Feeling overwhelmed by negativity? The Bible offers comfort and guidance to help us rise above it. Discover how Scripture addresses negativity and find hope, encouragement, and strength in God’s word.
Let His timeless wisdom renew your spirit and brighten your outlook on life.
Bible Verses About Negativity
Philippians 4:8 – Focus on what is good and praiseworthy
“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.” – Philippians 4:8
James 1:19 – Be quick to listen, slow to speak
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart against negativity
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Galatians 6:7 – Reap what you sow, positive or negative
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Romans 12:2 – Transform your mind to overcome negativity
“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.” – Romans 12:2
Proverbs 15:1 – Respond with kindness to negativity
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:29 – Speak only what is helpful
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on the positive
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage one another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Matthew 12:34 – Speak from the abundance of the heart
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take your thoughts captive
“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.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Proverbs 18:21 – The power of life and death is in the tongue
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
1 Peter 3:9 – Do not repay negativity with negativity
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Philippians 2:14 – Do everything without grumbling
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14
Psalms 139:14 – You are fearfully and wonderfully made
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalms 139:14
Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety weighs down the heart
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Hebrews 12:1 – Throw off negativity
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for God is with you
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Psalm 34:18 – God is close to the brokenhearted
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Proverbs 16:24 – Gracious words are a honeycomb
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard over my mouth
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalm 141:3
Matthew 7:1 – Do not judge, or you too will be judged
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1
Romans 12:21 – Overcome evil with good
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
1 John 4:18 – Perfect love casts out fear
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
Proverbs 30:32 – If you have been foolish, don’t speak
“If you have been foolish in lifting yourself up, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.” – Proverbs 30:32
Isaiah 26:3 – God keeps in perfect peace
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Psalm 118:24 – Rejoice in the day the Lord has made
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
John 16:33 – Take heart, for Jesus has overcome
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Proverbs 21:23 – Guard your mouth and tongue
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Expectations
What Does the Bible Say About Negativity?
Negativity affects us all at some point, but turning to the Bible can provide us with some guidance and reassurance. Let’s explore how biblical teachings address this issue and offer us hope and direction.
In our everyday lives, we often face negative thoughts that can lead us to worry or feel discouraged. The Bible speaks directly to these feelings, encouraging us to find peace and resilience. For instance, we are reminded to focus on what is good, pure, and commendable. This advice helps us shift our mindset from what’s troubling us to what’s uplifting.
Moreover, we are encouraged to trust in God and lean not on our understanding. This means that even when situations look bleak, keeping our faith in something greater can help us find the strength to continue. The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow because today’s troubles are enough on their own. This teaches us to live in the present and not let future worries bring us down.
Another important point is the power of our words and actions. The Bible highlights the need to speak and act with kindness. By doing this, we can spread positivity and counteract negativity, both in ourselves and others. It emphasizes that a gentle answer can turn away wrath, suggesting that how we respond to negativity is crucial in overcoming it.
Community also plays a significant role. We are called to encourage one another and build each other up. By surrounding ourselves with supportive friends and family, we create a nurturing environment that helps combat negative thoughts.
In summary, the Bible offers us several ways to deal with negativity: focusing on positive attributes, trusting in God, living in the present, speaking kindly, and leaning on our community. These teachings help us navigate through tough times and remind us that with faith and support, we can overcome negativity.