Curious about what the Bible says regarding the beats and tunes that fill our playlists? It might surprise you, but the Bible doesn’t give a direct thumbs up or down on worldly music. Instead, it offers wisdom on the content and effect of what we listen to. Think about lyrics, their impact on your heart and mind, and whether they align with your values. It’s about discernment and the influence music has on our spiritual and moral compass.
Wondering how to navigate the vast sea of music out there? Keep reading to find out how ancient scripture advises on modern tunes.
What Does the Bible Say About Worldly Music?
Diving into what the Bible has to say about worldly music requires us to look between the lines, extracting principles that guide us in a culture far removed from ancient Israel or the early Christian communities. The Bible itself is rich in musical history—filled with songs of worship, lament, and celebration. Yet, it doesn’t explicitly address the genre of “worldly music” as we know it today. However, by understanding biblical principles on worship, words, and wisdom, we can glean insights into God’s view on the music we consume.
First and foremost, music is recognized in the Bible as a powerful medium for expressing worship and emotions. Psalms, the Bible’s own songbook, encapsulates a range of human experiences and emotions, directed towards God. This establishes music as an influential tool in shaping our hearts and minds. The key question becomes: What is the music we listen to shaping us into?
God’s view on what we fill our minds with can be applied to our music choices. Lyrics that glorify sin or propagate messages contrary to biblical values are at odds with a life seeking to honor God. However, music that uplifts, encourages, or even just provides clean entertainment can have a place in the Christian life. The New Testament encourages believers to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8)—a filter through which we can assess our playlists.
Moreover, the impact of music on our spiritual health and relationships with others is a biblical consideration. Music that leads us away from God, entices us to sin, or harms our witness to others is clearly problematic. The Bible emphasizes the importance of edifying one another and building each other up in faith—a principle that extends to the music we share and enjoy together.
In essence, the Bible doesn’t provide a black-and-white rule about worldly music but encourages discernment and mindfulness. It’s about ensuring our music choices reflect our values and support our spiritual well-being, rather than undermining it.
Bible Verses About Worldly Music
While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention “worldly music,” several verses offer guidance on related themes:
- Ephesians 5:19 – “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” This verse highlights the importance of music that uplifts and brings glory to God, encouraging a heart-centered approach to musical expression.
- Philippians 4:8 – “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.” Though not about music specifically, this verse can guide us in selecting music that aligns with these virtues.
- Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” This encourages using music as a means to let Christ’s message reside in us, indicating the potential for music to carry spiritual significance.
- Psalm 101:3 – “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” Although this verse is not directly about music, it speaks to the commitment to avoid content that contradicts God’s ways, which can apply to music choices.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This principle can extend to our consumption of music—choosing songs that, in some way, can glorify God, either by their content, the behavior they inspire, or the mindset they foster.
- James 3:9-10 – “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” This passage, while focusing on speech, underscores the importance of consistency in what we express. Applying this to music, the songs we sing or listen to should not contradict the praise we offer to God or demean others, reflecting a coherence in our words and actions.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?… Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.” Though primarily about relationships, this verse also speaks to not aligning ourselves with messages that contradict biblical truths, which can extend to the music we allow into our lives.
- Psalm 150:1-6 – “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness… Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” This psalm celebrates music as a means to praise God, suggesting that our musical choices should, in some capacity, honor Him.
- Matthew 12:34-35 – “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” Jesus’ words here remind us that what we fill our hearts with—including through music—will influence what we express in life. This verse challenges us to select music that fills our hearts with good, aligning with God’s goodness.
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse encourages believers not to blindly follow the world’s trends, which can apply to music as well. It highlights the importance of discernment and seeking God’s will in every area, including our entertainment choices.
These verses guide us to approach music with discernment, seeking to glorify God in all aspects of our lives, including our musical choices. They encourage us to reflect on the content we consume, ensuring it aligns with our faith and values. While the Bible may not address “worldly music” directly, its principles provide a clear framework for making choices that honor God and edify our souls.