Ever wonder what the Bible says about opinions? It’s an interesting topic because we all have our own thoughts and perspectives. The scriptures offer timeless wisdom about sharing our views and respecting those of others.
Let’s explore some key Bible verses that guide us in navigating our opinions with grace and understanding.
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Dreams
Bible Verses About Opinions
Proverbs 18:2
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
This verse emphasizes the distinction between wisdom and folly. It suggests that a wise person seeks understanding rather than hastily sharing their own opinions.
The Bible often associates wisdom with a willingness to listen and learn, contrasting it with the foolishness of being quick to speak. In a world filled with opinions, this verse calls Christians to value understanding and empathy over just expressing viewpoints.
Romans 14:1
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.”
This verse highlights the importance of unity within the Christian community. Paul advises that differing opinions, especially on non-essential matters, should not lead to quarrels.
Instead, believers should welcome and support one another, focusing on shared faith rather than divisive opinions. This teaching encourages a spirit of acceptance and peace, urging us to prioritize relationships over being right.
Romans 14:5
“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”
This verse acknowledges that Christians may hold different convictions on non-essential matters. Paul encourages believers to be convinced in their own minds while respecting the differing opinions of others.
This principle of personal conviction underscores the importance of individual conscience and freedom in the body of Christ, teaching us to hold our opinions with humility and grace.
1 Corinthians 8:9
“But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
Paul advises believers to exercise their freedoms with sensitivity to the impact on others. While holding opinions and acting on personal convictions is important, we must be careful not to cause others to stumble in their faith. This verse encourages a balance between expressing personal freedoms and considering the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.”
This verse reminds believers that just because they have the freedom to do something doesn’t mean it’s beneficial or constructive. Paul teaches that the exercise of personal freedoms should be guided by the principle of edification.
Opinions and actions should be evaluated based on whether they build up and encourage others, aligning with the greater purpose of glorifying God through our lives.
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Paul encourages believers to use their Christian freedom responsibly. Opinions and actions should not be driven by selfish desires but should be aimed at serving and loving one another. This verse highlights the transformative nature of Christian freedom, steering it towards acts of love and service, which contrasts with mere self-expression or indulgence.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This verse calls for humility and selflessness in the way we handle our opinions and actions. It challenges believers to consider the perspectives and needs of others above their own, fostering a culture of mutual respect and care within the Christian community.
This approach counters the often selfish and prideful nature of human opinions, calling instead for a Christ-like attitude.
James 1:19
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
This verse offers practical wisdom for managing opinions and interactions. James advises believers to be good listeners first, taking time to understand before responding. Being slow to speak and slow to anger helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. This approach fosters respectful dialogue and helps build stronger, more compassionate relationships within the body of Christ.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
James describes the characteristics of godly wisdom, contrasting it with earthly wisdom often driven by selfish ambition. Opinions and convictions held with godly wisdom will be pure, peaceable, gentle, and reasonable. They will promote mercy, good deeds, impartiality, and sincerity. This verse encourages Christians to seek and exhibit heavenly wisdom in their interactions and expressions of opinion.
Colossians 3:12-13
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Paul exhorts believers to embody Christ-like virtues in their relationships, including opinions and disagreements. Compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience are key to bearing with one another and resolving conflicts. This approach emphasizes forgiveness and unity, reminding us that our standard is the grace and forgiveness we have received from Christ.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
This verse underscores the importance of humility and teachability. A fool is characterized by confidence in his own opinions, while a wise person values and seeks advice. This teaching encourages believers to be open to correction and to prioritize collective wisdom over individual viewpoints. It challenges the prideful tendency to always see our own way as right.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This wisdom from Proverbs highlights the power of gentle and kind communication. When expressing opinions, a soft answer can defuse tension and prevent conflict, whereas harsh words can escalate anger and discord. This verse encourages Christians to practice gentleness and thoughtfulness in their speech, promoting peace and understanding in their interactions.
Titus 3:9
“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”
Paul advises Titus to steer clear of pointless arguments that do not contribute to spiritual growth or edification. This teaching warns against engaging in debates over trivial matters that lead to division rather than unity. As Christians, we are reminded to focus on what is spiritually beneficial and to avoid contentious discussions that distract from the gospel’s core message.
Proverbs 17:27
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”
This Proverb highlights the virtue of self-control in speech. Restraining our words demonstrates knowledge and wisdom, while maintaining a calm and composed spirit signifies understanding. This principle encourages thoughtful and measured communication, promoting a reflective approach to sharing opinions and engaging in conversations.
Matthew 5:37
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
Jesus teaches the value of simplicity and honesty in our speech. He advises that our words should be straightforward and trustworthy without resorting to embellishments or oaths. This principle applies to sharing opinions, emphasizing integrity and clarity. It challenges us to say what we mean and mean what we say, avoiding deception and falsehood.
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”
This verse contrasts the thoughtful responses of the righteous with the rash and harmful speech of the wicked. Righteous individuals consider their words carefully, seeking to respond with wisdom and kindness. This teaching encourages believers to be deliberate and reflective in their communication, ensuring that their words build up rather than harm.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
These verses remind believers that God’s wisdom and understanding far surpass human opinion and reasoning. Recognizing this divine perspective encourages humility and reliance on God’s guidance. It challenges us to align our opinions and decisions with God’s higher ways, seeking His wisdom in all matters.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Paul urges believers to approach their relationships with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Maintaining unity and peace within the Christian community is a central goal. This teaching emphasizes that our opinions and interactions should foster harmony and reflect the character of Christ, prioritizing the well-being of the community.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
This verse highlights the responsibility of restoring others with gentleness. When addressing opinions or correcting others, a spirit of gentleness and humility is crucial. This teaching reminds us to approach sensitive situations with compassion and self-awareness, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.
Ephesians 4:15
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
This verse underscores the importance of balancing truth and love in our communication. Speaking the truth is necessary, but it must be done in a loving manner that promotes growth and unity in Christ. This principle calls believers to ensure that their opinions and the way they express them are guided by love and aimed at building up the body of Christ.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Paul advises that our speech should be marked by grace and wisdom. Being “seasoned with salt” implies that our words should be both tasteful and preserving. This teaching encourages thoughtful and kind communication, enabling us to respond appropriately and effectively to each person we encounter.
James 4:11-12
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?”
James warns against the dangers of speaking ill and judging others. This reminder to refrain from slander and harsh judgment calls us to humility, recognizing that only God is the true judge. This teaching fosters a culture of respect and understanding, avoiding negative or harmful opinions about others.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
Peter emphasizes the supreme importance of earnest love among believers. Love, being a foundational Christian principle, has the power to cover and forgive many sins, including contentious opinions. This verse calls us to prioritize love in all our interactions, ensuring that our opinions and the way we express them are always infused with genuine care and compassion.
John 7:24
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Jesus instructs us to exercise discernment and avoid superficial judgments based on appearances. Right judgment involves looking deeper, seeking truth and understanding. This principle encourages believers to form opinions based on righteous and fair evaluation, aligning with God’s standards rather than human biases.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
These verses call for complete reliance on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding. Trusting God involves seeking His guidance in forming opinions and making decisions. Acknowledging God in all our ways ensures that our paths are aligned with His will, leading to a life of righteousness and purpose.
1 Corinthians 2:14
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Paul points out that spiritual truths are discerned through the Holy Spirit rather than natural human reasoning. This reliance on spiritual discernment over natural opinion highlights the need for a God-centered approach in understanding and interpreting matters of faith. It reminds us to seek the Spirit’s guidance in forming our opinions and judgments.
2 Timothy 2:23
“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”
Paul advises Timothy to avoid engaging in pointless and contentious debates. Such controversies only lead to quarrels and distract from the mission of the gospel. This guidance encourages Christians to invest their energies in constructive and edifying discussions, focusing on matters that promote godliness and spiritual growth.
1 Timothy 6:4-5
“He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.”
Paul cautions against individuals who are obsessed with controversy and quarrels over trivial matters. Such behavior leads to negative outcomes like envy, slander, and constant friction. This warning underscores the dangers of contentiousness, urging believers to focus on true godliness and avoid engaging in disputes that harm relationships and spiritual health.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”
This proverb teaches the virtue of humility and the caution against self-promotion. Allowing others to commend us rather than boasting about ourselves encourages a humble and modest attitude. It reminds us that our opinions about ourselves should be tempered with humility, allowing our actions and character to speak for themselves.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Jesus warns against a judgmental spirit, advising that we will be judged by the same standard we apply to others. This principle encourages self-reflection and mercy, promoting a gracious approach in forming opinions about others. It reminds us to offer the same understanding and forgiveness we would hope to receive.
Proverbs 11:14
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
This Proverb highlights the value of seeking counsel and wisdom from multiple sources. Diverse opinions and insights contribute to greater understanding and better decision-making. It encourages believers to seek guidance from trusted advisors, promoting safety and success through collective wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
“The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of wise and foolish speech. Wise words bring favor and positive influence, while foolish speech leads to self-destruction. This teaching underscores the importance of speaking with wisdom and discretion, ensuring that our opinions and expressions lead to constructive and favorable outcomes.
What Does the Bible Say About Opinions?
When we think about the nature of opinions and how to handle them, it’s important to reflect on biblical guidance. The Bible offers significant insights that can help us navigate this complex aspect of human interaction.
First, we are reminded of the importance of humility in our opinions. In Philippians 2:3, for example, Paul encourages us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, we should value others above ourselves. This suggests that our opinions shouldn’t be about self-promotion or proving others wrong but rather about fostering understanding and respect.
James also speaks to how we manage our words and, by extension, our opinions. In James 1:19, we are advised to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. This approach calls for a level of patience and restraint, which is crucial when we are sharing our thoughts or listening to the viewpoints of others.
Furthermore, Romans 12:16 advises us to live in harmony with one another, not being proud but willing to associate with people of low position. This implies that our opinions should not create division or elevate ourselves above others. Instead, they should contribute to communal harmony and mutual edification.
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus addresses the issue of judging others. Here, He points out the hypocrisy in criticizing others while ignoring our own faults. This passage highlights the need for self-awareness and the avoidance of a judgmental attitude when expressing our opinions.
In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul talks about how our knowledge can sometimes lead to pride, but love builds up. Thus, even if we hold strong opinions, they should always be tempered with love and consideration for others.
Lastly, Proverbs 12:15 tells us that the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise person listens to advice. This highlights the importance of being open to other perspectives, learning, and growing rather than stubbornly insisting on our own viewpoint.
Therefore, the Bible provides comprehensive wisdom on opinions: they should be expressed with humility, patience, love, and a readiness to listen and learn. By adhering to these principles, we can ensure our interactions are constructive and honoring to God.