"Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Think on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). God keeps in perfect peace the mind stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Bring every thought into captivity to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5); set your affection on things above (Colossians 3:2).
The mind in Scripture is a battlefield and a sanctuary—thoughts that need renewing, not only managing. These twelve King James passages focus on renewing the mind, fixing thoughts on what is true, and the mind of Christ. This is not primarily an anxiety page (see worrying); it is about how believers think.
Renewed and transformed
1. Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Renewal is how transformation and discernment happen.
2. Ephesians 4:22-24
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Put off the old man... and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man. Mind renewal sits between putting off and putting on.
3. Ephesians 4:23
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;"
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Not a one-time tip—ongoing renewal in the inner mindset.
4. Romans 8:6
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Mindset has a direction—flesh or Spirit—and a fruit.
Think on these things
5. Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Whatsoever things are true... honest... just... pure... lovely... of good report... think on these things. Paul gives a filter for mental diet.
6. Isaiah 26:3
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. A stayed mind and trust belong together; peace follows.
7. Colossians 3:2
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Affections and attention are aimed upward on purpose.
8. 2 Corinthians 10:5
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
Casting down imaginations... and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Thoughts are not neutral; they can be taken captive.
The mind of Christ; a sound mind
9. Philippians 2:5
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. The goal is not only clean thoughts—it is Christ's humble mindset.
10. 1 Peter 1:13
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end. A ready mind is gathered, sober, hopeful—not scattered.
11. Psalms 19:14
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight. Meditation—the inner replay—matters to God as much as speech.
12. 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. A sound mind is God's gift—discipline and clarity under His Spirit.
A short prayer
Father, renew my mind today. Help me refuse conformity to this world, stay my mind on You, and think on what is true and pure. Bring wandering thoughts into captivity to Christ, and give me the mind of Christ and a sound mind. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about the mind?
Be transformed by renewing your mind (Romans 12:2), think on excellent things (Philippians 4:8), stay your mind on God for peace (Isaiah 26:3), and take thoughts captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Where does the Bible say renew your mind?
Romans 12:2: "be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Ephesians 4:23 adds, "be renewed in the spirit of your mind."
What verses help with anxious thoughts?
Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:8 help the thought-life; for worry and anxiety more directly, see our worrying page.
What is the "mind of Christ"?
Philippians 2:5 points to Christ's humility and self-giving mindset. Renewing the mind aims at that pattern, not only positive thinking.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about worrying · Bible verses about peace · Bible verses about wisdom · Bible verses about self-control · Bible verses about faith
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
