Thought

The human ability to reason and reflect. Believers are called to reflect upon the words and works of God as they are made known through Scripture and to avoid speculation based purely upon human reason.

Human thought and God

God's thoughts are infinitely higher than human thoughts

Isaiah 55:8–9 See also Psalm 92:5, Psalm 139:17–18; 1 Corinthians 2:10–11

“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 My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

God knows all human thoughts

1 Chronicles 28:9 See also Genesis 6:5; Psalm 94:11, Psalm 139:1–4; Matthew 9:4, Matthew 12:25 parallel Luke 11:17; Luke 9:47; Hebrews 4:12

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.

Meditating on God's words

Psalm 1:1–2 See also Deuteronomy 6:6–7, Deuteronomy 11:18; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:15, Psalm 119:23, Psalm 119:78, Psalm 119:97

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.

Meditating on God's works

Psalm 77:12 See also 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 106:7, Psalm 107:43, Psalm 119:27, Psalm 143:5, Psalm 145:4–5; Isaiah 1:18

I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.

Warnings against founding faith on speculative thought or human wisdom

Colossians 2:8 See also Isaiah 29:14; 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 3:19–20; 2 Corinthians 10:5; James 3:13–15

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Believers are to give thought to others

To think about their needs

Philippians 2:4 See also Zechariah 7:10; Luke 10:36–37; Romans 12:13; 1 Corinthians 12:26, 1 Corinthians 14:11–12; 1 Timothy 5:3; 1 John 3:17

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

To think about their abilities

Philippians 2:3 See also 1 Corinthians 12:24–25, 1 Corinthians 14:26–33; Hebrews 10:24

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

To think about, and learn from, their shortcomings

Galatians 6:1 See also Acts 8:20–21; Romans 1:21; Ephesians 4:17–19

Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Believers are to give thought to themselves

To think accurately about themselves and their God-given abilities

Romans 12:3 See also 1 Corinthians 1:26, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Corinthians 14:20, 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Corinthians 11:5–6; Galatians 6:3; Philippians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:4

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

To think about their shortcomings and temptations

2 Corinthians 10:12 See also Proverbs 6:6; Matthew 15:19; Romans 2:15; 1 Corinthians 13:11; 2 Corinthians 10:7; Ephesians 2:3; Philippians 3:13; Colossians 1:21

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.

To think about their needs

Philippians 3:7–9 See also Matthew 6:31–34; Philippians 2:4

But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

To think rightly about their plans and ambitions

1 Peter 1:13–14 See also Deuteronomy 15:9; Proverbs 5:6, Proverbs 14:8, Proverbs 14:15; Isaiah 55:7; Haggai 1:5; Luke 14:31 Jesus Christ wanted his followers to consider carefully the cost of being a disciple; Acts 5:35; Romans 13:14; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1–2; Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 11:15; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:1; 2 Peter 3:1–2

Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.