The Bible addresses the heart and mind when it comes to looking at others. Jesus’ teachings highlight the importance of not only our actions but our thoughts, warning against lust and encouraging purity in how we view others. Let’s explore what Scripture says about how we should look at women with respect and honor.
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What Does The Bible Say About looking at a woman
Proverbs 27:20
“Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes.”
This verse highlights the insatiable nature of human eyes, emphasizing that they are always seeking after something to satisfy their desires. It serves as a reminder to guard our eyes and be mindful of what we look at.
We live in a world that bombards us with images and temptations, particularly when it comes to the objectification of women. This verse encourages us to be vigilant in guarding our eyes, as what we choose to look at can have a profound impact on our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
Job 31:1
“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?”
In this verse, Job expresses his commitment to purity by making a covenant with his eyes. He recognizes the importance of not gazing at a virgin, thereby respecting the boundaries set by God.
Job’s example serves as a valuable reminder for us today. In a culture saturated with sexual imagery, it is crucial to make a covenant with our eyes and consciously choose to avert our gaze from inappropriate or lustful thoughts. By doing so, we demonstrate our dedication to honoring God’s design for relationships and maintaining purity in our hearts and minds.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Jesus speaks these words during His Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the significance of our thoughts and intentions. He emphasizes that looking at a woman lustfully is equivalent to committing adultery in one’s heart.
This verse challenges us to confront the deep-rooted issue of lust within us, reminding us that purity is not just about our external actions but also encompasses the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It compels us to pursue righteousness and integrity in our thought lives and to continually seek God’s strength and transformation in this area.
Proverbs 6:25
“Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.”
This verse serves as a warning against allowing oneself to be drawn into temptation by the allure and beauty of a woman. It encourages us to resist the captivating power of a seductive gaze.
In a world that often promotes the objectification of women, this verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining self-control and resisting worldly temptations. It reminds us that true beauty lies in godly character and virtue, not in physical appearances, and encourages us to focus on cultivating healthy, respectful, and honorable relationships.
Psalms 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s commitment to integrity and avoiding anything that is vile or wicked. It signifies a determination to guard one’s eyes and thoughts from being influenced by sinful and immoral behavior or content.
As Christians, we are called to be a people set apart, living lives that reflect the holiness and righteousness of God. This verse reminds us to carefully consider the things that we choose to look at and expose our minds to, ensuring that we do not compromise our values or allow ourselves to be desensitized to sin.
1 John 2:16
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
This powerful verse illuminates the three primary sources of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. By recognizing these sources, we can strengthen our resolve to guard our eyes and hearts to avoid falling into temptation.
Our world is filled with allurements and distractions that cater to our sinful nature, seeking to draw us away from God. This verse encourages us to be vigilant and discerning, realizing that these temptations are not from the Father but from the brokenness and fallenness of the world.
Job 31:7
“If my heart has been enticed by a woman or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door,”
In this verse, Job declares his commitment to resist temptation, specifically referring to being enticed by a woman or engaging in voyeuristic behavior by lurking at his neighbor’s door.
Job’s example inspires us to be intentional in our actions and to avoid situations that may lead us astray. It reminds us that even in moments when temptation is present, we have the power to say no and honor God with our thoughts and actions.
2 Peter 2:14
“With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!”
This verse describes individuals who are characterized by their lustful eyes and their continual engagement in sinful behavior. It portrays them as seductive, unstable, and driven by their insatiable desires.
While this verse serves as a warning against falling prey to such behavior, it also provides insight into the consequences of unchecked lust. Our thoughts and actions shape who we become, and if we allow lust to reign in our hearts, it can lead us down a path of spiritual and moral decay.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This verse implores us to fix our thoughts on heavenly, eternal matters rather than becoming consumed by earthly desires and temptations. By redirecting our minds toward godly priorities, we can guard against falling into sinful patterns of thoughts and behaviors.
It is easy to be distracted by worldly attractions, particularly in the realm of lust and inappropriate desires. This verse reminds us to shift our focus to that which is pure, righteous, and pleasing to God.
Job 31:9
“If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door,”
Job reiterates his commitment to maintaining purity by avoiding temptation and refraining from morally compromising actions. In a culture where lust is prevalent, Job’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding our hearts and minds.
Whether it is the temptation to look at a woman inappropriately or allow lustful thoughts to consume us, this verse encourages us to make intentional choices that align with God’s standards of purity and righteousness.
Proverbs 15:26
“The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.”
This verse reminds us that God not only observes our actions but also discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. He abhors wicked thoughts that stem from lust and impure desires, but He delights in pure and gracious words.
As followers of Christ, it is imperative that we align our thoughts with His truth and seek to cultivate a pure and righteous inner life. By doing so, we reflect His character and bring honor to His name.
Matthew 6:22-23
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Jesus uses this analogy to emphasize the significance of having a healthy and pure perspective. Just as the eye allows light to enter the body, our thoughts and intentions impact our entire being. A healthy eye brings light, while an unhealthy eye leads to darkness.
This verse encourages us to be intentional about what we allow our eyes to see and our minds to dwell on. By cultivating a healthy and pure perspective, we can experience the transformative power of Christ in every aspect of our lives.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
In this verse, the psalmist prays for God’s intervention to redirect their gaze from worthless things. They recognize the importance of aligning their focus with God’s Word in order to experience the fullness of life that comes from walking in obedience.
In a world saturated with distractions and empty pursuits, this verse serves as a reminder to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. By intentionally turning our eyes away from the worthless and fleeting things of this world, we open ourselves up to receive God’s abundant blessings and live according to His purposes.
Ephesians 5:3
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
Paul exhorts believers to maintain a high standard of purity, emphasizing the importance of avoiding even a hint of sexual immorality or impurity. He reminds us that as God’s holy people, we are called to live differently from the world.
This verse challenges us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts, minds, and actions against anything that compromises our commitment to holiness. By doing so, we distinguish ourselves as followers of Christ and bear witness to His transformative power in our lives.
Psalm 101:2
“I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.”
In this verse, the psalmist determines to live a blameless life, conducting themselves with integrity in all areas, including the affairs of their household. They express their desire for God to draw near and guide them in their pursuit of purity.
Similarly, as followers of Christ, we are called to live blamelessly, with hearts that are upright and honorable. By intentionally cultivating a life of purity and allowing God to lead and guide us, we reflect His character and become vessels for His love and transformation.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse offers comfort and encouragement to those facing temptations. It reminds us that God is faithful and will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. Furthermore, He promises to provide a way out, equipping us to endure and overcome temptation.
When confronted with the temptation to look at a woman inappropriately or engage in impure thoughts, this verse serves as a reminder that we are not alone. We can rely on God’s strength and guidance to navigate through challenging situations and choose a path of righteousness.
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Paul encourages believers to live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that when we yield ourselves to Him, we will not succumb to the desires of the flesh. By relying on the indwelling Spirit, we can overcome the allure of lust and walk in purity.
This verse highlights the importance of cultivating a vibrant and intimate relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to lead and direct our thoughts and actions. When we surrender to the Spirit’s power within us, we experience victory over sin and can live a life that honors God.
1 Timothy 5:2
“Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.”
Paul instructs Timothy on how to relate to women within the church community, urging him to treat older women with the respect and honor due to his own mother and to interact with younger women with purity, considering them as sisters.
This verse underscores the importance of having a proper perspective and attitude towards women in our interactions and relationships. It challenges us to treat all women with dignity, respect, and purity, recognizing their inherent worth as children of God.
Proverbs 5:8
“Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,”
This verse advises against even coming close to situations or places that may lead to temptation or compromise. It encourages us to stay far away from any path that may lead to moral compromise or impurity.
In the context of looking at a woman inappropriately, this verse cautions us to avoid situations, media, or environments that may foster lustful thoughts or actions. By heeding this advice, we take proactive steps to protect our hearts and maintain purity in our lives.
Psalm 119:15
“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”
The psalmist proclaims their commitment to meditate on God’s precepts, contemplating His ways. By immersing themselves in the study and reflection of His Word, they align their thoughts and actions with His truth.
This verse encourages us to immerse ourselves in Scripture and intentionally direct our thoughts toward God’s truth. By doing so, we can guard against impure thoughts and strengthen our resolve to live in obedience and purity.
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.”
Paul encourages believers to focus their thoughts on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. By intentionally cultivating a positive and virtuous thought life, we can guard against impure thoughts.
This verse serves as a guide for directing our thoughts toward that which is God-honoring and uplifting. By deliberately choosing to dwell on positive and virtuous thoughts, we create an environment in our minds that is less susceptible to the temptation of impure thoughts.