication, a principle that is crucial in our fast-paced digital world. It reminds us to listen carefully and think before we speak or type.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Encourage One Another): Paul calls believers to encourage and build each other up, a command that extends to our online interactions and the content we share through technology.
- Proverbs 4:23 (Guard Your Heart): This proverb reminds us to be vigilant about what we allow into our lives, including the content and interactions we engage with through technology. It challenges us to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring our tech use aligns with our values.
- Colossians 3:17 (Do Everything in the Name of the Lord): Paul encourages believers to do everything in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God. This verse challenges us to consider whether our use of technology honors God and reflects our faith.
- Romans 12:2 (Do Not Conform): Paul encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This verse challenges us to critically evaluate the ways in which technology shapes our thinking and behavior, ensuring we align with God’s will.
Each of these verses offers wisdom and guidance on how to navigate the digital age in a way that honors God and aligns with our Christian values. They remind us of the responsibility, ethical choices, and priorities that come with our use of technology, encouraging us to use it in a way that builds up rather than tears down.