The Bible acknowledges that there are times when discretion and privacy are necessary. If you’re curious about how scripture addresses being private, it provides wisdom on knowing when to keep things between you and God, and when to share with others for the sake of accountability and support.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Sexual Desires
What Does The Bible Say About Being Private
Matthew 6:6
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of private prayer and seeking God in solitude. It encourages believers to have a personal and intimate relationship with God, away from the eyes of others. The verse reminds us that God sees and rewards our private acts of devotion.
Matthew 6:17-18
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
These verses teach us to keep our acts of fasting private and not seek attention or recognition from others. They highlight the importance of humility and sincerity in our spiritual practices. God values the authenticity of our motives and rewards our secret acts of devotion.
Psalm 91:1
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
This verse speaks of finding refuge and safety in the presence of God. It encourages believers to seek Him as their hiding place and protection, finding solace and peace in His secret place. It is a reminder of the security and rest that comes from privately dwelling with God.
Psalm 27:5
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”
These words remind us that God is our ultimate refuge during times of trouble. He provides a safe haven in His dwelling and shields us from harm. It is in the privacy of His presence that we find comfort and strength, elevated above the challenges we may face.
Proverbs 15:3
“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”
This verse emphasizes God’s omniscience and omnipresence. It assures us that nothing is hidden from His sight, whether good or evil. The knowledge of God’s constant watchfulness should encourage us to live with integrity, even in the privacy of our own hearts and actions.
Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
This verse shows Jesus’ example of seeking private time with God for prayer and communion. It underscores the importance of finding solitude and quietness to connect with the Father. Following Jesus’ example, we are encouraged to prioritize private, intimate moments with God.
Luke 5:16
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
These words reveal Jesus’ habit of retreating to solitary places to pray. It highlights the need for privacy in seeking God’s presence and guidance. Jesus knew the value of uninterrupted communion with the Father, and we are likewise encouraged to prioritize private moments of prayer.
1 Corinthians 4:5
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”
In this verse, we are reminded that God is the ultimate judge, capable of uncovering what is hidden and bringing everything into the light. It encourages us not to hastily judge others or make assumptions based on outward appearances but to trust in God’s discernment and justice.
Romans 2:16
“This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.”
This verse underscores the truth that God’s judgment extends beyond what is visible to the human eye. He sees and evaluates the hidden aspects of our lives, including our thoughts, motives, and intentions. It reminds us that true righteousness goes beyond outward actions and involves the condition of our hearts.
Psalm 19:12
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.”
These words acknowledge our human limitations in recognizing our own faults and sins. They express a plea for God’s forgiveness for the hidden faults and mistakes we may unknowingly commit. It serves as a reminder of our need to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our imperfections.
Luke 8:17
“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”
This verse emphasizes the certainty that all hidden things will eventually be brought into the light. It serves as a warning against hypocrisy and encourages believers to live with integrity, knowing that God sees and knows all. It reminds us that truth and righteousness will prevail.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
These verses highlight the superiority of inner beauty over external appearances. They challenge believers to prioritize the development of a gentle and quiet spirit, which holds great value in the sight of God. It emphasizes the significance of cultivating a character that is pleasing to Him.
Psalm 139:1-2
“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
These verses declare the all-knowing nature of God. They affirm His intimate knowledge of every aspect of our lives, including our thoughts and actions. It serves as a comforting reminder that we can never hide from God’s presence, and He understands us completely.
Psalm 90:8
“You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.”
This verse acknowledges God’s awareness of our hidden sins. It emphasizes that nothing is concealed from His sight and that we are called to confess and repent of our secret transgressions. It reminds us of the importance of living transparently before God.
Hebrews 4:13
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
This verse reiterates the truth that God sees and knows everything. It emphasizes our accountability before Him, as there is nothing that remains hidden or undisclosed. It calls us to live with integrity and reverence, aware that we will one day give an account to Him.
Matthew 15:18-19
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
These verses highlight the connection between our hearts and our actions. They emphasize the importance of guarding our thoughts and intentions, as they can lead to sinful behaviors. It reminds us to seek purity in our hearts, even when no one else is watching.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'”
This verse reveals God’s perspective, which goes beyond outward appearances. It reminds us that God’s focus is on the condition of our hearts rather than external attributes. It encourages us to develop a heart that aligns with His desires, even if it goes unnoticed by others.
Romans 2:29
“No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.”
This verse emphasizes the spiritual transformation of the heart that is brought about by the Holy Spirit. It affirms that true righteousness is not dependent on outward rituals or the approval of others but is an inward change that finds its worth in God’s estimation.
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
These words call us to draw near to God and cleanse our hearts from sin. They encourage us to be sincere in our relationship with God, avoiding double-mindedness and hypocrisy. It is an invitation to pursue an authentic, private connection with Him.
1 Timothy 2:8
“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”
This verse speaks of the importance of genuine, private prayer without any negative emotions or conflicts. It encourages believers to approach God with reverence and a heart devoid of anger or contentiousness. It reminds us to prioritize the sacredness of our private prayer time.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
This verse reflects David’s prayer to God, acknowledging the need for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. It expresses a desire for God’s transformative power to work within him, renewing his inner being. It serves as a powerful reminder of our dependence on God for inner renewal and transformation.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse highlights the significance of guarding our hearts, recognizing that our thoughts, words, and actions stem from the condition of our hearts. It serves as a reminder to be vigilant in protecting our hearts from the influences that can lead us astray, both publicly and privately.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s commitment to meditate on and internalize God’s Word. It underscores the power of hiding God’s truth in our hearts to guard against sin and temptation. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating a private devotion to the Scriptures.
John 14:23
“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.'”
This verse reveals the promise of Jesus that those who love Him and obey His teachings will experience a personal, intimate relationship with Him and the Father. It emphasizes the importance of private obedience as the gateway to a deeper communion with God.
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 verse encourages believers to internalize the message of Christ, allowing it to richly dwell within them. It highlights the importance of private worship, cultivating a heart filled with gratitude and honoring God through song. It reminds us that our private expressions of worship are significant to God.