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 – Wisdom is better than foolishness
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
Proverbs 12:15 – The wise listen to others
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
James 1:19 – Being slow to speak leads to understanding
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
Matthew 7:1-2 – Judgment is a serious matter
“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.”
Philippians 2:3 – Humility is key in discussions
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Proverbs 19:20 – Seeking counsel is wise
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
1 Corinthians 8:2 – Knowledge without love is not helpful
“If anyone thinks that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Colossians 3:13 – Forgiveness is essential
“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.”
Romans 14:1 – Accepting differing opinions
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.”
Proverbs 15:22 – Counsel helps plans succeed
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 – Consider others’ words
“Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.”
Romans 12:16 – Be sympathetic to diverse opinions
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”
Galatians 5:13 – Freedom in Christ includes love
“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.”
Proverbs 21:2 – The Lord examines all our choices
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Take opinions to glorify God
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on God’s will
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Proverbs 16:2 – The Lord knows our motives
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.”
Romans 15:5-6 – Unity in opinions glorifies God
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:14 – Avoid quarrels about opinions
“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.”
Proverbs 11:14 – Seek guidance for better outcomes
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Isaiah 11:2 – Wisdom comes from the Spirit
“And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
Titus 3:9 – Avoid foolish disputes
“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Test everything, hold on to truth
“But test everything; hold fast what is good.”
Job 32:8 – The spirit within us gives insight
“But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.”
Psalms 133:1 – Unity is precious in the sight of God
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Proverbs 18:13 – Listening before presenting opinions
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
1 Peter 4:8 – Love covers differences
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
James 4:11 – Speak with humility
“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.”
Proverbs 10:19 – Words can reveal wisdom
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
Romans 12:10 – Outdo each other in showing honor
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
1 Corinthians 12:12 – One body, many members
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – New creation in Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!”
Proverbs 13:10 – Strife arises from pride
“By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”
1 John 4:20 – Love must be genuine
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
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.