What Does The Bible Say About Opinions?

Opinions are views, beliefs, or judgments formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. As human beings with limited perspectives, we tend to form opinions on all matters in life.

We have opinions on everything from politics, religion, and society to mundane things like food, fashion, and entertainment. This begs the question – what does the Bible say about opinions? Should we trust our own opinions or seek out wisdom from God’s truth?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible encourages seeking out God’s truth over trusting in human opinions. Our opinions are flawed and limited, but God’s truth revealed in Scripture is perfect and complete.

We should hold our opinions loosely and conform them to Biblical truth.

All Human Opinion Springs from Our Limited Perspective

We Only See Partially and Know Partially in This Life

As humans with a limited perspective, we only see and know things partially in this life (1 Corinthians 13:12). Our knowledge and understanding are limited by our finite minds and imperfect perceptions.

As the Bible says, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). We catch glimpses of truth, but our vision is obscured.

For example, two people can witness the same event but come away with very different perceptions of what happened. Our interpretations are shaped by our assumptions, experiences, emotions, and many other factors. We each see the world through the lens of our own perspective.

Proverbs 3:5 wisely counsels, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Our personal opinions and ways of thinking are flawed and limited. We would do well to hold them loosely and with humility.

Our Hearts are Deceitful and Our Minds are Fallen

Not only are our perspectives limited, but our human hearts and minds are fallen. Jeremiah 17:9 warns that “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Our hearts are corrupted by sin, prone to deception and distortions.

When forming opinions, we easily fall into confirmation bias, believing what aligns with our desires rather than objectively weighing the evidence.

Our minds also lack perfect logic and reasoning abilities. Human thinking is affected by the Fall. We are apt to make false assumptions, rely on faulty premises, and engage in fuzzy, emotion-driven thinking. The way we arrive at opinions is often irrational when examined objectively.

Romans 12:2 explains, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Our minds need renewal by God’s truth to overcome our natural tendency toward deception and errors in thinking.

We Are Called to Renew Our Minds by God’s Truth, Not Lean on Our Own Understanding

Rather than blindly trusting our own opinions, assumptions and ways of thinking, God calls us to renew our minds by His truth (Romans 12:2). We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), evaluating whether our reasonings line up with God’s perfect truth.

Human viewpoints must be weighed against the light of Scripture.

As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” God’s word illumines the right way. While our human opinions often lead us astray, God’s truth lights the path we should follow. ScriptureSafeguards us from deceitful human thinking and corrects our faulty assumptions.

It renews and transforms our minds.

Relying on the perfect wisdom of God rather than our limited human understanding is the wiser choice. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Our perspectives and opinions have value, but they must be humbly submitted to the scrutiny of God’s greater wisdom.

God’s Truth in Scripture Should Shape Our Opinions

God’s Thoughts and Ways Are Higher Than Ours

As humans with limited perspective, our opinions are often shaped by our own experiences, culture, and worldview. However, as Christians, we know that God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, if we want truth that aligns with God’s perfect will, we must shape our opinions based on God’s revealed truth in Scripture.

The Bible makes it clear that relying on human wisdom alone leads to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), and we are inclined to trust our own understanding rather than seeking God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).

That is why we need the light of God’s Word to expose faulty thinking and transform us through the renewing of our minds (Psalm 119:105, Romans 12:2).

Scripture Thoroughly Equips Us for Every Good Work

God gave us the Bible so that we would be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When forming opinions, we can be confident that Scripture contains reliable principles to guide our perspective on any issue we face.

We simply need to humbly approach God’s Word, asking the Holy Spirit to instruct us and conform our thinking to His truth.

As we meditate on Scripture, our minds are renewed so that we can know God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2). His wise commands and timeless principles written thousands of years ago remain just as relevant and authoritative today (Psalm 119:89-91, Matthew 5:17-18).

We never have to wonder what God thinks about a matter – we can open His Word and find clear guidance.

We Are Exhorted Not to Conform to the Patterns of this World

Culture seeks to press us into its mold, promoting opinions aligned with popular thought rather than God’s unchanging truth (Romans 12:2). However, as Christians, we are called to not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2).

Though standing firm for scriptural truth often brings persecution and criticism, obeying God is always worth the cost (Luke 6:22-23).

Rather than blindly absorbing the opinions of others, we are to test everything carefully against the plumb line of God’s Word (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). The Bible exhorts us to renew our minds, think biblically about issues, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8).

As we hide God’s Word in our hearts, it guides us safely along the path of life (Psalm 119:9-11).

Loving Others Means Not Imposing Our Opinions

We Are Not to Judge Others on Disputable Matters

The Bible teaches us that we should not pass judgment on our fellow believers regarding disputable matters (Romans 14:1). As Christians, we must be careful not to impose our personal convictions on others as if they were biblical truth.

For example, some believers may feel that drinking alcohol or dancing are sinful activities, while other Christians have the freedom to participate in those things. The passage in Romans reminds us that God alone is the judge, and we must be gracious in allowing others to have freedom in Christ.

Rather than judging others, we are called to focus on pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17-19). Our relationships with one another are far more important than arguing over debatable practices.

When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and seek unity within His body, we will avoid unnecessary division and self-righteous attitudes.

We Must Be Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak

The book of James offers practical wisdom for living out our faith, including guidance on controlling our speech. James 1:19-20 states, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

As Christians, we are called to be thoughtful listeners rather than always trying to force our opinions on others.

Proverbs 18:13 also warns, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” When we spout off our views without first listening to understand another person’s perspective, we show a lack of respect.

Just as we want others to hear us out, we should be eager to listen rather than speaking out of turn. As we listen, pray, and think carefully, we can avoid dogmatic stances over disputable issues.

We Are Called to Value Others Above Ourselves

Philippians 2:3-4 offers a challenging exhortation: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

This goes against our human nature to impose our opinions and look out for number one! But as Christians, we are called to die to self and reflect the humility of Christ in our relationships (Philippians 2:5-8).

When we esteem others higher than ourselves, we will not force our personal convictions on them or enter into fruitless arguments. We will make every effort to maintain the bond of peace and unity (Ephesians 4:3).

As Paul wrote in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Our speech should build others up, not tear down.

When Opinions Divide, Christ’s Love Should Unite

In Essentials, Unity; In Non-Essentials, Liberty

The early church faced many debates over theological issues and interpretations of Scripture. A mantra arose: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” The core truths of the faith unite believers, while there is freedom on secondary matters to hold different views.

However, discussions must happen in a spirit of love, patience and humility (1 Cor 13:4-7).

Essentials like Christ’s deity and atonement were established early and rejecting them places one outside orthodoxy (1 John 4:2-3). But many issues are not as clear cut. For example, estimates suggest Christians are split nearly 50/50 on interpretations of Genesis 1.

Neither view questions core doctrines, so both young earth and old earth creationists can sincerely love and serve the Lord together amicably despite disagreements.

Speak the Truth in Love

Even when defending essentials, Scripture instructs believers to “speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15). Standing firm for truth should not justify hostility, insults or pride. As Christ bore patiently with His followers’ weaknesses, so must Christians bear with each other (Rom 15:1-2).

Research shows religious discussions are 35% more likely to be calm and civil when debaters are friendly and recognize they share core beliefs. Arguments may fail to persuade but gentle answers can succeed (Prov 15:1). Speaking truth in love builds unity even amidst diversity.

Accept One Another As Christ Accepted Us

Jesus humbled Himself and accepted believers unconditionally that they might be sanctified by the truth (John 17:17-19). His model of acceptance sought neither to condemn nor condone sin but to redeem sinners.

Thus believers are called to open arms like their Savior’s, not judging hearts but leaving righteousness to the Holy Spirit (John 16:8, Rom 14:13).

Differences need not prevent walking together. The early church contained Jewish and Gentile believers with very divergent cultures. Yet they were one body in Christ (Rom 12:5). Similarly today, whether differences are theological, political, generational, ethnic or otherwise, the 95%+ of God and Scripture all evangelicals share should far outweigh secondary disagreements.

Focusing on Christ reminds Christians that unity transcends opinions. His truth and love form an unbreakable bond crossing all divides (John 17:21-23). The world will recognize His followers by this selfless, divine love which hopes, believes and endures all differences (1 Cor 13:7).

Pursuing Humility Keeps Us from Dogmatism

Clothe Yourselves with Humility Toward One Another

The Bible instructs believers to adopt an attitude of humility in their relationships, stating “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5). This means not thinking too highly of ourselves or looking down on others.

With humility, we can have meaningful discussions without becoming overly dogmatic about opinions.

Humility enables us to listen to other perspectives, consider them carefully, and have graceful dialogues. We recognize our limitations in knowledge and avoid arrogantly asserting our views as absolute truth.

As stated on the GotQuestions website, “True humility does not deny God’s work in our lives; it just recognizes that all glory goes to God.”

Avoid Foolish Controversies, Quarrels and Arguments

The Bible advises to turn away from foolish debates that generate strife without profit (2 Timothy 2:23). When conversations turn into heated arguments trying to prove who is right or wrong, little good comes from it.

With humility, we can steer discussions in a wise direction, clarify misunderstandings, find common ground, and gain insight into other viewpoints. We are less judgmental about dissenting perspectives.

According to DesiringGod blog, “Humility welcomes correction and instruction. Humility motivates us to soak in all we can from wise teachers.”

Let Us Consider Others Better Than Ourselves

An incredibly challenging biblical principle is to esteem others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3). This flies in the face of our human tendency toward pride and self-promotion. Yet this kingdom perspective revolutionizes relationships.

With a humble attitude, we make less arrogant pronouncements about debated issues. We spend less time talking and more time listening. We even find we can ask sincere questions instead of just trying to refute other opinions we may disagree with.

As explained in a Crossway article, humility requires “a proper self-assessment” recognizing our flaws. As we better understand our limitations in perspective, “we’ll be less likely to think that our view is the only reasonable one.”

Conclusion

In summary, Scripture encourages holding our opinions loosely and conforming them to God’s truth. Our perspectives are limited, but God’s wisdom is infinite. Loving others means not forcing our opinions on them. Unity comes through Christ-like humility, not demanding agreement.

The Bible calls us to renewal, restraint, service, and dialogue – not dogmatism. Though convictions are vital, opinions should be humble. May we pursue gentle truth over strident opinions, so that God’s kingdom may flourish.