Double-mindedness

Indicative of insincerity and hypocrisy. God requires wholeheartedness and sincerity from all people, both in their dealings with others and in their worship of him.

Double-mindedness is characteristic of sinners

James 4:8 See also Psalm 119:113–115

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Double-mindedness in dealings with other people

Genesis 34:1–29; Joshua 9:3–15; 1 Samuel 18:17–25; 2 Samuel 3:22–27, 2 Samuel 20:8–10; Nehemiah 6:1–4, Nehemiah 6:10–13; Matthew 26:47–50 parallels Mark 14:43–46, Luke 22:47–48; Acts 23:12–24

Double-mindedness in daily life

Matthew 23:25–28 See also Matthew 15:10–19 parallel Mark 7:14–23; Luke 11:39–40

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Double-mindedness in worship

Idolatry

1 Kings 18:21 See also 2 Kings 17:27–34, 2 Kings 17:40–41; Hosea 10:1–2

Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

Insincerity

Matthew 15:1–9 parallel Mark 7:1–13 See also Isaiah 29:13

Lack of faith in prayer is equated with double-mindedness

James 1:5–8

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

God requires wholeheartedness and sincerity

Towards himself

1 Chronicles 28:9 See also Numbers 14:20–24; Joshua 14:14; 2 Chronicles 31:21; Romans 12:9; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Timothy 3:8; James 3:13–17

As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Towards other people

Colossians 3:22 See also 2 Chronicles 19:8–11; Ephesians 6:5–9

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.