With so much content available at our fingertips, it can be easy to consume media without a second thought. But what does the Bible say about watching things that might be considered bad or harmful? The Bible offers wisdom on guarding our hearts and minds, encouraging us to be mindful of what we allow into our lives. Let’s explore how scripture guides us in making better choices about what we watch.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About touching yourself
What Does The Bible Say About watching bad things
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!”
This scripture illustrates how our eyes are like windows to our soul.
If our eyes are focused on good and noble things, it brings light to our whole being.
Conversely, if we fix our eyes on harmful content, it brings darkness within us, affecting our spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being.
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.”
This verse speaks of a conscious decision to reject vile or corrupt content.
It’s a commitment to maintain moral integrity and distance oneself from sinful activities.
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.”
Focusing on good things enriches our minds and spirits.
It encourages us to fill our thoughts with positive, virtuous content, which guides us in living a righteous life.
This principle also applies to what we watch; we should select content that uplifts and inspires.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
This verse is a prayer seeking God’s help to avoid looking at things that do not benefit us.
It reminds us to focus on God’s word and principles, which preserve and uplift our lives.
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 warns against conforming to worldly standards.
Instead, we should renew our minds through God’s teachings, helping us discern His will.
Proverbs 4:25-27
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
These verses emphasize staying focused on a righteous path and avoiding distractions that lead to wrong choices.
It cautions us to be mindful of our actions and where our attention is directed.
Job 31:1
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”
Job’s commitment to purity shows the importance of making conscious choices about what we allow ourselves to see.
It highlights the significance of having self-control and setting boundaries.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse advises avoiding sexual immorality, including what we watch.
Being mindful of our viewing choices helps us keep our bodies and minds pure.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
The scripture encourages us to turn away from youthful temptations.
Instead, it calls us to chase after righteousness and surround ourselves with those who have pure hearts, which includes making wholesome viewing choices.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse directs us to eliminate harmful behaviors and thoughts.
It encourages us to shift our focus away from things that feed our earthly desires. Watching content that promotes these vices contradicts the essence of this teaching.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“But test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.”
It reminds us to carefully examine everything we encounter and to hold on to what is good.
We should reject evil in all its forms, which includes avoiding content that corrupts our minds.
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.”
John warns against worldly temptations that don’t come from God.
He specifically mentions the lust of the eyes, which can include harmful or inappropriate visual content.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling our thoughts and making them obedient to Christ.
It is a call to vigilance, ensuring our minds and eyes stay focused on godly things.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse lists behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God’s will.
It offers a clear warning that engaging in or consuming content that promotes these actions can endanger our spiritual lives.
Ephesians 5:3-4
“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. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
Paul instructs believers to avoid even a hint of immoral behavior.
This applies not only to our actions but also to what we view and entertain in our minds.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse encourages us to ensure that our actions reflect a God-glorifying lifestyle.
It reminds us to extend this principle to our media consumption, making sure that what we watch honors God.
Proverbs 23:31-32
“Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
This verse advises caution with things that can be tempting yet harmful.
In the same way, we should be wary of pleasurable but spiritually damaging content.
James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
This verse explains the progression of sin, starting with temptation and desire.
We must be cautious about what we allow to entice us, including what we watch, as it can lead us down a path of sin.
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 elevates the standard of purity to our thoughts and intentions.
Even looking at someone with lust is equated to committing adultery, underscoring the importance of guarding our eyes.
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse urges believers to live as temporary residents on earth.
We are reminded to avoid sinful desires that can damage our souls, which includes the content we consume.
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
The psalmist provides a simple yet profound answer to maintaining a pure life.
Following God’s word helps us make wise choices, including in our viewing habits.
Titus 2:12
“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
This verse highlights the importance of self-control and avoiding worldly passions.
Applying this principle helps us reject inappropriate content and live godly lives.
Proverbs 3:7
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of humility and reverence for God.
We should not rely on our own judgment but seek God’s wisdom in avoiding evil, including harmful content.
Matthew 5:29
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
Though metaphorical, this radical advice from Jesus underscores the seriousness of avoiding sin.
We should take drastic measures, if needed, to avoid sinful behaviors and influences, including what we watch.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
God’s word provides guidance and strength to resist sin.
Keeping it in our hearts helps us make pure choices, even in what we choose to watch.
In reflecting upon all these verses, it is clear that the Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guarding our eyes and minds against harmful influences. Watching bad things doesn’t just impact our momentary thoughts; it has ripple effects on our spiritual life, relationship with God, and overall well-being. I’ve been on both sides – once, after a period of consuming questionable content, I noticed a sense of spiritual dullness. It was as if I had built a wall that blocked out the light of God. On the contrary, when I’ve been disciplined, focused on positive content, and immersed in God’s word, I’ve felt spiritually enriched and closer to God.
For instance, during a youth group retreat, we collectively decided to avoid certain types of music and movies for a week. Although it felt restrictive initially, by the end of the retreat, everyone noted a sense of peace and heightened spiritual awareness. This experience showed me the benefits of being intentional about what we allow our eyes to see.
One of my friends made a similar commitment and found it life-changing. He decided to cut out all forms of violent or inappropriate media from his life. At first, he said it was challenging, and he felt out of touch with popular culture. However, he soon noticed a significant improvement in his mood and spiritual life. He became more patient, kind, and attuned to God’s voice. These real-life experiences echo the wisdom found in scriptures about being vigilant with what we watch.
A few years ago, another acquaintance of mine struggled with a particular addiction. Therapy and support groups suggested eliminating triggers, including specific movies or shows. By aligning her viewing habits with Philippians 4:8, focusing on what is good and pure, she made progress. Scripture gave her the framework and strength to pursue purity in all aspects of her life. Our media choices do matter; they either feed our flesh or our spirit.
In my experience, one of the most practical steps is to install content filters on devices and to make use of accountability partners. This proactive approach aligns well with 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Just like we are mindful of what we intake physically, we must also be vigilant about what we consume visually and mentally. By doing everything for God’s glory, including our media consumption, we ensure that we are living in a way that honors Him.
As we navigate through our lives, it’s crucial to remember that even though certain content may seem entertaining or popular, it might not be beneficial for our spiritual health. Setting boundaries, seeking God’s guidance, and consciously choosing according to His principles lead to a more fulfilled and righteous life. Let these verses inspire us to take the necessary steps to protect our hearts and minds from anything that could distance us from God’s love and wisdom.