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23+ Important Bible Verses About the Mind (With Commentary)

Our minds are powerful tools given to us by God, and it is essential that we keep them aligned with His Word. In this post, we will explore some of the most inspiring and insightful verses from the Bible that remind us of the significance of maintaining a healthy and God-centered mindset.

Whether you are struggling with negative thoughts, seeking wisdom, or simply looking for guidance on how to keep your mind focused on the things of God, these verses will surely encourage and enlighten you. Let’s dive in!

Also Read: 21 Bible Verses About Changing Your Mindset (With Commentary)

Bible Verses About the Mind

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it is easy for our minds to be overwhelmed with worries, fears, and negative thoughts. However, as believers, we are called to fix our minds on God and trust in Him. When our minds are focused on Him, He promises to give us perfect peace. This verse reminds us of the importance of having a steadfast mind, firmly rooted in faith and trust in God.

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

Our minds have a powerful influence on our actions, attitudes, and overall well-being. In this verse, Paul encourages us to intentionally direct our thoughts towards things that are good, true, and praiseworthy. By focusing on positive and God-honoring thoughts, we can guard our minds from negativity and cultivate a mindset that honors and pleases God.

2 Corinthians 10:5

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Our minds can often be filled with thoughts that are contrary to the truth of God’s Word. However, as followers of Christ, we have the authority and power to demolish any thoughts that go against the knowledge of God. This verse reminds us to proactively take captive every thought and align it with obedience to Christ. It is a call to be vigilant, discerning, and intentional in guarding our minds against anything that opposes God’s truth.

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Renewing our minds is vital for living a life that is pleasing to God. The world constantly bombards our minds with its values, beliefs, and opinions, which may lead us away from God’s will. However, by intentionally renewing our minds through the study of God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, we can align our thoughts and desires with God’s perfect will. This verse reminds us of the importance of actively choosing God’s truth over the world’s deception.

Colossians 3:2

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

As believers, our minds should be centered on heavenly things, not on the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world. This verse calls us to fix our minds on things that have eternal value – the kingdom of God, His character, and His promises. By intentionally directing our thoughts heavenward, we can gain a heavenly perspective, live with eternity in mind, and make choices that reflect our heavenly citizenship.

Proverbs 23:7

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Our thoughts have the power to shape our character, attitudes, and actions. This verse reminds us that what we think in our hearts eventually manifests in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of guarding our minds diligently and ensuring that our thoughts align with God’s truth and righteousness. By cultivating a mindset that is pleasing to God, we can reflect His character and live a life that is in alignment with His will.

1 Corinthians 2:16

“For, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”

As believers, we have the incredible privilege of having the mind of Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we can access the thoughts, wisdom, and perspective of Jesus. This verse reminds us that we no longer need to rely on human wisdom or understanding alone. Instead, we can seek the mind of Christ and be guided by His wisdom in all areas of our lives. Having the mind of Christ enables us to discern His will, make godly choices, and live in a manner that reflects His character.

Matthew 22:37

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

The foundation of our relationship with God is rooted in love. In this verse, Jesus reminds us of the greatest commandment – to love God with all of our being, including our minds. Loving God with our minds involves setting our thoughts on Him, seeking His truth, and engaging our intellect in the pursuit of knowing Him more deeply. By loving God with our minds, we demonstrate our desire to honor and glorify Him in every area of our lives.

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

While not explicitly mentioning the mind, this verse highlights the importance of guarding our hearts, which includes our thoughts and emotions. Our minds play a crucial role in shaping our hearts, and what we allow into our minds ultimately affects our actions and attitudes. This verse calls us to be cautious and discerning about what we expose our minds to and to fill our thoughts with things that are pure, true, and pleasing to God. By diligently guarding our hearts and minds, we can ensure that everything we do flows from a place of righteousness and obedience to God.

Psalm 119:15

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”

Meditation involves focused and reflective thinking on God’s Word. In this verse, the psalmist expresses their commitment to meditate on God’s precepts and consider His ways. By engaging our minds through meditation, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s character, His truth, and His will for our lives. Meditating on God’s Word allows His truth to penetrate our hearts, transform our minds, and guide our steps. It is an intentional practice that leads us to a closer relationship with God and a life that reflects His teachings.

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Fear is often a result of negative and anxious thoughts that consume our minds. However, as followers of Christ, we are not meant to live in fear. This verse reminds us that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. In Christ, we have the power to overcome fear, and through His love, we can experience peace and confidence in His presence. As we allow God’s truth to shape our thoughts, we can live with a sound mind that is free from fear and filled with faith and trust in Him.

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

Our minds are influenced by either the desires of our flesh or the leading of the Holy Spirit. This verse emphasizes the importance of setting our minds on the things of the Spirit rather than being controlled by the desires of our sinful nature. By intentionally aligning our thoughts with the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can live in a manner that pleases God and brings about spiritual growth and transformation.

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

This verse reminds us of the importance of surrendering our thoughts and plans to God. When we commit our plans, dreams, and desires to Him, He promises to establish them, aligning them with His perfect will. As we seek God’s guidance and direction for our lives, we can trust that He will guide our steps and ensure that His purposes are fulfilled. When our minds are submitted to Him, we can experience the peace and confidence that come from living in alignment with His plans and purposes.

Colossians 3:10

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

As believers, we are called to put on the new self in Christ. This involves a renewal of our minds, where we are continually being transformed into the image of God. The renewing of our minds happens through the knowledge of God and His truth, which shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately, our character. As we grow in our knowledge and understanding of who God is, our minds are transformed, enabling us to live in a manner that reflects His holiness and love.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God has plans and purposes for each of our lives. This verse reminds us that His plans are good, filled with hope, and designed to prosper us. As we align our thoughts with His promises, we can trust in His faithfulness, even in the midst of uncertainty. Our minds can be at peace, knowing that the God who holds the future in His hands is guiding and directing our paths. This verse encourages us to place our trust in Him, relying on His wisdom and leading in all aspects of our lives.

Philippians 2:5

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

As followers of Christ, we are called to have the same mindset as Jesus. This involves having a humble, selfless, and loving attitude towards others. By aligning our thoughts with the mind of Christ, we can navigate our relationships with grace, forgiveness, and compassion. Our actions and words should reflect the love and kindness of Jesus, as we seek to bring glory to His name and build up those around us. Having the mindset of Christ also includes seeking unity and reconciliation, prioritizing the needs of others, and living with a servant’s heart.

Psalm 119:97

“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”

This verse expresses the psalmist’s deep love for God’s law and their commitment to meditate on it continually throughout the day. The psalmist recognized the profound impact that God’s Word can have on their mind and soul. By immersing their thoughts in the truth and wisdom of God’s law, they experienced spiritual growth, guidance, and joy. This verse encourages us to cultivate a similar love and passion for God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, guide our decisions, and transform our lives.

1 Peter 1:13

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”

This verse calls us to be mentally prepared and spiritually focused as we set our hope on the future return of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts and attitudes should be alert and clear, free from anything that would distract or hinder our relationship with God. By fixing our minds on the hope and grace that will be fully realized in Christ’s return, we can navigate the present challenges and trials with faith, perseverance, and anticipation for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Matthew 16:23

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

In this verse, Jesus rebukes Peter for having a mindset that focused on human concerns rather than God’s concerns. It serves as a reminder that our minds can easily be influenced by worldly thinking and desires. As followers of Christ, we are called to set our minds on the things of God, rejecting any worldly mindset that leads us away from His will. This verse challenges us to evaluate and align our thoughts with God’s truth, ensuring that our minds are fixed on His concerns and purposes rather than our own limited understanding.

2 Corinthians 4:4

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

The enemy is constantly at work, trying to blind the minds of unbelievers and hinder them from seeing the light of the gospel. This verse reminds us of the spiritual battle that takes place in the realm of our minds. As believers, we are called to pray for those whose minds are blinded and to share the truth of the gospel so they may come to know and experience the glory of Christ. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding our own minds against the deceptive influences of the enemy and seeking to align our thoughts with God’s truth.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Anxiety and worry can consume our minds and rob us of peace. However, this verse offers a powerful antidote to anxiety – prayer and thanksgiving. By bringing our concerns to God and expressing gratitude for His faithfulness, we invite His peace to guard our hearts and minds. The peace of God surpasses human comprehension and transcends the circumstances of life. As we surrender our worries to Him and trust in His provision and sovereignty, we can experience a deep sense of peace and assurance that only He can give.

Proverbs 15:28

“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”

This verse highlights the importance of having a thoughtful and discerning mind in our interactions with others. Instead of hastily speaking without considering the consequences, the righteous weigh their answers, choosing words that are wise, gracious, and uplifting. By exercising self-control over our thoughts and words, we can bring about peace, understanding, and edification in our relationships. This verse challenges us to approach our conversations with wisdom and kindness, seeking to reflect the love and character of Christ in every interaction.

Psalm 19:14

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

The psalmist’s prayer in this verse encapsulates the desire to have a mind and heart that is pleasing to God. It acknowledges that our thoughts and words are intimately connected and that both are to be directed toward pleasing and glorifying the Lord. As we align our minds with God’s truth, His Word, and His redemptive work in our lives, we can experience a transformation that overflows into our thoughts, words, and every aspect of our being. This verse serves as a reminder to continually seek God’s guidance in purifying our minds and aligning our thoughts with His truth.

Matthew 5:8

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

While not explicitly mentioning the mind, this verse highlights the importance of purity in our hearts, which ultimately influences our thoughts and desires. A pure heart seeks after God and desires to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. By cultivating a pure heart through prayer, repentance, and surrender to the Holy Spirit, we can gain a clearer vision of God’s presence and work in our lives. A pure heart allows us to perceive God’s truth, experience His love, and live in intimate fellowship with Him.

What does the Bible say About the Mind?

As a Christian, the Bible provides valuable insights into the nature and significance of the mind. It emphasizes the importance of renewing and transforming the mind. Romans 12:2 encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so they can discern God’s perfect will.

Philippians 4:8 instructs believers to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. This underscores the idea of guarding one’s thoughts and cultivating a positive and God-centered mental attitude.

Furthermore, 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. This verse affirms the idea that God intends for us to have a balanced and disciplined mind.

In essence, the Bible emphasizes the significance of the mind in one’s spiritual journey. It encourages believers to be intentional about their thought patterns, ensuring they align with God’s truth and purpose for their lives. This, in turn, leads to a life characterized by wisdom, discernment, and spiritual growth.

Listening to God and Stilling Our Wandering Mind

Do you feel drawn to exploring God in silence?

In this article, Emma Lowth considers some aspects of contemplative prayer, or Listening Prayer. It is part of a series of articles that Discovering Prayer is publishing about different ways of thinking about prayer.

Certain arms of the church have viewed contemplative prayer with some suspicion at different times. But when it is part of a healthy spiritual diet of reading the word of God and joining in with a church community, this Listening Prayer - resting with and focusing on God in silent meditation - can be immensely fruitful and help us to become aware of God's presence in our lives.

In Romans 8.26, Paul says that the Holy Spirit dwelling within us helps us to pray beyond our own feeble efforts:

'We do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.'

It's as though sometimes we need to stop trying to put our prayers into words, because our God is truly unfathomable and, though we need to pray, we cannot possibly know how or what to pray.

Yet, when we do start spending time with God in silence, the first hurdle we face is how to deal with the wanderings of our own mind. What's going on? And how can get our minds to focus on God in this time?

So in this article, I'll be looking at:

Why is my mind so noisy?

What should i do with these thoughts, three tips from psalm 139 to help a wandering mind.

When I finally stopped, and spent time in silent prayer, the first thing I noticed was how much noise there was going on inside.

If you have ever spent time on the platform of a busy train station, then you know it is a very good picture of what it can be like inside our own heads. Thoughts come roaring in and out like trains, stopping just long enough to unload a few ideas and emotions, before hurtling on as the next thought comes in behind.

It can be quite an overwhelming experience, and it's little wonder that we find all sorts of ways to try to block this noise out in our idle time, by listening to music, checking our phones, watching a video or reading a book.

I wish I had known back then what I know now. Then, like Michelle, Discovering Prayer's Director, I might not have been so impatient with myself .

All this internal noise comes from what neuroscientists refer to as our default mode network ( Gilbert 2007 ). It's a set of tracks in our mind that activate 'by default' when we are not involved in a particular task and our brain is in a state of 'wakeful rest'. It is the network around which zoom all of the ideas that our mind is processing about ourselves and about other people. It is also the network that helps us to remember the past and plan for the future.

That definitely sums up the kind of anxious thoughts I find charging through my mind when I try to listen to God, and I'll hazard a guess it's the same for you.

How reassuring to know, then, that this mind-wandering is not something that's wrong with me. It is simply how we are made.

More than that, the default mode network is important and helpful, because it's the way we evaluate the interactions we have with others, and understand the story of life that is going on around us. It helps us to find meaning and to make good moral decisions.

It is all too easy to see these wandering thoughts as a distraction preventing us from focusing on God, because they can feel like worries or anxieties blocking us from thinking about 'holy' things.

In fact, having noisy mind is actually a sign that we might benefit from more time in quiet contemplation.

Scientists have discovered that those who regularly practise meditation and contemplative prayer have far less activity going on in their default mode network. Prayer gives the brain the chance to process these thoughts and so it can exist in a far less frantic state. It still does what it needs to do, but is much more peaceful.

Did you ever read the children's book We're Going on a Bear Hunt  ? A family sets out on an expedition to catch a bear, and on the way they come across all sorts of obstacles blocking their path. Each time they come across a new obstacle, such as a particularly big and muddy puddle, they look for a way to get around it. But they realise that they can't. There is nothing for it:

'We can't go over it, we can't go under it...oh no! We'll have to go through it!'

As we set out to encounter the living God, we need to take a lesson out of this book! Our brains are crying out to us for the chance to process the noise we have in our minds, and the only way to still that internal noise is to go through it.

It is daunting, of course. When I first tried silent prayer, it was far from the peaceful experience I was hoping for. I found myself pounding my fists on the floor in frustration at all the distractions in my mind, horrified at all the unholy musings that were popping in.

Then, eventually, something happened.

One morning, sitting in the noisy silence, I found myself entering into a new place of peace and focus. All the noise of the default mode network was still there, but it had retreated to the background and wasn't clamouring for my attention anymore. It was rather like I'd been swimming along in a noisy public swimming pool for weeks and then, all of a sudden, taken a dive underwater. All the noise was muted and here now was a peaceful place where I could focus beyond myself.

To start with, this experience was fairly fleeting, but as I carried on in silent prayer I began to find I entered this space more quickly and for longer periods.

Let's be clear – this experience of moving beyond our immediate thoughts into a quieter inner space is not itself Listening Prayer. It is an important stage in a journey towards tuning into the heart of God. As yet, we have listened only to ourselves. In order to listen to God, we need first to learn to be quiet. This is just Part One.

We should also be clear that the internal noise never goes away for good. It will come and go, and this is natural. Some times there is more on your mind than at others. The key is not to worry about your worries, but keep 'turning up' to pray and listen.

Here are some helpful tips, taken from Scripture, for dealing with the internal noise that assails us when we first start listening to God in prayer. Let Psalm 139 be your companion as you start out.

Tip 1: Remember that God knows everything about us already

The thoughts that pop into our minds in the silence may be a surprise to us, but they are not a surprise to God. We cannot disappoint God because God knows everything about us better than we do. As you begin a time of silent prayer, why not start by reading the first two verses of Psalm 139 aloud to yourself and to God:

'You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.'

Tip 2: Don't be hard on yourself

Remember that the thoughts that enter your mind are there because your brain is working hard to process everything that has happened to you. God made us this way for our good. When the internal noise feels like a torment, read verses 13 and 14 and praise God for making your inmost being.

' For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.'

Tip 3: Don't resist your thoughts, but ask God to lead you through them

The thoughts in our minds are not going to go away. It's how God has made us. So there is no point resisting them or trying to distract ourselves from them – we have to go through them. But we cannot do this on our own. Using the words of verses 23 and 24, ask God to lead you through your thoughts and reveal the truth about them.

' Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.'

Let's Give It a Go Together!

Are you ready to deepen your relationship with god through prayer are you willing to face the challenge of journeying through the internal noise that we first experience when we start listening prayer, if the answer is 'yes', then you can register for the discovering prayer course. it's our gift to you, absolutely free..

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About the Author

Emma Lowth was on placement with Discovering Prayer as an ordinand at Wycliffe Hall theological college.

Before the call to full-time ministry, she worked as a crime fiction editor at a london publishing house. she then spent three years on the staff at st mark's battersea rise where she was responsible for the prayer ministry teams., emma is passionate about prayer and worship, and helping others to 'glorify god and enjoy him forever'..

What Does The Bible Say About An Idle Mind?

The human mind is an incredible gift, but it can also lead us into trouble when left unchecked. As the old saying goes, ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’ But what exactly does the Bible say about idle minds and laziness?

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore several biblical principles and passages related to idle minds and what God thinks about laziness.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible consistently warns against slothfulness, idleness, and living an undisciplined life . An idle mind often wanders into sin and unwholesome activities.

God calls every believer to purpose, self-control, diligence, and good stewardship of their time and abilities.

The Dangers of an Idle Mind

Prone to wandering and temptation.

An idle mind is prone to wandering into dangerous territory. When we aren’t focused on productive tasks or uplifting thoughts, our minds tend to drift towards temptations and unhealthy fantasies. The old adage “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” rings true here.

Sinful thoughts can take root and lead us astray if we allow our minds to remain unoccupied and unchecked (Proverbs 4:23). We must fill our minds with things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (Philippians 4:8) – this leaves no room for tempting or corrupting thoughts.

The Path to Poverty and Ruin

An idle mind that wanders aimlessly can lead to a life of ruin. The Bible warns that those who are “lazy” and waste time end up poor and needy (Proverbs 19:15). An idle mind lacks purpose and vision, leading to a meaningless existence (Proverbs 13:4).

We must keep our minds occupied with work, service, learning, creativity and rest – this brings a feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment. Too much leisure time with nothing productive to do allows the mind to atrophy like an unused muscle.

An idle mind will digress to dwell on the negative, breed discontentment and search for trouble.

Used by the Enemy

Our spiritual enemy, the devil, prowls around seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). An unoccupied mind full of meaningless thoughts is easy prey for his destructive schemes. The devil capitalizes on aimless minds by planting doubts, lies, anger and ultimately creating strongholds of deception.

We must fill our minds with God’s truth and light so there’s no room or foothold for the enemy’s influence (2 Corinthians 10:5). Staying mentally alert through prayer, study, meditation and being watchful requires effort, but it protects us from falling for the subtle strategies of the devil.

God Values Diligence and Purpose

Work is ordained by god.

The Bible teaches that work originated from God even before the Fall. Genesis 2:15 states that God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it.” God ordained work for mankind’s good, so that we can fulfill our creative purpose and glorify Him through our labor (Colossians 3:23).

Scripture extols the virtues of diligence, purposeful work, and good stewardship of time, warning against laziness and idleness.

God designed us to work hard and find meaning in our vocations. Ecclesiastes 9:10 urges, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Colossians 3:23 instructs, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Hard work demonstrates godly character and brings contentment (Proverbs 12:11, 13:4). Scripture praises industrious workers, like the ant in Proverbs 6:6-8. Overall, the Bible affirms the value of diligent work.

Being a Good Steward of Time and Resources

God gives each person talents, abilities, and resources to steward well. We are accountable for making the most of what God entrusts to us (Matthew 25:14-30). Time is perhaps one of our most precious resources. Ephesians 5:15-16 warns believers to walk wisely and “make the most of every opportunity.”

Wasting time stems from folly and laziness, which Scripture condemns (Proverbs 18:9, 26:13-16).

Being idle can lead us into temptation and ungodly pursuits (1 Timothy 5:13). Intentional living requires planning, focused effort, and saying “no” to lesser priorities. We honor God when we use our time diligently in family, church, work, and community domains.

Wise stewardship brings order, while foolishness leads to poverty and lack (Proverbs 21:5). In short, Scripture commends diligent workers who make the most of every moment.

Self-Discipline and Moderation

Though rest and recreation have their place, Scripture promotes self-discipline and moderation regarding leisure. Proverbs warns about loving sleep, food, and wine too much (Proverbs 20:1, 23:20-21). Jesus told a parable about servants remaining watchful and ready for their master’s return, rather than indulging in excess (Luke 12:35-40).

God cares about our inner attitudes, not just external behavior. Mindless entertainment can promote passivity and dull one’s spiritual senses over time.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that pleases God (Galatians 5:22-23). While occasional times of relaxation can refresh us, we must ensure leisure does not become our life’s pursuit. Ecclesiastes reminds us that everything has its proper time and season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

In the end, our finest works will be only what was done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). We demonstrate wisdom when we balance necessary rest with diligent work and service.

Finding Positive Pursuits

Rather than merely avoiding idleness, believers are called to actively pursue that which is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Our thoughts and activities reflect the state of our hearts.

Jesus emphasized that our deeds, whether good or evil, flow from what fills our hearts (Luke 6:43-45). Scripture urges us to set our hearts and minds on that which is true, honorable, just, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

We can glorify God through many positive pursuits like worship, service, study, creativity, relationship-building, enjoying creation, and resting in Him. Colossians 1:10 expresses Paul’s prayer that believers would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work.”

Wise living emerges from understanding and embracing our God-given purpose. Rather than idle drifting, Christians are called to walk in the works God prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). An idle mind reflects–and leads to–spiritual decay, but a purposeful, Spirit-led mind bears righteous fruit.

Cultivating a Focused Mind

Fill your mind with scripture.

Reading and memorizing Scripture is one of the best ways to fill your mind with truth and focus your thoughts. As Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” When we meditate on God’s word, it renews our minds and transforms our thinking (Romans 12:2).

Try setting aside time each morning to read the Bible, meditate on a verse or passage, and memorize key Scriptures. Apps like BibleGateway or YouVersion make God’s word accessible anytime. As we fill our minds with God’s truth, it pushes out anxious or idle thoughts.

Pray Continually

Prayer is a powerful weapon against idle thoughts. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we feel our minds drifting into idle mode, praying Scripture back to God recenters our focus.

Short, breath prayers like “Lord Jesus, help me” or “Holy Spirit, guide me” invite God into our moments of distraction. Setting reminders to pray throughout the day keeps our minds attuned to God’s presence.

Serve Others

Serving others draws our focus outward, combatting idleness. As Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” When we volunteer, mentor, or meet someone’s need, we reflect Christ’s servant heart.

Serving forces us to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others. According to a 2013 Mayo Clinic study , adults over 50 who volunteer at least 200 hours annually decrease their risk of hypertension by 40%. So serving benefits both our community and our health!

Develop Good Habits and Routines

Structure and routine create mental guardrails, which increase productivity and fulfillment. Small habits like starting each morning in prayer, sticking to a workout schedule, or reading before bed bring stability amidst life’s busyness.

Batching similar tasks also streamlines efficiency: checking emails at set times rather than constantly, combining errands into one trip. Esteeming each day as a gift from God to serve Him with excellence wards off purposeless drifts.

According to neuroscience research , routines even strengthen neural pathways in our brain! Overall, developing intentional habits and routines keep our minds vigilantly on track.

In summary, the Bible clearly warns against mindlessness, laziness, and living an aimless life. While rest is important, constant idleness can open the door to temptation and unfruitful works. As believers, we are called to be diligent, good stewards of the time and abilities God has given us.

An idle mind is a vulnerable mind, but a mind fixed on godly pursuits is a guarded mind. By filling our minds with Scripture, praying continually, serving others, and developing disciplines that cultivate focus and purpose, we can avoid the pitfalls of wandering into sin.

The next time you find yourself with an idle mind, remember these biblical insights. Avoid temptations by getting up and finding purposeful ways to use your time for God’s glory. With His strength, we can live diligent and faithful lives that honor Christ in thought, word and deed.

Amanda Williams is a dedicated Christian writer and blogger who is passionate about sharing Biblical truth and encouraging believers in their faith walks. After working as a youth pastor and Bible teacher for several years, she launched her blog in 2022 to minister to Christians online seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When she's not creating content or connecting with readers, Amanda enjoys studying theology, being out in nature, baking, and spending time with family. Her goal is to provide practical wisdom and hope from a genuine Christian perspective. Amanda currently resides in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

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Some thoughts on the book of acts and pauline theology, what to do with the one who wanders – james 5:19-20.

The final lines of this letter address a Christian who has “wandered from the truth.” Does this mean this brother has completely rejected the Gospel? In English, wandering has the sense of random meandering away from where you are supposed to be, perhaps aimlessness. But the Greek word translated “wander” (πλανάω) can have the connotation of deception. This brother could be misled by another, perhaps even a teacher or elder.

But the verb appears in Matthew 18:12-13, a sheep who wanders away from the sheepfold. It is also used consistently in the Old Testament for the apostasy of the nation of Israel. If the nation are the sheep of God’s pasture, then their persistent sin and rebellion is like a sheep wandering out of the safety of the pasture, putting them in danger from predators.

The truth can refer to doctrine and practice, but it is not specific (i.e., the truth of the Gospel, the truth of Jesus as God, etc.) In a contemporary context, this is more than someone leaving our church and attending another, or shifting from a Calvinist to Arminian view of salvation, or any other doctrine within the larger world of Christianity.

Whatever the truth refers to, it is possible for another to restore the wandering brother to fellowship. James is addressing the responsibility of the one who has not wandered to restore those who have wandered,

If the tensions between Jewish Christians and the wealthy aristocracy are in the background of the letter, then perhaps the “wandering” James has in mind is a return to the synagogue, perhaps even a rejection of Jesus as the messiah. Remember the congregations to which James is writing are small Jewish Christian messianic communities which have not gone very far from the synagogue. It is possible pressure from non-Christians Jews have convinced some to worship in the synagogues and keep their belief in Jesus as Messiah secret.

James is speaking hypothetically, but this kind of defection from the faith was always a possibility for Jewish Christians. The grammar of the passage is a third-class condition. Whatever the case, James does not think any have actually wandered away from the truth, but if that should happen, they can be brought back. James says the one who brings back the wandering sinner “saves his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” Does this refer to the wanderer, or the one who restores the wanderer?

The problem for the modern reader is how we treat those who have serious questions about their faith or how they live out their faith in the world. It is very easy to write-off a person who has wandered from their faith, those who appear to have rejected the core doctrines or now participate in behaviors we “insiders” consider sinful.

Perhaps it is best to return to the first of the commands in this paragraph, “If someone has wandered away, pray for them to be restored to fellowship.” But we ought to pray four our own sensitivity and grace toward those who have wandered in order to win them back.

42 thoughts on “ What To Do with the One Who Wanders – James 5:19-20 ”

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If the common person were to be considered wandering away from their faith, I always find it hard to ask the question, “Why are you falling from your faith?” Like the example above, James chapter 5 highlights this issue and alludes to the fact that God has a lot of patience. The idea behind wandering is often misunderstood. Right away, from experience, when someone wanders from the faith, other Christians are real hypocritical and making comments on them about them not actually taking the time to dive into their faith, or the comment on them not living it out and this is God’s punishment. Not a lot of people take the time to actually go talk to the person and find out the real reason behind them “wandering”. I admire what James is speaking on, because sometimes going to talk to that person won’t make the matter better; rather we are to pray for them to return to the faith. Like it talks about in 1 Thessalonias, we are to build one another up and offer prayers to those who need it. In my personal life, the idea of praying for someone is the best thing you can do. You may not have the answers in person when talking, but allowing God to work in and through that individual can bring a smile to your face.

I like what you said about failing your faith. That is a powerful statement. Reading your post allowed me to think more deeply about the passage written. The wandering that James talks about is not aimless as many think today. I feel that the wondering mentioned is more similar to the Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15:11-32. The son walked away from the father, but after a period of time he came back. I feel like wandering is like this in a Biblical sense. Wandering is walking away from God, sometimes by the leadership of a false teacher. However, it is possible to come back to Christ before it is too late, just like the son did in the parable.

I have a huge heart for the “wondering or lost” when it comes ministering or showing compassion along with the love of Christ. I think of Luke 15:1-7 when Jesus gives the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd in the parable risked loosing the other ninety-nine sheep in search for the one lost. Through that passage, Jesus teaches us how important all people, especially the ones who wonder, mean to him. Also, in James 4:1-2 it refers to the desires that battle within as the root of cause of strife. Jobes later points our that yielding to the evil desires within spirals into increasing greater into sin. For us, wondering can be avoided by commitment to the law and surrender to Christ (the royal law which is James’s main theme). Prayer as Trent mentioned is something we can do for ourselves and others. When dealing with others, not loosing a heart for them or their soul is vital and will help our heart become more like Jesus’s heart.

I agree that wandering could mean a few different things but not nessisarily someone who has rejected Jesus and the Gospel. That’s basically the unforgivable sin in Mark chapter 3. James is talking about the ones who have lost touch, went a different direction. I believe these people should be on the top of our lists among the unsaved. I believe just as it says in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident in this, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Once God has started a work in someones life, if they ever had an encounter with God and he started to move in their life, He wont stop until that work is completed in that person. Sometimes God needs the ones who have a solid faith to encourage and bring back those people who have wandered, because God isn’t finished with them.

I really love what you have to say here, Seth. I think that when God says that He is faithful to carry out what He has started within us–He means that as a promise that we can hold on to, and hold Him to. We should be relentlessly pursuing those who have “lost touch.” Not to say that a total unbeliever isn’t valuable or shouldn’t be ministered to, but because those who are wandering away from God are the ones who are hurting the most. They have known God they have just forgotten who He is temporarily.

Seth, I really like what you’ve said here! I agree that “wandering” could mean many different things, but in my opinion it does not mean someone has rejected Jesus, I think the word “wandering” means more to stray or to be distracted. I think it is common for people to “wander” or “stray” as Christians, but God uses that to lead us closer to Him. He uses us. For example, I was saved when I was young, but I did not know God until I was fourteen. I knew God, but I did not have a close relationship with Him until I was older. I wandered for years before I rededicated my life to God. I never rejected God, but I wandered and strayed from my purpose, but God knew the plans He had for me and He knew that he was not finished with me, just as you said. So, I really do not think that the word “wandering” means to reject Jesus or the Gospel, I think it means that someone is temporarily distracted by the world, but God will eventually pull them back to Him.

A common example to compare to this is wandering into an “easier” faith. People that have given up certain major doctrines of faith due to not personally agreeing with them or being too hard to bear. This can be incredibly easy to fall into with some with serious addictions, as it can be easier to suggest a “compromise” with God compared to trying to completely turn away from incredibly difficult behaviors. The big problem with this lifestyle is that it ignores the hope that the Lord offers. All God desires is our hearts and that we keep fighting to overcome sin and continuing to follow him. The reward for belief in Christ is eternity with him, and thus we have an everlasting hope as Christians (1 Cor. 15: 54-58). If not even death itself is our enemy anymore, then do we truly have any reason to give up?

This passage does a great job talking about our responsibility to help those who are wandering away. We as fellow Christians do have a responsibility to help those who are wandering off the path, and to show them back to the truth and right ways (Jobes 175). I know for myself personally, when I came to grace I had a difficult time with my faith and started to doubt my calling, and even myself. I was starting to wander off the path and starting to give into temptations and was even letting my grades slip. It took some good friends of mine who are strong Christians to put me back on the right path and remind me of what is really important for me to stop wandering. This passage of scripture is crucial for even strong Christians to have a good grasp of.

I was in the same boat as you were with wandering away from my faith. Before coming to Grace I completely neglected my faith. I started to falter in what I believed. But during these past 3 years that I have spent at Grace have been life changing and I have been able to reconnect with my faith. I also made friends that have helped in getting back on the right path. Also, you made a great point in saying that we as Christians have a responsibility to help others who have strayed from their path. Something interesting is that even though people have strayed from their path they can find it again and be redeemed. Job 22:23 states, “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.” This shows that we are always able to come back to God but it’s not something that should be abused. We cannot just simply pick and choose when we want to be with God. Overall, I am glad you got yourself back on the path to God, Sean! It’s awesome to have friends that can help you along the way as well!

I really liked how this entire blog touched base on those specific steps God wants us to take if we are starting to struggle to start away from any faith as well Sean. Reading through your post, it made me think of a verse that with how you described it, makes it easily comparable. It says in Matthew 7:13-14 NIV it says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”. I have seen this plenty of times in the past with working with kids over the last few years since I’ve been doing so. This can be used in general for pretty much anything and anyone, but still regardless, it is imperative that we as Christians need to help out those that are more in need of it.

Recently in my Apologetics class, we watched a video of a man who wandered away from his faith. He went to Moody Bible Institute to find the answer to, literally, one question. He never found his answer and turned away from God. While watching this video, all I could think is, I do not like this man, I do not think I could ever like this man. After really listening to the blasphemy that this man was saying, it really hit me. God still loves this guy. God is still pursuing him. Then I thought if we do not love on him, who will? That is what is James is talking about, in my opinion, as Christians are supposed to help bring the people back who have wandered away. “Come near me to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded,” (James 4:8). Once we washed our hands and purified our hearts it should be natural to want to help our brothers and sisters in need. As Jobes has made an emphasis on James talking about apostasy, it is obviously important to him. He does not want his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep wandering away from God. They need to see and know the truth about God’s love!

I think that Taylor brings up an interesting point to consider in her above comment. She called them brothers and sisters. How do we treat our biological brothers and sisters when they struggle? I don’t think I would abandon my biological brother or sister, why would I abandon my brother and sister in Christ? During times when believers are being lead astray is when we need to be showing them the love of Christ even more. This is our duty as fellow believers. (Jobes, p175) This is an issue my brother is facing now. A long time faithful Christian, but the flaws in the modern church have made him question his own faith. I hope that his church family and his fellow Christian friends would love him now more than ever.

This is an awesome post and after reading through some of the comments from others they have some powerful stories. I like the last statement made in the post, “but we ought to pray four our own sensitivity and grace toward those who have wandered in order to win them back”. I think it is extremely easy to let those who wander continue to wander and never make and effort to help. However, when someone who has wandered and finally approaches you and has questions i would want to have all the poise and heartfelt insight as possible. I had a friend who completely gave up on his faith after family issues. He pushed and pushed my family and me away because he was jealous of our family home. One day, he finally came to my whole family crying and basically saying he needs to get right with God again. That he needs to not feel empty anymore. Long story short he ended up getting baptized and had his amazing story be shown to the whole church during a service. I am positive that if it wasn’t for the continual amount of prayer from my family and myself for him he may never have made that choice. Colossians 3:12 states, “therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”. Without praying for those qualities winning back my friend may not of happened that early or may have not happened at all.

When I was a younger Christian this deceptive wandering was something that I would have fallen for. I believe that this deception and loss of salvation is speaking to someone who is complacent. This Christian is okay with living in their sin, and not showing any remorse or observing how they act from a Biblical standpoint. In other words they are deceived and they do not care to examine how they act anymore. We will all be called to God’s judgment seat one day. The fact is that it is God’s judgement seat. We as Christians’ have no power to judge, and in this statement we should realize that just because a brother or sister is deceived does not mean that we can judge them for how they had been living their life. I think the story of the prodigal son relates to this passage in the same way that the son is welcomed home we should welcome our brother or sister who was lost and deceived home.

There’s some really good post. It seems like this post hits home for everyone. Everybody has a time where they wander outside their faith. It’s normal for us to believe that we can survive through life without depending on our faith. It’s easier for us to give up and do things on our own. But what people fail to realize at times, is if we try and fail, we can always depend on God to be there to pick us up. But if we disregard our faith then once we fall again, we won’t have anyone there to pick us up. I know personally, I have never been a vocal person that said anything that bothered me. I was the type person to brush things off and keep things inside. But over time, it can get exhausted holding things in. But the time that I have spent here at Grace has helped me to be more opened and get things off my chest if something is bothering me. This is one of many reasons why you create friendships, to have people by your side to hear your problems and help you find solutions. Proverbs 23:26 states: “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways”. Without fully opening my heart to others and God, I would still be a closed book with bitter feelings towards the world.

I think that Jame’s topic and concept of wandering is not a new one and it still can be an issue with belivers in the church today. I think that every Christian goes through a period of wandering or doubt in their life, and it is other fellow believers’ job to help them get back on the right track and encourage them. I think that believers going through doubt is not something that is really openly talked about in the church. I think that people are afraid of what others will think of them and they try to work through it themselves. I like when you say, “The problem for the modern reader is how we treat those who have serious questions about their faith or how they live out their faith in the world. It is very easy to write-off a person who has wandered from their faith,… (Long, 2018, para. 7). We need to be more open and supportive of those who have wandered and have doubts. We need to pray not only for them, but also for ourselves so that we may have a heart for that individual and the wisdom for what to say.

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I appreciate how in the post you addressed the difficulty for the modern reader. It can be easy to fee feel bad for those who are wanders. It can be a challenge to reach out or find a way to lead them to Jesus. Jobes explains that this is in fact our job. Then why can it be such a challenge? I understand that many people go into the profession of ministry with the passion for spreading God’s word and reducing the ones who are wandering. From my experience when someone who not a believer is approached, they want nothing to do with Christians. They do not want to be persuaded or informed about believing in God. they want to be left alone. I really like how you said that “we ought to pray for our own sensitivity and grace toward those have wandered in order to win them back.” This stuck out to me the most. In order for Christians to help those who have wandered we must first ask God for wisdom on how to do this. James tells us to ask God for wisdom for He is generous and does not hold this against us. (James 1:5). I also believe setting an example is one of the best ways to speak to people without talking. They will know we are Christians by our love. This could not be truer. It is important to pray for those who have wandered, but it is also important to pray that God grants us wisdom and clarification on how to help the lost.

There are times that I look at people driving buy or just walking around and wonder if they are saved, are they walking away from their faith. It truly breaks my heart to think about this. there is no way for me to talk to them all. I really feel like your last statement is the best. “But we ought to pray four our own sensitivity and grace toward those who have wandered in order to win them back.” because how many times have I overlooked someone walking away? Luke 15:1-7 reminds me that God brings us back. he is always wanting us and fighting for us. Even though we are proud and sinful. But we should be reaching out and trying to fight for those who are walking away from the faith. We need to show God’s love and God’s hand in their life. We need to pray for the ones who get lost and walk away from the faith. But also pray for the others to stand up and talk to the ones who walk away.

“James is addressing the responsibility of the one who has not wandered to restore those who have wandered” (Long, 2018). As believers, we are easily tempted to first judge those who have wandered. This meaning that they wander from doctrine or practice. It is not just about making a mistake or disobeying God. As believers, we see those on the outside and can be easy to judge their words or actions. James is commenting here on our responsibility as believers to help restore those who are wandering. It is easy to laugh and talk behind their back, but that is not what we are called to do. Even if we do decide to help restore their faith we can be insensitive and judge in the midst of the trials. James tells us that it saves his soul and covers sins. I think this refers to both. The restores help the other person and the other person is stronger because of it. I think it’s important to realize that the opportunity to help. Like most Americans, we shy away from this because it seems to have no benefits to them. This is not true, however, there are many things we learn from others, and sometimes we learn those things unconsciously, but it impacts our lives. Regardless of our benefits, we are still called to do so regardless of our benefits. This is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly.

I believe that we as a church have judged those who have fallen away from the faith. Yet, God would leave the 99 just to catch the one who wandered off. There must be something or someone that caused people who had faith, to not have faith anymore. Christians are so quick to judge, not pay attention or listen to what the other person has to say and just spit scripture at them. I know because although I have not fallen from the faith, I have gone through hard times and that is what I get… scripture, I am not saying that that is wrong but I do not think that that is how things should be done, or how we should go about it. Because we are not any better than those who strayed. We believe because we are called to have a relationship with God, not to get to heaven, getting to heaven is a gift, not the reason we believe.

An interesting point of clarity that Long (2018) makes in the original post is the difference between translation and understanding of wander from Greek,having a connotation of deception, to English as “random meandering”. My interpretation of these differences is that someone can be deceived into leaving the fellowship which makes it not entirely their fault, compared to someone who is ignorant to their wandering but is still in control of the steps taken to stray from the truth. If someone is deceived into wandering from the truth, who is at fault and what are the consequences for that action? When reading James 5:19-20, my first instinct is to think that this passage supports the Arminian viewpoint of the ability to fall from salvation, because verse 20 (ESV) says, “…let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wanderings will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins”. A question raised in this passage and answered in the original post is: is a man capable of restoring or bringing back another man who fallen from salvation or the truth? I think perhaps the restoring work necessary is enacted by fellow believers through the power of the Holy Spirit on behalf of the wanderer who has to receive it. “Whatever the truth refers to, it is possible for another to restore the wandering brother to fellowship” (Long, 2018).

As Christians, it seems as though, from my perspective, that when we encounter a wanderer in our own lives we seem to have a very careless attitude toward them. It is a very nonchalant/fend-for-yourself attitude when someone leaves the faith or is led astray. This passage in James tries to address this area. There are two things that are very interesting in this passage. The first thing that is interesting is that the wanderer (who might be misled) has the ability to return to the “truth” (James 5:19). There are many passages in the Bible that talk about not being able to come back after losing salvation. One, in particular, is Hebrews 6:4-6. James argues to bring the wanderer back. The second thing that is interesting about this passage is that we do not know who the latter portion is addressed to. Is verse 20 addressed to the one who is bringing the wanderer back? Or is it addressed to the wanderer? My suggestion would be that it is addressed to the wanderer. The soul that typically needs to be saved from death is the one who does not know the truth. In this case, it would be the wanderer. This would also make sense because the wanderer is the one who is possibly committing a lot of sins unknowingly. These sins need to be covered. The charge is to bring back those who have wandered and this probably refers to the one who is led back to Judaism. Like you stated, there were a lot of people who were being led back to the synagogues and back to their old faith. James is writing to bring these people back to what is the truth. This is the reality for Christians today. Christians wander back into the habits of their old life. They wander back into lies that they held before they knew the truth. This is the wandering we need to prevent. Whether it’s uncomfortable or not, it is necessary.

God only knows the heart of man an as humans we cannot truly know someone’s heart. All we know is what we see as evidenced in others’ lives. We all know those people who get saved and then from all outward appearance they walk away from their faith. It breaks my heart that people could be so on fire for God and then fall so far away from God. Luke 15 talks about how God always brings us back to him no matter how far we wander. So why do some people never come back to God after leaving? What it all comes down to is freewill. God wants us to choose him daily every single day. It is a choice that we have to make to love God whole heartedly.

I agree that a brother who falls away from the faith can be brought back. It says in James 5:20, “…whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” I believe here that it means the person who is being brought back will have his soul saved from death and that his sinful actions will be covered. I think the multitude of sins that James is referring to is the falling away from faith. In regards to what we should do to confront a situation like falling away from faith, I think that your point about prayer is spot on. The best thing that we can do when a brother falls away is to pray. It even says in James 5:17 that Elijah prayed for no rain for three and a half years and that God answered his prayers. I believe this is a good example of the power of prayer, and that it is the first thing we should do when dealing with a situation like this. Another thing I would suggest is to come to an understanding of our belief in Salvation. Many of us believe that once you are saved, you’re always saved. This should give us hope for the people who have fallen away from God. We also believe that if someone ends up falling away from faith and actually ending up not saved, then that person didn’t really have a solid belief in the Lord in the first place. We should encourage those struggling in their beliefs to seek God and pray, and if someone falls away from faith we should pray, and then have hope that if they truly had the holy spirit in them, then they are still saved.

This post reminded me about the “prodigal son,” in Luke 15:11-32. Short version, the son wander away from his family and home and left off into the material world with his inheritance. After everything was gone and his friends left him, he was left to survived by working as a poor person. Then, he remember his home and father, and how his servants eat well. He came home with the mentality of servant and survival. When his father saw him he honored the return of his son with new clothes, shoes, and a ring. This is a great example in how we treat our dear brothers and sisters who wander away from the faith, or the church, with love and grace as Dr. Long states on the blog. We should not only pray for them, but also pray for our sensitivity and the compassion to love others.

In Mark 3, talks about the unforgiveable sin and its blasphemy. James talks about one who has lost touch, went a different direction. The ones who have believed Christ and later failed in their journey and fell short from the glory of God. They wonder away from the grace. Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV). When one gets saved, God has starts a good work in them, even when they fall short from the grace, God is still working in them. A wonderer can mean one who is lost, one who has lost the truth or journey. We are called to love serve the wanderers. Treating them as part of the body of Christ, The way we treat them may be used as a great tool of evangelism to them through actions.

I believe what you say is true about wandering away from the truth means more than just walking away from a church, it could possibly mean that they are wandering away from Christianity. I don’t believe this mean that they can’t come back, or won’t be accepted back. I think that it may not be considered right for someone to just walk away, but I do believe that it is possible for someone to walk back into their faith. One example I can think of is someone who is critically ill, they may walk away from their faith, because they just can’t seem to understand why Jesus would put them through it. But, if they are healed or live longer than expected, then they could walk back into their faith because it could possibly be God reminding them that he is in charge and reminding them how powerful he really is. One thing God values our freedom. Just like in the story of Adam and Eve he gave them the choice to eat the forbidden fruit. In the Bible it states many times that God wants us to come to him freely. It only makes sense that he give us our freedom to leave of stay. In Galatians 5:13 is states, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love”. I take this as God saying we are free, so be servants of God’s word but, if you decide to leave, that is on your own terms.

James believes if one does wander, they can come back. Only God saves and redeems and can cover sin, but Christians can be agents of God’s forgiveness (Osborne, 2399). I think the saving from death and covering of a multitude of sins (5:20) refers to the wanderer; the one who helps restore them and bring them back is an agent to God’s forgiveness in the covering of sins and saving of death.

There has been so much talk lately about Christians deconstructing. It seems to be the new thing. For whatever reason and to whatever degree that someone decides to “deconstruct” their faith, clearly this person has doubts and questions and is struggling. That does not mean that we leave them alone to figure it out or to drop them as a brother or sister because they could then cause you to stumble, quite the opposite actually. I completely agree with what you said about going back to one of the first commandments to pray for those who have wondered to be restored, as well as to pray for our own sensitivity toward that person and to not let our pride get in the way. I think we also need to return to the Royal Law of loving your neighbor as yourself. “Faith that saves is faith that motivates deeds of love for neighbor…such as turning others back to the truth”, (Jobes, 175). Part of loving someone means choosing to fight for and with them in the hard times. When a fellow brother or sister in Christ wanders from the truth, in any form of the word, it is our job to love them through it, pray with and for them, and genuinely try to understand their heart, thoughts and questions. I have seen it a lot with relationships in my own life as well as big names in Christian culture; believers who have grown up in the church start to wonder and question if what they have believed and been taught their entire lives is even true. Sometimes wandering away and seeking new or different answers can be really beneficial and strengthening for someone’s faith journey.

Osborne, Grant. “James” pages 2387-99 in the ESV Study Bible. Wheaton. Crossway, 2008.

James 5:19-20 states that, “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” This is more of a message towards the one who saves the wanderer than the wanderer themselves. It is not the redeemer’s place to judge, only to love others as they love themselves (Lev 19:18). On this matter, Jobes states, “to love one’s neighbor, which in turn flows from the principle of love from God… this is the royal law of Christian ethics and morality” (Jobes 195). As a Christian, one is called by the Scripture to help others in need. Thus, Christians do not qualify as innocent bystanders. This ‘help’ can be done through prayer, for God listens to the prayers of a believer (Jn 9:31; 1 Pet. 3:12) and acts according to his will (1 Jn. 5:14). Thus, one should not alienate the wanderer, but draw close to them and pray for them. For the wanderer once believed, so there is a strong chance they will return to the faith. Regardless, it is not up to the believer to judge in this matter, only love on the wanderer and non-believer. James shows the value of the law, but does not show it in a discriminatory matter, he reiterates that the law is based in love (Jobes 195). Jobes, Karen H. Letters to the Church. Grand Rapids, MI; Zondervan. 2011.

i have known plenty of people, both strangers and friends, that have wandered from the faith. most of the time i would like to ask why and just have a conversation with them. sometimes, they get violent, mostly verbal, about it and want nothing to do with it or even talk about it. those that i have talked about all had a similar root that caused them to turn away. that root was what they thought about Christians and basing them to what the Bible says. they were either mistreated, abused in some manner, did not have a solid mentor, or something along those lines. some of those people are now a part of a different religion or part if a group that will accept them for who they feel like becoming. that’s why once young Christians leave their little Christian bubbles, they are not prepared to handle with the struggles of the real world. they cannot handle the persecution of being a Christian, so they walk away and join something that is more comfortable. some of those people even came here at GCU and they were good Christian people. now they are a part of the LGBTQ+ or different religion like Buddhist or, to the extreme side of things, Atheists. either we are doing something wrong in treating people within Christian communities or they had presuppositions about what they were getting into, and Christianity failed their expectations. most of the time it’s the first thing that we are failing at. we need to do better as the Body of Christ

When I think of the word wander, I think of a young child getting lost in the grocery store because they saw something they liked and wandered away from their family. However, when James refers to those who have “wandered from the truth” there is more to it than just being lost from the truth. “The Greek word translated ‘wander’ can have the connotation of deception. This brother could be misled by another, perhaps even a teacher or elder” (Long). Long). Those who have “wandered from the truth” were deceived or mislead by someone that resulted in them being lost from the truth. Whatever James means by the truth, he makes the theological point that they can be brought back. In fact, he command it. “If one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back” (James 5:19). As someone who grew up in the church and have seen several people my age “wander” and appear to not currently be living their life for the Lord, it is so easy to sit, not do anything, and be judgmental. Faith is evidential through one’s actions, but we cannot know for sure where someone is at in their faith by looking at their life that is portrayed on social media. The only ones who know are them and the Lord. Even if our perception of where that person is at in their faith is correct it does not give us the right to be judgmental. Instead, we are called to listen to James’ teaching and “bring that person back.”

I thought that this post was very interesting as we are supposed to help our brothers and sisters in Christ and we are able to help them. I have a heart for the wandering because I know what it feels like to feel out of place. So this passage in James is a really beautiful reminder that even if you wander, it is possible to come back and that those in the community of the Body of Christ should be helping you and encouraging those who wander. I don’t think that wandering means rejecting Christ as Jobes has described that as apostasy. I would like to think that the wandering here refers to doubting but not actually renouncing your faith. Every Christian has doubts, but not every Christian rejects Christ after those doubts. There is a big difference between apostasy and wandering. Once again apostasy is the public renouncement of your faith and a complete separation from it. Wandering is not rejecting your faith but possibly doubting it and having questions. I think when it comes down to the question of what to do with someone who wanders is to support them and help walk them through these doubts but to encourage them that it is okay to doubt and that they still have their salvation. I think that the idea of a Christian having doubts is very stigmatized and yet many Christians go through it in silence because they are afraid of voicing their concerns and doubts.

In the modern context the wanderer may also be interpreted as one who has become stagnant in their faith or spiritually distant from God. Depending on how you understand salvation, a state of spiritual stagnancy could suggest a loss of salvation. In such a case, an individual may be unaware of the distance that has grown between them and God. It is more likely, however, that the one who wanders away does so by ignoring the spiritual truths they are called to live by. This willful ignorance is a difficult state to be in, as one who is willfully ignorant may not be easily persuaded to change without first seeing the need for it. In pursuing these people, we help “save their soul from death” and keep them from engaging in “a multitude of sins”.

I found it very intriguing that the word “wander” in Greek actually means leading someone astray in a deceptional way, rather than just being lost in a grocery store as a young kid. Therefore, James gives strong warnings against allowing a brother in Christ to “wander” from the truth of the gospel. Because the word “wander” deals with deception, it is important to be careful to not allow yourself or a brother to be swayed and tricked into something else besides the gospel truth like apostasy. Because sin and the lure of wickedness is great, we should guard ourselves from being like sheep (Matthew 18:12-13) who follow and stray blindly. We should also be careful to surround ourselves with righteous believers who “is a guide to his neighbor” when “the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26) to try to bring you back to “save your soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

The thing to look at and to make people wonder is why that person falling is falling or wandering away from their faith. Other Christians are so quick to judge or to misinterpret what may be going on in that person’s lives. What we should be doing is bringing them back to God and still loving them even though the situation that they are in. It is so easy to jump to conclusions and never know the real reasoning. I think as Christians it is important to know why your fellow believer is drifting away from God and to be quick to guide them back. Even if you do not know what happened to them, it is important to just pray for them. Pray that they find their way back to God and His way. “The problem for the modern reader is how we treat those who have serious questions about their faith or how they live out their faith in the world.” (Long, 2018) Christianity can be hard, but hard things are worth it. People go through hardships in their life and it takes true friends/Christians to bring them back to it. I think that every single person has wandered away from something whether it be their faith, their family, their friends, or even their jobs. This is such a difficult topic to talk about, but it is an important one to discuss and to make believers aware of. We must remember to love and to pray because that is what God would want us to do ultimately.

The one who brings back the wandering sinner “saves his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” This is referring in my opinion to both the wanderer and the one who restores the wanderer. More specifically to the one who is restoring the wanderer. However, it is also referring to the one who needs saving because it is depicting what happens to them once they are found. We as believers cannot look away from those who have wandered like is often done. We need to welcome them back with open arms and love on them and accept them and guide them along on their journeys. A word used in James 5:19-20 is epistrepho which means “turn to” (752). This is specific to the wanderer because it is speaking on turning to the ways of the world. So many people daily turn from God in their actions and make new ways of living. We as believers need to first pray for the wanderers to be restored and healed. We also need to pray daily for our own sensitivity towards those who have wandered. This is so that we do not judge them or push them further from God. What we consider evil compared to others cannot be how we look at others, it can only be what the Lord considers evil. Along the way we cannot at all push believers further from God at all, we can only be an aid to them coming back to God.

The story of the wandering one, the one who wandered off from faith, is a concept and story that should resonate with every believer. It’s an instantly relatable story- no matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been, we can all relate to being at a point in our lives where we have been wandering from God- whether it was being caught up in, or just having been far away from faith in general- we can all relate to this story in some way. I love how James goes into detail about this in chapter five. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15- this story is one of my favorites in the entire Bible- it is the embodiment of God’s grace. It is easily one of the most moving stories in scripture for me personally because no matter what’ve we done or how far we’ve wandered, we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and will always welcome us home. We are the sheep and He is the shepherd. I also love how in verse twenty that this phrase “turn back” is mentioned- that’s all we have to do when we’ve wandered to God, we have to turn back to Him, and He will be there waiting.

James brings to attention a wide-pressed issue that needed to be confronted and resolved, and that is the matter of a wandering soul. Unlike the father of the prodigal son, we are normally not merciful enough to forgive them, talk to them, or even to be patient with them in their confusing journey. Though the readers of James’ letter are not said to be wandering from the faith, James makes sure to warn them of the real, possible threat (Jobes, 2011). Furthermore, the prospect of a wandering soul is challenged and offered a resolution in saving them from themselves. James explains, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). James not only challenges his readers to take that step in praying for a wandering soul, to bring them back from being lost, but he also challenges them to pray for their own soul. While salvation can save believers from sin, the possibility of threat can remain. For instance, God can forgive those are saved from their sins, but the believer may still sin and still have the possibility of straying from their faith. James was telling his readers to look out for the straying sheep, forgive them as he has forgiven us, and to keep vigilance on our own faith and state of our soul.

When I was dealing with stuff at home with my sister and hearing about the problems my friend was going through with her family, I was silently going through a war with God, questioning Him and who He is. I was in doubt, and I was slowly wandering away. In those moments, I said and did terrible things to other people. I called a girl a “monster” just because I wanted someone to know I was suffering, and she did not deserve it. My social relationships suffered considerably in this process as I closed myself off from others except for two people, and I ended up focusing more on my studies than I ever did before as a way to cope and forget about everything going on. My thoughts were on myself, my failures, and my sister; I had no room in my heart in those years for God. I believed he existed, and I believed he was the only God, but what I did not believe at the time was that he was good or merciful. I thought no one knew of my internal struggle of faith, but recently I was told by my mom she did know, and that it was easy to tell if you know where to look. I’m sure she prayed for me, just as I now pray for my sister’s wandering soul. Most importantly, when my mom agreed for me to go to a Christian college even that was enough, that I had her support, for me to continue fighting the thoughts in my head and go forward in finding my faith again.

The thing that is hard is to pray for those who have hurt you and who you do not agree with. My sister had hurt me time and time again, but I am strong enough to pray for her now, and to do it with a positive way of thinking and beliefs. The instinct is to pray for their condemnation or ignore their needs of prayer. James challenges his readers to pray for those who wander because those who doubt, those who wander, need God and their fellow sheep to heal and repair whatever it is that lead them astray.

James 5:19-20 is an intriguing passage to read alongside Hebrews 6:4-6, as the former seems to indicate one can return from a season of apostasy while the latter seems to strongly forbid such a possibility. In the context of James, his use of πλανάω (to wander) is paralleled with Matthew 18:12-13, a parable about a sheep who wanders from the pack, and also the LXX, often denoting apostasy from the nation of Israel (Long, 2018). On the surface, one may be able to argue that this hypothetical person in James has not entirely left the faith, as a sheep can be found and returned to his pack. However, the use of πλανάω in the LXX as a reference to apostasy does not help this interpretation, as this would denote a direct rejection of faith. Perhaps these wanderers are those involved in the disputes between the wealthy aristocrats and the poor of the community, which may be a background theme (Long, 2018). Yet, nonetheless, James calls them to be brought back into the community by those who remain, faithfully praying and attending to them. This is a different context from the author of Hebrews, who is writing to a church suffering from persecution, with Jewish believers considering leaving the faith to return to previous Jewish practices. In this situation, the author asserts that one cannot return to faith after tasting it, as that would be like re-crucifying Christ (Heb 6:6). How would one synchronize these passages with each other, assuming one feels the need to at all? Perhaps the different social contexts serve to distance these passages, James is writing to those remaining in the congregation, looking out to those who have already left, while Hebrews is warning those considering leaving the congregation. Could the author of Hebrews be employing scare tactics? Could the author simply have misunderstandings about soteriology not present in James? If one is attempting to connect these passages, one may argue, to varying success, that the backdrop of Matthew 18 should be favored over the LXX, with these wandering people not completely leaving the faith. Even if one concedes James is referring to apostasy, perhaps one could argue that James represents a progression of soteriological understanding of salvation in the early church (assuming it is written later than Hebrews). Either way, connecting these passages serves as a difficult task, as both authors may simply hold differing perspectives on this salvific issue.

In a world that continues to grow incredibly and vastly polarised, it is easy to join this cultural bandwagon as Christians and look for the ways in which we are different from others –Christian or non– rather than for the unity to be found in being made in the image of God and being the recipients of the grace of God so freely through Jesus’ life and death. In many ways like us, the Jewish Christians James addresses faced potential persecution for holding fast to their convictions, alienation from their families, and many other struggles. Reflecting on this reality, I am reminded of Hebrews 4 where the author urges Christians to draw near to the throne of grace and find mercy in times of need since Jesus the High Priest sympathises with our weaknesses. In light of James 2:24 where James says that “a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone”, though it bears a different meaning in that context, the principle still applies that what we believe is as important as what we do because of this belief (NIV). If the Jewish Christians truly held that faith in Jesus brings salvation to all without partiality as most of James’ epistle speaks, righteousness embodied would thus look like coming alongside those who seek to be brought or restored to faith. Just as salvation came by no merit of their own, Jewish Christians needed to be reminded that those who wander indeed do not merit salvation any less that when they first professed faith, for the one by whom they are reconciled to God and are able to draw near to his presence (throne of grace) sympathises with their struggle.

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September 12, 2017

Three Keys to Fight Spiritual Wandering

Wanderlust = A strong desire or urge to wander or travel and explore the world

I love to travel.

My passport is full of stamps holding stories of far off places, magnificent lands, and beautiful people, each painting pictures of God’s creative genius. I’m a firm believer that some of the best adventures are had exploring new areas, meeting new people, tasting new foods, and experiencing new cultures. It’s one of my all-time favorite things.

Some people have diagnosed me with wanderlust. But I don’t think that sense of wanderlust is accurately encompassed by cute sayings on Pinterest. Neither do I believe traveling is limited to visiting new geographical locations.

In fact, I do the most traveling within my own soul. Prone to wander, Lord I feel it.

I am prone to leave the God I love in search of pleasures in other places.

Prone to Wander

It’s illogical, really. As believers in Jesus, we’ve been brought into a kingdom that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (2 Peter 1:3-5). We’ve been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), yet we are inclined to flee to other territories and things that cannot satisfy.

We are prone to wander to broken cisterns, flawed humans, and lifeless water. We travel from our First Love to lesser loves, from the greatest Treasure to cheap trinkets, from full joy to lesser thrills. And we wander to towns emptied of glory, cities filled with destruction, and villages that reek of lies and disappointment.

These new locations are littered with rocks that dash our hopes, potholes that swallow our faith, and bridges of fear that break under the weight of our worship. All roads in this dark place lead to dead ends (Proverbs 14:12).

Fighting the Wanderlust

So how do we fight our spiritual wanderlust?

We remind ourselves of truth, preaching the gospel to each other and ourselves daily. We have no good apart from the Lord. His nearness is our good, our refuge, and our motivation to reject avenues of self-gratification. He helps us press on, stay the course, and make disciples (Psalm 16:2; Psalm 73:28; Philippians 3:12-16; Matthew 28:18-20).

So we acknowledge our need of a Savior today. We preach the truth to ourselves that only God satisfies and his grace is sufficient for our vagabond souls. Through Jesus, the Father is taming our nomadic hearts and reshaping them to steadfastly pursue his. This only comes through the power of the gospel and dependency on the steadfast One.

Without the Holy Spirit, we are helpless. We need him to lead us, and we need our hearts softened by the Word and prayer in order to be sensitive to his leading.

His sovereign shepherding may take us down alleys and back roads that seem too narrow for survival. Those are the times when we, in our flesh, will want to dart off in search of easier routes. So we resist the urge to run. Instead, through prayer, we stake our hearts in the power of the resurrected King and his flawless guidance that takes us into paths of life and joy (Psalm 16:11).

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)

We need the Spirit, our divine guide on this journey to the Celestial City, to charge our hearts and govern our ambitions, those desires inclined to choose anything other than Christ.

3. Persevere

Yes, we need the Spirit, but we also have a responsibility to build ourselves up in our faith, pray in the Spirit, and keep ourselves in the love of God as we wait for Jesus (Jude 20-21). We are to actively guide our hearts (Proverbs 23:19), put to death our fleshly impulses (Romans 8:13), and walk in a manner worthy of the gospel (Ephesians 4:1).

The book of Proverbs is filled with commands to ponder the path of our feet, to spiritually check ourselves before we wreck ourselves, and to diligently guard the way we’re walking. We are commanded to follow the Captain of our souls, not our own whims. Because of the gospel, we can now say no to spiritual trips that drift us away from Jesus—but we must intentionally fight to corral our hearts with the gospel.

Don’t load up on emotional airlines that will carry you away from truth. Do not be driven by vehicles of circumstance. Fight detours in your soul. Keep your gaze fixed on Christ, and do not turn to the right or to the left (Proverbs 4:25). Discipline your heart for “Little by little, one travels far” (J. R. R. Tolkien).

We must be vigilant. We must persevere.        

Bind My Wandering Heart

Our hearts are prone to wander. Maybe that’s why Paul prayed they would grow roots in the stabilizing force of God’s love (Ephesians 3:17). It’s only when we’re planted in him that we find the contentment and excitement our souls crave, but we have to teach our hearts to yearn for the true and better adventure led by the true and better Adventurer.

This is Jesus, the one who takes us to places we’ve never been and shows us what we’ve never dreamed.  

With him, our nail-scarred Guide, we’re on a journey to the everlasting city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10), a place where death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54), and where we will wander no more (Revelation 21:3-5).

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you. (Augustine)

Big-scale adventure is not found in the pages of a passport, but on the narrow path to holiness.

That’s the real trip of a lifetime — to an eternity. Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

[Photo Credit: Lightstock ]

Sophie mcdonald.

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Isaiah 21:4

Isaiah 21:4 meaning and commentary.

My heart panted Fluttered about, and could hardly keep its place: or, "my mind wandered" F18 ; like a person in distraction and confusion, that knew not what to think say or do: fearfulness affrighted me ; the terror of Cyrus's army seized him, of its irruption into the city, and of his being destroyed by it; the writing on the wall threw him into a panic, and the news of the Medes and Persians being entered the city increased it: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me ; in which he promised himself so much pleasure, at a feast he had made for his princes, wives, and concubines; either in honour of his god, as some think F19 , being an annual one; or, as Josephus ben Gorion F20 says, on account of the victory he had obtained over the Medes and Persians; and so was quite secure, and never in the least thought of destruction being at hand; but in the midst of all his revelling, mirth, and jollity, the city was surprised and taken, and he slain, ( Daniel 5:1 Daniel 5:30 ) . So mystical Babylon, in the midst of her prosperity, while she is saying that she sits a queen, and knows no sorrow, her judgment and plagues shall come upon her, ( Revelation 18:7 Revelation 18:8 ) .

Isaiah 21:4 In-Context

When your mind wanders during prayer, try this remedy

Jeffrey Bruno

Brother Lawrence offers his suggestion on how to combat distraction during prayer. We live in a world full of distractions, so it is not surprising that when we sit down to pray, our minds tend to wander. Even if our culture today exacerbates the tendency, it is not something new. Christians for centuries have always struggled with wandering thoughts during prayer.

Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk of the 17th century, advises an individual in one of his letters concerning this common obstacle.

You tell me nothing new: You are not the only one that is troubled with wandering thoughts. Our mind is extremely roving … One way to re-collect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times: you should keep it strictly in the presence of God; and being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings.

The key for Brother Lawrence is to think often of God throughout the day in whatever occupation you find yourself. Whether it is washing the dishes, sitting at a desk, or shopping for groceries, Brother Lawrence firmly believes you should keep yourself cognizant that you are in the presence of God.

This consists of recognizing God’s presence around you, recalling that he is the creator of the universe and is always all around us. Try as hard as we can, we can never run away from God, as he is everywhere.

Brother Lawrence believes that if you recognize God’s presence with you outside of normal times of prayer, it will be easier to stay focused when you do dedicate a few minutes to prayer.

While this won’t be an overnight “fix,” and is itself a challenge, this remedy can bring lasting results that will bear much fruit in Heaven.

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39 Bible Verses about Wanderers

Most Relevant Verses

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

My God will cast them away Because they have not listened to Him; And they will be wanderers among the nations.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

Like a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.

“My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place.

They wandered, blind, in the streets; They were defiled with blood So that no one could touch their garments.

My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them.”’”

For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.

When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.” Cain said to the Lord , “My punishment is too great to bear! Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.”

You shall answer and say before the Lord your God, ‘My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt and sojourned there, few in number; but there he became a great, mighty and populous nation.

So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulder, and gave her the boy, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba.

A man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, “What are you looking for?”

“Depart! Unclean!” they cried of themselves. “Depart, depart, do not touch!” So they fled and wandered; Men among the nations said, “They shall not continue to dwell with us.”

And they wandered about from nation to nation, And from one kingdom to another people,

And they wandered about from nation to nation, From one kingdom to another people.

(men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

and he sent out a raven, and it flew here and there until the water was dried up from the earth.

“People will stagger from sea to sea And from the north even to the east; They will go to and fro to seek the word of the Lord , But they will not find it.

Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.

You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?

You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander with us, while I go where I will? Return and take back your brothers; mercy and truth be with you.”

and it came about, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is the kindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”

For the teraphim speak iniquity, And the diviners see lying visions And tell false dreams; They comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep, They are afflicted, because there is no shepherd.

“He deprives of intelligence the chiefs of the earth’s people And makes them wander in a pathless waste.

He pours contempt upon princes And makes them wander in a pathless waste.

In the days of her affliction and homelessness Jerusalem remembers all her precious things That were from the days of old, When her people fell into the hand of the adversary And no one helped her. The adversaries saw her, They mocked at her ruin.

Thus says the Lord to this people, “Even so they have loved to wander; they have not kept their feet in check. Therefore the Lord does not accept them; now He will remember their iniquity and call their sins to account.”

The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”

The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”

She is boisterous and rebellious, Her feet do not remain at home;

But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

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8 Bible Verses about Wandering From God

James 5:19-20 esv / 4 helpful votes helpful not helpful.

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Psalm 119:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

Luke 15:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

Hosea 11:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.

Ezekiel 37:1-28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God , you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord . Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. ...

Isaiah 61:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord ; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

1 Kings 2:1-46 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ “Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. ...

Leviticus 7:1-38 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“This is the law of the guilt offering. It is most holy. In the place where they kill the burnt offering they shall kill the guilt offering, and its blood shall be thrown against the sides of the altar. And all its fat shall be offered, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, the two kidneys with the fat that is on them at the loins, and the long lobe of the liver that he shall remove with the kidneys. The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering to the Lord ; it is a guilt offering. ...

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Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.